Statement of Purpose Compass Fostering London 2021-2022 - "Big enough to support
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Statement of Purpose
Compass Fostering London 2021-2022
“Big enough to support and
small enough to care”
Part of
Ofsted URN: SC033806 | T: 02077 377 333
Contents Aims & Objectives
Our Aims
Introduction
Aims & objectives
1
2
Our Vision • 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 families receive professional • Overall experiences and progress of children &
Quality standards 5 & pragmatic approach, where it is guidance, support and training as appropriate to young people
Compass London’s Team 6 help them fulfil their roles as easily and effectively as
believed change is possible.” possible.
• How well children & young people are helped and
Education: Motivate - Educate - Inspire 7 protected
• Support Local Authorities by designing and
Our Improvement Plan
Services for Children
8
9-10
Introduction providing services that meet local need and
• Effectiveness of our leaders and managers
promote young people’s integration into their local
Compass Fostering London was established in April
Management & support of carers 11-12 communities and networks.
2017. We currently have two offices in Brixton and
The Panel Members 13 Hornchurch.
The Fostering Process 14 Our Objectives
The REACH Approach 15 The region currently serves 33 London boroughs in the
To continue to improve life chances and outcomes To continue to maintain and develop trusting
Greater London area, providing coverage across the
Training and Development 16 for children and young people by working within the relationships with our Local Authority partners where
North, South, East and West London.
expectations of their care plans. Particular emphasis we:
Complaints and Compliments 17 • Provide services that improve the self-esteem,
on ensuring that the families that they live within
The Voice of our Children 18 We pride ourselves on being big enough to confidence, life chances, achievements and stability
provides them with care and stability whilst supporting
support and small enough to care. of the young people living with our foster carers.
What People Say About Us 19 their educational achievement and social, health and
• Ensure foster carers and their families receive
Our Children’s Achievements 20 development.
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 when appropriate move safely
promote young people’s integration into their local
1. Brixton Office from residential living to a family home. communities and networks.
5th Floor, 3. To ensure children are living in foster homes which
Bon Marche Centre, are therapeutic in approach. To be judged by our record of ensuring our fosters
4. To support foster carers in caring for and nurturing carers provide a safe and nurturing home
241-251 Ferndale Road,
parent/s in caring for their own child in a family for children by where we measure
BRIXTON, their achievements and the degree
London, environment.
to which they are meeting their
SW9 8BJ 5. To enable children that have disabilities to reach own personal potential
their full potential.
T 02077 377 333 6. To support and care for children who are have Ensuring children & young
Reg No: 03292070 experienced trauma and are not accompanied by people are helped and
their parents and are seeking asylum. protected by effective leaders
and managers.
7. To support children who are overcoming Sexual
2. Hornchurch Office
Trauma.
135 Albany Road, 8. To support children who are overcoming Child
HORNCHURCH, Criminal Exploitation.
Essex,
9. To improve educational opportunities and
RM12 4AQ
achievements for children through the continued
T 01708 733 735 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,
1 recognition and rewards. 2
Status & Constitution Equality & Diversity
Compass Fostering is an independent fostering agency We are totally committed to the principles of equal • Gender reassignment
and a private limited company registered under the opportunity in employment and services. No individual, • Marriage or civil partnership
Companies Act 1985. employee, foster carer or child, will be disadvantaged • Pregnancy and maternity
as a consequence of their race, gender, disability, • Race and ethnicity
It is part of the Compass Community, which includes sexuality or any other reason. • Religion and belief (or non-belief)
fostering services as well as residential and education. • Sexual orientation
Discriminatory behaviour of any sort will be challenged
and dealt with appropriately.
In accordance with the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989,
we produce a memorandum of Association and Articles Through our inclusive approach to recruitment, we Following ongoing global events, staff and carers within
of Association. aim to integrate equality of opportunity into all its the Compass Community came together in 2020 to
employment activities. form G.R.A.C.E, the Group and Regional Ambassadors
Copies of these are available to the government Committed to Equality.
commissions, which regulate independent fostering
agencies and children’s social care throughout the UK. Our service provision to Local Authorities, foster carers,
looked after children and young people reflects The GRACE group represents all corners of the Compass
this culture of diversity, ensuring that our services, service and does not have a static membership. They
Children’s Commissioner for recruitment and general business do not discriminate receive feedback from members across the different
England on any grounds of: services on the work of the teams, honour safe space
Children’s Commissioner for England
Ofsted • Age necessary and have led on our Compass Community
• Disability Anti Racist Strategy.
