Statement of Purpose Compass Fostering Central 2021-2022 - "Big enough to support
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Statement of Purpose
Compass Fostering Central 2021-2022
“Big enough to support and
small enough to care”
Part of
Ofsted URN: SC065772 | T: 01509 221 310
Contents Aims & Objectives
Introduction
Aims & objectives
1
2
Our Vision Our Aims
• Provide services that improve the self-esteem, We expect to be judged by our record of stability for
confidence, life chances, achievements and stability children and by measurable improvements in all
Status & constitution 3 “To be the preferred children’s service of children and young people cared for by us. outcomes for the children cared for by us, including:
Equality & diversity 4 provider; renowned for an optimistic • Ensure foster carers and their families receive • Overall experiences and progress of children &
Quality standards 5 & pragmatic approach, where it is professional guidance, support and training as young people
Compass Central’s Team 6 believed change is possible.” appropriate to help them fulfil their roles as easily
• How well children & young people are helped and
Education: Motivate - Educate - Inspire 7 and effectively as possible.
Introduction
protected
Our Improvement Plan 8 • Support Local Authorities by designing and
• Effectiveness of our leaders and managers
Services for Children 9-10 providing services that meet local need and
Compass Fostering Central became part of the
promote young people’s integration into their local
Management & support of carers 11-12 Compass Community in 2012. The Central office is
located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, with easy communities and networks.
The Panel Members 13
Our Objectives
access to the East and West Midlands.
The Fostering Process 14
The REACH Approach 15 We currently serve the following areas: To continue to improve life chances and outcomes To continue to maintain and develop trusting
Training and Development 16 Derby • Nottingham • Leicester • Coventry & for children and young people by working within the relationships with our Local Authority partners where
Warwickshire • Lincolnshire • Loughborough • expectations of their care plans. We place a particular we:
Complaints and Compliments 17 Northamptonshire • West Midlands • Bedfordshire • emphasis on ensuring that our foster families provide • Provide services that improve the self-esteem,
The Voice of our Children 18 Walsall • Kettering • Bedford children and young people who live with them with confidence, life chances, achievements and stability
What People Say About Us 19 love and stability whilst supporting their educational of the young people living with our foster carers.
We pride ourselves on being big enough to achievements and social, health and development.
• Ensure foster carers and their families receive
Our Children’s Achievements 20 support and small enough to care. professional guidance, support and training as
1. To support and understand children and young appropriate to help them fulfil their roles as easily
people who’s early life experiences has contributed and effectively as possible.
to them displaying Problematic Sexual Behaviour. • Support Local Authorities by designing and
providing services that meet local need and
2. To support children to safely move from residential
Our Loughborough Office living to a family home when appropriate
promote young people’s integration into their local
communities and networks.
Mountfields House, 3. To ensure children are living in foster homes which
Off Squirrell Way, are therapeutic in approach. To be judged by our record of ensuring our foster carers
4. To support foster carers in caring for and nurturing provide a safe and nurturing home for
Epinal Way, children by where we measure their
parent/s in caring for their own child in a family
LOUGHBOROUGH, achievements and the degree to
environment.
LE11 3GE which they are meeting their own
5. To enable children that have disabilities to reach personal potential
T 01227 479 444 their full potential.
6. To support and care for children and young people Ensuring children & young
Reg No: 04331256 people are helped and
seeking asylum
Ofsted URN: SC065772 protected by effective leaders
7. To support children who are overcoming Sexual and managers.
Trauma.
8. To Support children who are overcoming Child
Criminal Exploitation.
9. To improve educational opportunities and
achievements for children through the continued
development of our services, carer awareness and
liaison with education authorities.
10. To support social workers in maintaining their
registration with Social Care England.
11. To provide support and supervision to all foster
carers, through the provision of bespoke training,
recognition and rewards.
1 2
Status & Constitution Equality & Diversity
Compass Fostering is an independent fostering agency We are totally committed to the principles of equal • Race and ethnicity
and a private limited company registered under the opportunity in employment and services. No individual, • Religion and belief (or non-belief)
Companies Act 1985. employee, foster carer or child, will be disadvantaged • Sexual orientation
as a consequence of their race, gender, disability,
It is part of the Compass Community, which includes sexuality or any other reason.
fostering services as well as residential and education. Following ongoing global events, staff and carers within
Discriminatory behaviour of any sort will be challenged
the Compass Community came together in 2020 to
and dealt with appropriately.
In accordance with the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989, form G.R.A.C.E, the Group and Regional Ambassadors
we produce a memorandum of Association and Articles Through our inclusive approach to recruitment, we Committed to Equality.
of Association. aim to integrate equality of opportunity into all its
employment activities.
Copies of these are available to the government The GRACE group represents all corners of the Compass
commissions, which regulate independent fostering service and does not have a static membership. They
agencies and children’s social care throughout the UK. Our service provision to Local Authorities, foster carers receive feedback from members across the different
and looked after children and young people reflects services on the work of the teams, honour safe space
this culture of diversity, ensuring that our services, necessary and have led on our Compass Community
Children’s Commissioner for recruitment and general business do not discriminate Anti-Racist Strategy.
England on any grounds of:
Children’s Commissioner for England
Ofsted • Age
In Compass Central we are committed to promoting
Ofsted • Disability
Sanctuary Buildings equality and guiding those who work for us as
Piccadilly Gate • Gender
20 Great Smith Street Compass staff and with us [Local Authorities and
Store Street • Gender reassignment
London different agencies]. We aim to support and encourage a
Manchester • Marriage or civil partnership
SW1P 3BT culture of acceptance and understanding to ensure our
M1 2WD • Pregnancy and maternity
T: 020 7783 8330 practices are inclusive.
info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk T: 0300 123 1231
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
www.gov.uk/government/
Promoting Inclusion
Requirements organisations/ofsted
Our statement of purpose has been developed to meet Compass Fostering strives to foster a culture of fairness, openness, integrity, accountability and expects the same
the requirements of the following legislation: of those providing services for the agency, or on behalf of the agency. Our key values and principles are set down
to ensure that:
• Care Standards Act 2000
• Fostering Services Regulations 2011; Care Planning,
Case Review and Fostering Services Regulations
Our Commitment to • All employment and service delivery policies and practices reflect a positive value for human difference and
Our Partners
diversity.
2013.
• The Children & Young Persons Act 2008 • All staff and foster carers are aware of and understand the agency’s commitment to
• The Children Act 1989 equality of opportunity and their responsibilities in relation to this.
Compass Fostering strives to continue to be
• The Children Act 2004 recognised and respected by all of our partners • Our people have the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide high quality
• Delegated Authority for Foster Carers (Guidance 2011) - local authorities (LAs), carers, staff, children and services within a clear framework of anti- discriminatory practice.
• Protecting Children supporting Foster Carers –
Ofsted for the high standard of our work, the • Our services are responsive, accessible, sensitive and appropriate to those
dealing with allegations against foster carers Protocol
professional expertise of all of our team, including who need and may benefit from them.
(Guidance, 2011)
• Statutory Guidance Fostering Services April 2019 staff and carers, our partnership approach and
aspirations for the children we care for. We
Foster carer training, both pre- and post- approval encourages a
A copy of the document will be made available to any subscribe to principles of social enterprise and commitment to respecting an individual’s ethnic, religious, cultural and
persons involved with or working for the purposes of undertake to develop a sustainable company and linguistic background of children and young people who are looked after
the fostering service, including Ofsted, or any looked extend fostering in terms of skills and innovation. through our agency.
after child or parent of any such child. Our Statement We offer good rewards and development
of Purpose will be kept under review and where opportunities for carers and staff who have Foster carers are provided with the necessary information, support and
appropriate, updated, at least annually. responsibility for their own practice. training to enable them to provide the best possible care and to promote
the heritage of a fostered child or young person.
3
3 4
Quality Standards Compass Central’s Team
• To comply fully with all relevant childcare legislation, • To ensure that foster carers have the opportunity Chief Executive Officer
fostering regulations and minimum standards for for continuous development, in line with the DfE
England. Training, Support and Development Standards.
Foster carer’s skills and knowledge are reviewed at
• To ensure that children and young people are living
least annually. Director of Operations Group Head of Group Head of Foster Group Head of
with families that are able to meet their religious (Responsible Individual) Customer Engagement Carer Recruitment Compliance
and cultural needs. • To ensure foster carer’s homes are safe and
welcoming for children, and have been Risk Assistant Director of Fostering
• To ensure that children are always safeguarded
Assessed to meet Health and Safety requirements,
and protected, issues around child protection
ensuring that the whole family is safe. Regional Family Finding Panel & 1 x Compliance
will be dealt with immediately, in line with locally Registered Manager (HoF) Manager
Manager Assessment Manager
agreed procedures. • An individual risk assessment for children as well
as a Safer Caring Plan is in place to ensure that
• To ensure that all children’s individual potential with
children and families are living together safely. 1 x Senior
in education is reached. School attendance and 1 x Ops Manager 1 x Ops Manager 1 x Ops Manager 1 x Ops Manager Compliance
academic achievement will be promoted for all • To ensure foster carers understand children’s Officer
Central Family
children and young people, in line with Department individual needs and are working within the child’s 1 x Advanced Prac 1 x Advanced Prac Finding Team
for Education and skills guidance. care plan and ‘Placement Agreement’. 5 x Compliance
6 x SSW Officers
1 x S SSW 1 x S SSW
• To ensure reflective and child focussed records on • To ensure that where possible foster carers will
children’s progress are provided by Foster Carers. promote relationships between children and their Foster Carers
birth families and make plans for them to see each 5 x SSW 4 x SSW 5 x SSW
• To ensure that children live and thrive in a
other where appropriate and in line with the child’s
therapeutic environment where corporal
‘care plan’. Foster Carers Foster Carers Foster Carers
punishment is NOT used in any circumstances and
where guidance will be provided with training and • To ensure that foster carers continue to receive Looked after children 2020-21*
support on behavioural strategies. support and supervision, from supervising social
Compass Fostering Central: 313
workers including unannounced visits, regular
• To ensure that everybody including staff and carers
telephone contact, and an on-call service.