Sanctuary Buildings Ofsted
Piccadilly Gate • Gender
20 Great Smith Street
London Store Street
SW1P 3BT Manchester
M1 2WD
Promoting Inclusion
T: 020 7783 8330
info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk T: 0300 123 1231
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
www.gov.uk/government/ Compass Fostering strives to foster a culture of fairness, openness, integrity, accountability and expects the same
Requirements organisations/ofsted of those providing services for the agency, or on behalf of the agency. Our key values and principles are set down
to ensure that:
Our statement of purpose has been developed to meet
the requirements of the following legislation: • All employment and service delivery policies and practices reflect a positive value for human
• Care Standards Act 2000 difference and diversity.
• Fostering Services Regulations 2011; Care Planning,
Case Review and Fostering Services Regulations
Our Commitment to • All staff and foster carers are aware of and understand the agency’s commitment
Our Partners
to equality of opportunity and their responsibilities in relation to this.
2013.
• The Children & Young Persons Act 2008 • Our people have the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide high quality
• The Children Act 1989 services within a clear framework of anti- discriminatory practice.
Compass Fostering strives to continue to be
• The Children Act 2004 recognised and respected by all of our partners • Our services are responsive, accessible, sensitive and appropriate to
• Delegated Authority for Foster Carers (Guidance 2011) - local authorities (LAs), carers, staff, children and those who need and may benefit from them.
• Protecting Children supporting Foster Carers –
Ofsted for the high standard of our work, the
dealing with allegations against foster carers Protocol
professional expertise of all of our team, including Foster carer training, both pre- and post- approval encourages a
(Guidance, 2011)
• Statutory Guidance Fostering Services April 2019 staff and carers, our partnership approach and commitment to respecting an individual’s ethnic, religious, cultural
aspirations for the children we care for. We and linguistic background of children and young people who are
A copy of the document will be made available to any subscribe to principles of social enterprise and looked after through our agency.
persons involved with or working for the purposes of undertake to develop a sustainable company and
the fostering service, including Ofsted, or any looked extend fostering in terms of skills and innovation. Foster carers are provided with the necessary information and
after child or parent of any such child. Our Statement We offer good rewards and development training to enable them to provide the best possible care and to
of Purpose will be kept under review and where opportunities for carers and staff who have promote the heritage of a fostered child or young person.
appropriate, updated, at least annually. responsibility for their own practice.
3
3 4
Quality Standards Compass London’s Team
• To comply fully with all relevant childcare legislation, • To ensure that foster carers have the opportunity Chief Executive Officer (Responsible Individual)
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 are living with families that
least annually. Director of Operations Group Head of Group Head of Foster
reflect their religious and cultural needs. Customer Engagement Carer Recruitment
• To ensure foster carer’s homes are safe and
• To ensure that children are always safeguarded
welcoming for children, and have been Risk
and protected, issues around child protection
Assessed to meet Health and Safety requirements,
will be dealt with immediately, in line with locally
ensuring that the whole family is safe. Head of Fostering Regional Family Finding Panel &
agreed procedures.
Manager Assessment Manager
• An individual risk assessment for children as well
• To ensure that all children’s individual potential with
as a Safer Caring Plan is in place to ensure that
in education is reached. School attendance and
children and families are living together safely. Hornchurch Brixton
academic achievement will be promoted for all
1 x Senior Operations 1 x Compliance and
children and young people, in line with Department • To ensure foster carers understand children’s 2 x Operations Manager
Manager Support Service Manager
for Education and skills guidance. individual needs and are working in partnership
with the network around the child.
• To ensure reflective and child focussed records on 4 x SSWs 8 x SSW 2 x London Family 5 x Compliance and
Finding Team Members Support Service Coordinator
children’s progress are provided by Foster Carers. • To ensure that where possible foster carers will
promote relationships between children and their
• To ensure that children live and thrive in a 1 x Child Support Worker Foster Carers
1 x SW
birth families and make plans for them to see each
therapeutic environment where corporal
other where appropriate and in line with the child’s
punishment is NOT be used in any circumstances 1 x Therapeutic Practitioner
‘care plan’.
and where guidance will be provided with training
and support on behavioural strategies. • To ensure that foster carers continue to receive
Foster Carers Looked after children 2020-21*
support and supervision, from supervising social
• To ensure that everybody including staff and carers Compass Fostering London: 116
workers including unannounced visits, regular
maintain the principles of confidentiality.
telephone contact, and an on-call service.