maintain the principles of confidentiality. Foster Carers 2020-21*
• Assessments will be completed by qualified and
• To ensure that foster carers have support,
Compass Fostering Central: 252 (51 recruited)
supervision and guidance during emergencies.
experienced staff with active participation by
potential new foster carers. • A 24-hour telephone support, and visit (where Staff 1st April 2021
• To ensure that as part of their assessment all
deemed necessary) will be provided to foster carers Compass Fostering Central: 38
by an experienced, qualified social worker.
potential new foster carers receive training and * All figures correct as of 30th April 2021
support known as Skills to Foster training.
Quality Staffing
All Compass Central staff and carers hold a range of appropriately recognised qualifications dependent on
their specific role or field of expertise such as MBA, DiPsw, NVQ 4/5 in Management, Diploma/Certificate in
Management, NVQ in Administration and all social work staff are registered with Social Care England.
The service employs a variety of individuals who have a wealth of social work, management, teaching,
administration and technical experience to ensure the needs of the agency is exceeded at all levels.
All staff receive regular support, supervision and training where pre-employment checks are undertaken and
reference checks are followed up with a telephone call.
Enhanced DBS Checks are undertaken and renewed yearly as part of annual update service, ensuring that children
are kept safe.
5 6
Education “Motivate - Educate - Inspire” Our Improvement Plan
Our Five Key Priorities
Compass Fostering Central have a dedicated Education Department who ensure that children access their right to
an education that meets their individual needs and potential. We recognise that children who are in care are often
Quality of Practice
disadvantaged in their education attainment.
Carers and their supervising social workers build up close working relationships with their local schools to ensure • Monitor, review and implement learning from practice reviews and research
that children who live with our carers receive the support needed to meet their own potential. • Continue to embed QA framework and reflective practice.
Our Lead Teacher and our Post-16 Education Co-ordinator provide advice, training and consultancy to fostering and
residential teams as well as carers on:
Capability of our Workforce
• Support for young people in school
• Guidance on Personal Education Plans, annual reviews and strategy meetings for children
• Staff and foster carers can access training and development activity to meet
• Termly collection of Attendance and Achievement information for those of school age.
their needs to develop their career.
• Reward vouchers for young people achieving 100% term time attendance • Skills review to take place through appraisal process.
• Retention of managers, staff and foster carers is given high priority.
• Congratulations letters and postcards for education achievement
• LA liaison regarding all educational needs including admittance in to schools
• Training for carers which enhances knowledge on education rights and
responsibilities
Effective Leadership and Management
• Additional support for children not in school known as Experiential • Use of reflective practice and professional challenge.
Education support • Managers have access to training and development activity.
• Educational Ambassador will support their foster carers peers and • Ongoing development and improvement of resources to provide effective
their children in achieving against their for PEPs professional oversight.
• Advice and guidance for young people aged 16 plus for
transition into college/university/Apprenticeships
Regional attendance April 2020 to March 2021: QA and Performance Management
National National Compass Compass Compass
Average Average Central Central Central • Auditing processes are embedded in practice and used to continually
CLA Summer 20 Autumn 20 Spring 21 improve.
94.5% 94.5% 98.0% 96.0% 96.0% • Performance reporting which supports practice improvements.
(Figures based on Foster Track data)
Percentage of Children Classified as Persistent Absentee Carer, Staff, CYP and LA Engagement
Autumn Term 2020 (Attendance >90.0%): • Continual improvement of engagement with children and Young People
National Average National Average Compass Central through “Compass Consults Kids” forums.
CLA Autumn 20 • Foster carers are consulted, listened to and their views inform practice and
12.5% 12.5% 4.5% policy development.
• Development of the FC’s support groups to engage and learn and develop. A
Important to note the impact of COVID19 restrictions and school few examples of our groups are - African/ Caribbean Cultural group, Carers
closures on attendance and absence percentages for the year
caring for children with disabilities, Men who foster and Carers caring for
2020-2021.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking.
How will we measure impact?
• What Children and Carers Say • Quality and Audit Review
EDUCATION
7 8 • Performance Indicators • What Staff and LAs Say 8
Services for Children
Compass Fostering Central provides a wide range of family homes for all children aged 0-18 years who cannot currently
live with their birth families, either temporarily or permanently. We work in partnership with our fostering families to
Supervision of Children Living with Foster Carers
ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to provide homes for children from a wide range of backgrounds and • Supervising social workers have regular contact with the foster home to ensure children are being cared for and kept
experiences. Our foster carers also continue to develop their skills to enable them to support children with more specific safe.
additional needs. • Our carers have access to specialist advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Every 6 to 8 weeks supervising social workers will visit children who are in our care.
Compass Centeal foster Some children will require care Foster carers can receive specialist
carers will provide: specific to their needs, including: training to support the following needs:
• Short-term • Children seeking asylum • Parent and Child Health
• Respite • Moving children from • Child Sexual Exploitation
• Emergency Residential to Fostering • Problematic Sexual Behaviour • Our foster carers will have regard for the health of the children living with them and promote the development of a
• Permanent Families (Step-down) • Overcoming Sexual Trauma healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise.
• Long-term • Children that have disabilities • Child Criminal Exploitation • Foster carers will maintain child centred records for each child that includes a section for the collection of detailed health
• Sibling Groups information. Medication, appointments and health checks are recorded on electronic daily logs - Allowing health issues
to be tracked.
Family Finding - Ensuring Children Live With Families Safely
• 100% of children living with foster carers should be registered with a GP and dentist.
• A personal health passport is given to each child when they move in with their foster carers will be monitored regularly.
All children and young people are individuals and have individual and specific needs. Compass Fostering takes
Support Network
particular care to match children with appropriate foster families in order to meet their needs and ensure stability.
Compass Fostering Central carers are approved, supervised and supported to ensure they have the transferable skills Foster carer’s support networks are key to providing consistency and support to children. All carers are encouraged to
and experience in order to meet the needs of children who come into their care. We have a dedicated Family Finding identify a member of their family or close friends who are assessed as suitable to provide care to children and young people
Team who respond to requests from LAs for families for their children. The team work closely with supervising social in their absence. This person will usually be a member of the carer’s extended family who may already have a relationship
workers, foster carers and local authorities, to ensure that children’s needs are met and they can live safely with their with the young person. As part of this Compass will undertake a home visit and complete a short assessment of any named
foster carers. support person. Where this is not possible we will link them with a specific carer for respite period.
Supporting Outcomes for Children Support Children to Maintain Relationships With Family
• Our dedicated Carer Support Ambassadors provide targeted additional peer support to their foster carer colleagues,
Foster carers are supported in facilitating meetings between the child in our care and their parents, brothers/sisters and
ensuring that children experience positive outcomes and stability by avoiding disruption in their lives.
extended family members in accordance with their care plan. Foster carers, can on occasion, be asked to supervise
• Activity days for the fostering families are planned by local groups and by Compass.
meetings between children and their families.
• A range of social events and local support groups are organised for all fostering families, celebrating all children and
young people’s achievements in a fun, activity-based way.
• Achievements are recognised and acknowledged with a letter or postcard by the supervising social workers.
Transporting Children
• Day to day transport requirements within the local area are the responsibility of the carer, this includes transport to the
Specialist Advice for Foster Carers
child’s local school.
• We try to provide transport for other situations if the carer is unable to do so, e.g.... contact away from the foster home or
• Attachment workers work directly with foster carers to provide one to one support to foster carers where appropriate attendance at a non-local catchment school, for which a charge will be made.
to help them understand and make sense of childrens needs.
When Children Leave Foster Care
• We work closely with a team of Consultant Clinical Child Psychologists to provide support and assistance to our foster
carers and staff to help them provide therapeutic responses to meet the individual needs of children.
• Direct contact with the foster child is by prior agreement with the child’s social worker where community based Planning for young people’s independence will take place as part of ‘looked after’ review and care planning process. Our
psychologists can work alongside our staff and foster carers to provide therapeutic intervention for children. carers and staff are fully involved throughout this transition period including ‘Staying Put’ arrangements.
• Compass Fostering Central will work with children and their foster families to ensure behaviour can be supported
safely and that physical intervention is always a last resort. Foster carers are PRICE Trained to ensure this is done
safely and with dignity, based on the principles of de-escalation.