• Assessments will be completed by qualified and Foster Carers 2020-21*
experienced staff with active participation by
• To ensure that foster carers have support,
Compass Fostering London: 157
supervision and guidance during emergencies.
potential new foster carers.
• To ensure that as part of their assessment all
• A 24-hour telephone support, and visit (where Staff 1st April 2021
potential new foster carers receive training and
deemed necessary) will be provided to foster carers Compass Fostering London: 20
by an experienced, qualified social worker.
guidance. * All figures correct as of 1st April 2021
Quality Staffing
All Compass London staff and carers either hold a range of appropriately recognised qualifications or pursuing
relevant qualifications dependent on their specific role or field of expertise e.g. MA, DiPSW, CQSW, BA Social Work,
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. Pre-employment checks are undertaken, and reference
checks are followed up.
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 London 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.
• Shared and embedded child centred approach to social work practice
informed by “REACH” model
Carers and their supervising social workers build up close working relationships with their local schools to ensure • Embedded QA processes for driving continuous improvement through all
that children who live with our carers receive the support needed to meet their own potential. aspects of the agency
• Improved response to safeguarding and risk management to ensure safety/
Our Lead Teacher and our Post-16 Education Co-ordinator provide advice, training and consultancy to fostering and wellbeing of vulnerable children & young people
residential teams as well as carers on:
• Support for young people in school Capability of our Workforce
• Guidance on Personal Education Plans, annual reviews and strategy meetings for children • Recruitment & retention of staff capable of delivering quality support and
• Termly collection of ‘Attendance and Achievement’ for those of school age practice to a high standard
• Competency & skills review to inform learning and development of staff and
• Reward vouchers for young people achieving 100% term time attendance management
• Congratulations letters and postcards for education achievement • Upskilling our workforce to build confidence, resilience, professionalism and
ability to be reflective
• 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 Education support
• Establish culture that promotes support and challenge, professional curiosity
• Educational Ambassador will support their foster carers peers and their children in achieving against their for and individual accountability for high quality performance and continuous
PEPs improvement
• Resources and investment committed to supporting practice innovation
• Advice and guidance for 16 plus for transition into college / apprenticeships that enables children and young people to be safe, confident, achieve and
succeed
QA and Performance Management
Regional attendance April 2020 to March 2021:
• Embed new QA Framework establishing clear link between audit activities and
National National Compass Compass Compass continuous improvement
Average Average London London London • Performance reporting evidencing continuous improvement journey and
CLA Summer 20 Autumn 20 Spring 21
agency’s ability to reflect, learn and maintain/sustain quality of delivery and
95.0% 94.5% 93.0% 91.0% 92.0% performance
(Figures based on Foster Track data)
Percentage of Children Classified as Persistent Absentee
Autumn Term 2020 (Attendance >90.0%):
Carer, Staff, CYP and LA Engagement
National Average Compass London Compass London
National Average Autumn 20 • Carers development groups to focus on supporting agency in implementing
CLA change and improvement
13.4% 12.5% 11.0% • Improved engagement with children & young people
• Reflective practice development sessions for all staff to influence our practice
Important to note the impact of COVID19 restrictions and school approach to working with children and carers
closures on attendance and absence percentages for the year
2020-2021.
How will we measure impact?
• What Children and Carers Say • Quality and Audit Review
EDUCATION • Performance Indicators • What Staff and LAs Say
7 8 8
Services for Children
Compass Fostering London 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 well cared for and
experiences. Our foster carers also continue to develop their skills to enable them to support children with more specific kept safe.
additional needs. • Our carers have access to specialist advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Supervising social workers will regularly visit children who are in our care.
Compass London 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 • CSE
• Emergency Residential to Fostering • PSB • 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) • OCT healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise.
• Long-term • Children that have disabilities • CCE • 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 be monitored regularly.
All children and young people are different and as a result the families they live with will need to be matched with them
in order to live together safely.