• Fostertalk membership and FISS Support for allegations.
9 10
Management & Support of Carers
Supervisory Visits Publications Compass Consults Kids Payment
Regular supervision and support meetings take place We now have a range of publications covering all of To ensure children’s voices are heard, children are We pay a generous fostering allowance directly into the
between our social worker and foster carers. These the services we provide, including information about given the opportunity to participate through our foster carer’s account by BACS transfer. All foster carers
meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the needs our specialist services, our holistic approaches and Compass Consults Kids group. This provides the are self-employed and as such should pay their own tax
of the children and ensure that the foster carers are the process of becoming a foster carer. We publish a opportunity for both birth and foster children to discuss and National Insurance.
able to progress the child’s care plan. Any concerns or quarterly newsletter to celebrate staff, foster carer’s and and comment on their experiences and areas of
challenges are identified with support plans identified
as required.
children’s achievements. development for Compass.
Insurance Cover
Foster carers receive support from a wider range We are committed to involving foster carer’s birth Insurance is provided in the event of allegations. We also
Another primary focus during supervision is to develop of professionals including their peers in the capacity children within the service as they are an essential provide independent support during investigations into
the skills of the foster carers and identify training needs. of a Carer Support Ambassadors, Lead Teacher for element to securing a positive family experience for serious allegations, as required.
Education matters and Therapeutic Practitioners, all of children in care. Social workers ensure they meet with
Foster Carer Review which is overseen by an experienced management
team.
birth children on a regular basis and social activities
and events are arranged throughout the year.
Carer Ambassadors
All foster carers have a minimum of an annual review Compass offers the opportunity for carers to develop their
which is an opportunity to appraise the last year of their
foster care and set new goals and action for the year
All foster carers are registered with Foster Talk who
provide support to foster carer households. This
Respite own skills, experience and knowledge as well as offering
the opportunity to provide support to carer colleagues
ahead. Training needs are assessed and identified. includes quality specialist advice and information plus Should children or carers need to take a break we are and direct work with children and young people. We refer
Feedback from our foster carers on the training courses legal expenses insurance whilst rewarding foster carers supportive of this child focussed practice but require to these people as carer ambassadors.
we provide is consistently positive. by giving them access to a large range of discounts. that any respite is taken in line with the child’s care plan
and with the local authorities agreement. We actively We achieve this by the use of peer to peer support known
We have a well-established learning culture. If any Independent support is offered if carers face encourage carers to utilize their support network / close as:
concerns do arise about a foster carer’s commitment safeguarding concerns or if children make allegations family members or friends who are known to the child. • Carer Support Ambassadors
to on-going development this is addressed with them. against them. • Carer Recruitment Ambassadors
Where necessary this can include reviewing their
Support Groups • Carer Education Ambassadors
registration at the fostering panel.
Unannounced Visits Local Support groups take place in 7 areas within
• Carer Language Ambassadors
• Experiential Educators
Record Keeping All of our foster carers receive a minimum of one
unannounced visit to their home within each year to
the region; Coventry and Nuneaton, West Midlands,
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Carers can chose to take up these roles and are paid an
Foster carers maintain an individual daily log on meet the requirements of national standards and Leicestershire, Lincolnshire. Due to successful growth additional hourly rate for the work undertaken.
the children they look after which is maintained on regulations, with our best practice intention to undertake Compass Central will be setting up new groups in the
Compass’ bespoke database called FosterTrack,
allowing data to be recorded, monitored and shared
two unannounced visits within a year to ensure that
children are safe and are being well cared for.
Stoke on Trent area and West Midlands.
Support for Foster Carers’
in a secure format. Maintaining records is an essential The groups are led by Carer reps and SSW’s, they
Own Children
part of our foster carer’s role and accurate factual
recordings help monitor the child’s progress. These Emergency Support enable Foster carers to socialise, learn from each other,
raise compliments and concerns with the agency and We are committed to birth children’s involvement within
recordings are shared with the local authority. Foster carers have access to advice and support from are an opportunity for the carers to consider policy and the service as they are an essential element to securing a
one of our social workers 24 hours a day 7 days a practice and how this can be improved. Each local positive family experience for children in care.
Policies and Procedures week. The on-call service is also supported by a duty
manager.
group can collectively decide the activities that will be
held over the year and have a budget to do this. Social workers ensure they meet with birth children
We have developed a comprehensive foster carer on a regular basis and social activities and events are
manual that every approved foster carer has access to
to assist them in their role as a foster carer. Foster Carer Forums Reps from each local group attend a regional forum
held with the managers of the service providing an
arranged throughout the year.
Carer consultation groups are held throughout the year, opportunity to discuss issues raised at local meetings We now have a support group called ‘Sons and
The manual contains information on fostering law, with Regional Foster Carer Forums chaired by the Head and to keep FC’s informed and included in practice and Daughters’. This is specifically for foster carers’ birth
complaints procedures, access to records, child of Fostering for local regions. These meetings support policy changes. children.
protection, support, health issues, health and safety the Group wide Carer Forum chaired by the Director of
matters, education information, managing behaviour Operations and attended by the Chief Executive Officer, In addition to local events Compass Central host
and various other subjects relevant to caring for children senior managers, and foster carer representatives from regional events for FC’s such as trips to theme parks
in care. This manual is reviewed regularly and updates each geographical region within the organisation. This and celebration events during school holidays to
meeting provides an opportunity to discuss practice, recognise achievements of children and carers.
are issued as required to foster carers and staff.
policies and organisational developments.
11 12
The Panel Team The Fostering Process
Applications to become a foster carer are welcomed regardless of gender, marital status, sexuality, race, disability,
religion, culture or employment status. 1. Initial Enquiry • A Health and Safety inspection will also be carried
out by the agency’s staff
Once a prospective foster carer has enquired, the Carer • Ex-partners and children of an appropriate age
Anyone over the age of 21 years may apply to become a foster carer. There is no upper age limit for fostering, Recruitment Team will contact the applicant to discuss from previous relationships will be interviewed
although all applicants must be active and healthy in order to care for a child in their home. their suitability and desire to foster.
4. Panel
It is a minimum requirement that a foster carer has a spare bedroom room available for fostering. The time scale
from assessment to approval is approximately 4 to 6 months. Any applicant who has been convicted of an offence
2. Home Visit Once the assessment is completed the applicants will
against a child or any serious offence against an adult will be excluded. If appropriate a home visit will be arranged. The visit is have the opportunity to read and discuss possible
called an initial visit and will be a two way discussion amendments to the report. This report will then
between the dedicated social worker and the applicant. be presented to the fostering panel. Prospective
Our Central Panel Team 3. Assessment
foster carers and the social worker completing the
assessment must be in attendance at the fostering
Compass Central have 21 central list members from a
A number of applicants describe how they have been panel.
wide variety of backgrounds that are reflective of the
Panel “ruled out” or “rejected” by other agencies or local
community. This includes backgrounds in health and Chair
safeguarding; disabilities; care leaver, Foster carers, authority due to their personal circumstances or the The fostering panel is made up of a variety of
education and adult learning and social work. make-up of their family environment. They were positive professionals and independent members, who have
that Compass were more accepting and flexible in their the appropriate qualifications and experience to serve
The panel chair and vice chairs are experienced Social approach; understanding the potential of unique family as panel members.
workers with background in Youth Justice, social work environments which are positive rather than negative
education and foster carer training and development.
5. Approval
Vice Vice for fostering.
The panel sits at the Loughborough Office. Chair Chair If appropriate, we will assign a qualified social worker
to undertake a comprehensive assessment with the
All panel members are committed to their own The panel members make recommendations re
prospective foster carer and their family. They will
development and have opportunity to attend approval, with the final decision being made by the
produce a report which we refer to as an Assessment.
developmental workshops, and training opportunities Agency Decision Maker (ADM).
alongside staff and foster carers, this includes This covers:
safeguarding training for panel members. 21 x Panel Members • Individual profiles of applicants Upon approval as a foster carer we will advise you
• Relationships and partnerships in writing and allocate a supervising social worker to
• Applicants’ support network support the foster you in your in their fostering task.
• Children in the household Compass will advise local authorities of the approved
• Other adult members of the household foster carer’s availability.
• Description of family life
• Valuing diversity During the assessment, our staff will also carry out a
• Parenting capacity
variety of statutory checks (Stage 1) which are completed
The social worker will visit the home a minimum of concurrently with your home visits (Stage 2).
Applicants at Skills to Foster eight visits to spend time working with the applicants on
unanimously agreed the swift, their assessment. The assessment is a joint project and • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
friendly and professional approach will require full participation from applicants and their check
they received from a member of the family. • Local Authority checks
Recruitment Team is a major factor • Current or previous fostering organisation reference
in their decision making, once they As part of the assessment process, potential carers will • School/health visitor reference (on own child, if
had made an initial enquiry. Some be required to attend a training course called Skills to appropriate)
made comparisons to other agencies Foster. • Medical reports
and local authorities where response • Current employment reference
and contact was poor, unfriendly and • References from all previous employment involving
children and vulnerable adults.
lengthy.