Compass Fostering London carers are approved, supervised and supported to ensure they have the transferable skills Support Network
and experience in order to meet the needs of children who come into their care. We have a dedicated Family Finding Foster carer’s support networks are key to providing consistency and support to children. All carers are encouraged to
Team who respond to requests from LAs for families for their children. The team work closely with supervising social identify a member of their family or close friends who are assessed as suitable to provide care to children and young people
workers, foster carers and local authorities, to ensure their needs are met and they live safely with their foster families. in their absence. This person will usually be a member of the carer’s extended family who may already have a relationship
with the young person. As part of this Compass will undertake a home visit and complete a short assessment of any named
support person. Where not possible we will link them with a specific carer for respite period.
Supporting Outcomes for Children
• Our dedicated Carer Support Ambassadors provide targeted additional peer support to their foster carer colleagues,
Support Children to Maintain Relationships With Family
ensuring that children experience positive outcomes and stability by avoiding disruption in their lives. Foster carers are supported in facilitating meetings between the child in their care and their parents, brothers/sisters and
• Activity days for the fostering families are planned by local groups and by Compass. extended family members in accordance with their care plan. Foster carers, can on occasion, be asked to supervise
• Range of social events are organised for all fostering families, celebrating all children and young people’s meetings between children and their families.
achievements in a fun, activity-based way.
• Achievements are recognised and acknowledged with a letter, postcard or certificate.
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 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 providing direct one-to-one support for carers to understand and make sense of childrens attendance at a non-local catchment school, for which a charge will be made.
needs.
• 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 meeting the individual needs of children. When Children Leave Foster Care
• 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 London will work with children and their 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 Children’s Council 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 in the Children’s 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 Council. This provides the opportunity for children to are self-employed and as such should pay their own tax
of the children and that the foster carers are able the process of becoming a foster carer. We publish a discuss and comment on their experiences and areas and National Insurance.
to progress the child’s care plan. Any concerns or
challenges are identified with support plans identified
quarterly newsletter to celebrate staff, foster carer’s and
children’s achievements.
of development for Compass.
Insurance Cover
as required. We are committed to involving foster carer’s birth Insurance is provided in the event of allegations. We also
Foster carers receive support from a wider range children within the service as they are an essential provide independent support during investigations into
Another primary focus during supervision is to develop of professionals including their peers in the capacity element to securing a positive family experience for serious allegations, as required.
the skills of the foster carers and identify training needs. of a Carer Support Ambassadors, Lead Teacher for children in care. Social workers ensure they meet with
Education all of which is overseen by an experienced birth children on a regular basis and social activities
Carer Ambassadors
Foster Carer Review management team. and events are arranged throughout the year.
Compass offers the opportunity for carers to develop their
All foster carers have a minimum of an annual review
which is an opportunity to appraise the last year of their
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
foster care and set new goals and action for the year 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
ahead. Training needs are assessed and identified. legal expenses insurance whilst rewarding foster carers supportive of a child focussed practice and require that to these people as carer ambassadors.
Feedback from our foster carers on the training courses by giving them access to a large range of discounts. any respite is taken in line with the child’s care plan
we provide is consistently positive. and with the local authorities agreement. We actively We achieve this by the use of peer to peer support known
Independent support is offered if carers face encourage carers to utilize their support network / close as:
We have a well-established learning culture. If any safeguarding concerns or if children make allegations family members or friends who are known to the child. • Carer Support Ambassadors
concerns do arise about a foster carer’s commitment against them. • Carer Recruitment Ambassadors
to on-going development this is addressed with them.
Support Groups • Carer Education Ambassadors
Where necessary this can include reviewing their
registration at the fostering panel. Unannounced Visits Local groups are held in various venues. These are
• Carer Language Ambassadors
• Experiential Educators
All of our foster carers receive a minimum of one groups where information can be shared, issues can
Record Keeping unannounced visit to their home within each year to
meet the requirements of national standards and
be raised and most importantly carers can socialise
together, learn from and support each other.
Carers can choose to take up these roles and are paid
an additional hourly rate for the work undertaken.
Foster carers maintain an individual daily log on regulations, with our best practice intention to undertake
the children they look after which is maintained on two unannounced visits within a year to ensure that In addition to local groups there are regional events
Compass’ bespoke database called FosterTrack,
allowing data to be recorded, monitored and shared
children are safe and are being well cared for. to celebrate achievements through a variety of social
activities arranged across the year.