• Personal references from at least three people who
will also be visited by a social worker
• Overseas checks where appropriate
13 14
REACH Training & Development
REACH is the ethos of Compass Fostering. The REACH approach works to We are committed to maintaining and developing the Training is provided to:
build resilience, provide stability and ensures a child-centred approach to highest standards for all our services and our training • Improve knowledge, develop and refine skills
every each child and young person that we care for. and development programmes are central to this. All • Establish an explicit, positive framework of values,
carers and staff have a Personal Development Plan, which promotes equality and opportunity.
Resilience:
reviewed annually. • Encourage foster carers to reflect and look at
the effects of discrimination in all parts of the
We encourage all carers to take responsibility for their community, recognising that they care for children
learning and developmental activity. This is achieved by: in the context of the wider society, and that for many
Stickability - carers capacity to care and nurture a child even when they
• An individual personal development plan children discrimination is a fact of everyday life.
are hostile and rejecting. • An annual training programme • Ensure that all foster carers are competent and
Education:
• Regular support and supervision visits with their confident in safe caring and in protecting children
supervising social worker from harm.
• Encourage foster carers to take responsibility for
Compass Fostering underpins practice within a their own professional development through the
The process of changing the mind and behaviour of the child begins in the
positive psychology approach, called “REACH”. This is a creation of individual training profiles.
mind of the care giver. Carers to reflect and understand their own drives / expectations and behaviours and
conceptual framework based on resilience, attachment
understand their parenting styles and how this impacts on children. and aspects of social pedagogy which supports our “The experience of working with and supporting
Acceptance:
practice, enabling children to gain a sense of security potential Compass foster carers over the past
and improve their emotional well-being. All training for three years through the Skills to Foster course
all staff and foster carers has the REACH ethos as its
has continued to be most enjoyable and positive
To accept a child as they are. The aim is to build self foundation.
experience for me.”
esteem and provide creative opportunities for children and young people to ‘accept’ and like
themselves even when under stress.
Core Training Programme
Child Centered:
There is no limit to the training that foster carers can
attend, however the minimum expectation of training
To recognise and empathise attendance within one calendar year is:
with the child /young person’s feelings and for the adult to reflect, manage All foster carers - (if a couple then both) to commit to
and respond to the child / young person’s feelings and behaviours. a minimum of 16 hours of training per calendar year.
This can include a number of options including in-
house, online, external, local authority training, relevant
Holistic:
reading materials/research, useful and appropriate
documentaries etc. Each face to face course and each
online course equates to 4 hours of learning with the
Provide the child with a sense exception of First Aid which is a 6 hour course.
of belonging to the carers family, to their own birth family
and wider social and community network. Support Newly approved carers (if a couple then both) to attend
as a minimum, the following during their first year:
individual child / young person to accept who they are
and manage their complex relationships.
• Induction - Roles and Responsibilities of Fostering
Advanced & Specialist
Training
• Induction - Safeguarding
• Induction - Supporting Children & Young People in
Education
We also offer specialist courses, for example:
• Paediatric First Aid training within one year of
• PSB (Problematic Sexual Behaviour)
approval (if a valid certificate not already held).
• Caring for UASC
Certificates must then be renewed every 3 years
• Parent & Child
• Therapeutic Fostering
They must also complete the Training Support and
“The experience of working with and supporting potential Compass foster carers over the past three years • Mental Health & Risk Management (staff)
Development Standards (TSDS) workbook within one
through the Skills to Foster course has continued to be most enjoyable and positive experience for me. The quality • Level 5 Safeguarding (staff)
year of approval.
and consistency of the recruitment and assessment process is evident in the quality of applicants I have the • Radicalisation
pleasure to meet during the course.” • CSE
15 16
Complaints and Compliments The Voice of our Children
Complaints All feedback is important, but none more so than that of the children we care for. Here are a few highlights from a
survey we conducted during the Covid pandemic.
Compass takes any dissatisfaction in our service very seriously and will learn from them so that we may continually
improve the services we offer. We have a comprehensive complaints procedure, recorded in our Foster Carer “My amazing foster carers supported me throughout with the work and with my emotions.” - YP
Handbook, which places an emphasis on resolving complaints at a local level and at an early stage. Complaints
that cannot be resolved this way will be dealt with by a senior manager independent to the region, who will “They helped me to achieve my homework and also helped me with my spellings and handwriting.” - YP
conduct a full investigation. Complainants can also go directly to Ofsted at any time.
“I found time to bond more closely with my family and learnt to bake and ride a bike.” - YP
Complaints forms are available digitally and can be accessed at any time.
“I love my family and we do family time” - YP
“My carers explained everything to me and we did things” - YP
Compliments
Our Complaints Process All compliments and commendations are
“We got through things together” - YP
recorded, with special awards being made in
Stage 1 - Local Informal exceptional circumstances.
Resolution Here is a selection of comments made about
our staff and the services we offer:
Complaints will generally be raised and resolved
directly between the parties concerned with
managers being kept informed.
“I am really happy with Compass they
are very supportive and caring. My Compass Central in Numbers
SSW is excellent and a credit to
Stage 2
Compass, she amongst others
is one reason I wouldn’t leave 41.1%
The agency maintains separate processes the agency.”
of the children in Compass
for the purposes of complaints, allegations,
Central are aged 0-10 years
commendations and suggestions. This information “I have found the support
old.
and processes are monitored and reviewed on a from Compass Fostering
regular basis by each registered service and the very good. To be able to
36.9%
senior management team. call someone any time of Breakdown of
day is very important to CYP ages in
me.” Central
Suggestions Of the children and
- Compass Foster Carers young people with us, 0-5 years
We welcome suggestions about our services and
36.9% have been with 6-10 years
how we might improve them. All suggestions will
their foster family up to 1 11-15 years
be considered and responded to. year. 16+
Number of complaints 63.8%
Of our children have been
01/04/20 - 31/03/21 with their foster family from
1 to 18 years.
10 complaints received in total
• 1 - Upheld
• 3 - Partially-upheld
• 6 - Not upheld
17 18What People Say About Us
“
“
Our holistic child-focused approach along with the wide range of support in place for our carers means that we
have a strong reputation with foster carers and Local Authorities. We are always looking for feedback on our
services, both positive and constructive, as this helps us constantly improve outcomes for our children.
Below is a snapshot of the feedback we have received about our Central region.
“ Wow….Can we just say a huge thank you! To everyone at Compass Central for all the hard work that
was put in to make today so much fun for everyone. We all had a brilliant time and loved the personal
touches with the cakes and treats as the children left. Having the magician, face paints, balloon man
and games room was incredible.
CHRISTMAS PARTY 2019 (NOT HELD 2020 DUE TO COVID) FOSTER CARER
I would just like to say that I think everyone
at Compass Central does an incredible Job.
Each person we have worked with over the
past 6 and a half years has always done an
incredible job and the SW we have had we
feel have all always gone over and above
for us and that is incredible. Thank you to
everyone for always encouraging our children
both birth and fostered.
FOSTER CARER
“
“ Thank you, I’m already a P&C foster
carer and love it.
FOSTER CARER
L and C are supportive of A attending college and have
selflessly paid out of their own payments to allow her to
attend full time and cover childcare issues. They see the
importance of education and encourage A to consider a
Our Children’s Achievements
Sometimes it can be easy to overlook the little achievements, but for us and the young people in our care these are
life changing accomplishments. Each challenge children face should be recognised and we are incredibly proud of
every one of our young people and how they have progressed.
We record our children’s achievements on Fostertrack, which is a fantastic way to look back and review the progress
they make. Here are just a few from our Central region.
S is recognising the
meaning to words and
is able to identify the
difference between
shoes and boots.
R was awarded Star
of the Week at school
for his amazing speed
when completing
his multiplication
challenge.
A has performed a
J is learning to play
electronic drums, he
can play in the log cabin
in the garden and he
looses himself in the
gig at college. She stood
proud singing and
moving on stage. Brilliant
performance which took
courage and a lot of
J drew an eye at school
confidence.
B recieved 4
music.
certificates at school
today, for 100%
attendance and high
marks and attitude
towards learning.
I has started to
manage his own
money including
clothing allowance.
future for her and her baby. and this was published
in the schools newsletter
“
L and C appear to have a good understanding of A’s with a big shout out for
emotional and behavioural needs and respond to these well. L attended her first
Said it before and I’ll say it the amazing picture he swimming lesson
Regular communication is kept with social care in relation to drew! This is a wonderful
again – Jo is a real asset to at school. She really
any issues. Reports for meetings are always received on time achievement for J.
you guys and I’d have all my enjoyed it and cant wait
and are comprehensive.
kids in care with Jo if I could. till next week.
Furthermore, despite A’s clear views about being in foster
FAMILY MEMBER care, she has stated she often feels like she is not ‘in care’
and this is credit to the stability and security offered within the
foster home.
LA SOCIAL WORKER FOR CARER ANNUAL
REVIEW
19 20Compass Fostering Central
Loughborough Office
Mountfields House,
Off Squirrell Way,
Epinal Way,
LOUGHBOROUGH,
LE11 3GE
T - 01509 221 310
Reg No: 04331256
Ofsted URN: SC065772
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