Support for Foster Carers’
in a secure format. Maintaining records is an essential
part of our foster carer’s role and accurate factual Emergency Support The service has hosted numerous groups and events,
Own Children
recordings help monitor the child’s progress. These Foster carers have access to advice and support including a boat trip on the River Thames, and an open- We are committed to birth children’s involvement within
recordings are shared with the local authority. from one of our social workers 24 hours a day 7 days air Christmas Ice Rink Event held in Central London. the service as they are an essential element to securing a
a week. The on-call service is also supported by a Whilst the Covid Pandemic has put a temporary hold positive family experience for children in care.
Policies and Procedures manager. these events, they will be reinstated as soon as it is
safe to do so. Plans for the next year include Carer Long Social workers ensure they meet with birth children
We have developed a comprehensive foster carer
manual that every approved foster carer has access to Foster Carer Forums Service Awards, a Summer Event for Families and a
Christmas Party.
on a regular basis and social activities and events are
arranged throughout the year.
assist them in their role as a foster carer. Carer consultation groups are held throughout the year,
with Regional Foster Carer Forums chaired by the Head
The manual contains information on fostering law, of Fostering for local regions. These meetings support
complaints procedures, access to records, child the Group wide Carer Forum chaired by the Director of
protection, support, health issues, health and safety Operations and attended by the Chief Executive Officer,
matters, education information, managing behaviour senior managers, and foster carer representatives from
and various other subjects relevant to caring for. This each geographical region within the organisation. This
manual is reviewed regularly and updates are issued meeting provides an opportunity to discuss practice,
policies and organisational developments.
as required to foster carers and staff.
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 authority due to their personal circumstances or the
make-up of their family environment. They were positive
Once a prospective foster carer has enquired, the Carer that Compass were more accepting and flexible in their
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 approach; understanding the potential of unique family
although all applicants must be active and healthy in order to care for a child in their home. their suitability and desire to foster. environments which are positive rather than negative
2. Home Visit
for fostering.
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 If appropriate, we will assign a qualified social worker
against a child or any serious offence against an adult will be excluded. If appropriate a home visit will be arranged. The visit is to undertake a comprehensive assessment with the
called an initial visit and will be a two way discussion prospective foster carer and their family. They will
between the dedicated social worker and the applicant. produce a report which we refer to as an Assessment.
Our London Panel Team 3. Assessment
This covers:
• Individual profiles of applicants
The Compass London Panel has been carefully References will be sought from all previous employment • Relationships and partnerships
considered to include people from a wide variety of involving children and vulnerable adults • Applicants’ support network
Panel
backgrounds, all with important and valid input to Chair • Children in the household
make. Our Panel Chair has an extensive background • Personal references from at least three people who • Other adult members of the household
in education and social care, one of our vice chairs is a will also be interviewed by a social worker • Description of family life
specialist in health & safety, and the other comes with a • Overseas checks where appropriate • Valuing diversity
social work background. • A Health and Safety inspection will be carried out by • Parenting capacity
the agency’s staff
Vice Vice The social worker will visit the home a minimum of
• Ex-partners and children of an appropriate age
The team is composed of 1 Panel Chair, 2 Vice Chairs Chair Chair eight visits to spend time working with the applicants on
from previous relationships will be interviewed
and 11 panel members, panel is ethnically diverse their assessment. The assessment is a joint project and
4. Panel
and includes members with diverse experiences/ will require full participation from applicants and their
backgrounds e.g. police, care leavers, social workers, family. A minimum of three personal referees will be
health professionals, education and foster carers. required who will be visited by a social worker.
Once the assessment is completed the applicants
11 x Panel Members will have the opportunity to read and discuss the As part of the assessment process, potential carers will
report which will then be presented to the fostering be required to attend a training course called Skills to
Foster.
panel. Prospective foster carers and the social worker
completing the assessment must be in attendance at During the assessment, our staff will also carry out a
the fostering panel. variety of statutory checks (Stage 1) which are completed
The fostering panel is made up of a variety of members, concurrently with your home visits (Stage 2).
who have the appropriate qualifications and experience • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
to serve as panel members. check
• Local Authority checks
5. Approval •
•
Current or previous fostering organisation reference
School/health visitor reference (on own child, if
The panel members make recommendations re appropriate)
approval, with the final decision being made by the • Medical reports
Agency Decision Maker (ADM). • Current employment reference
Upon approval as a foster carer we will advise the
applicant in writing and allocate a supervising social
Applicants at Skills to Foster unanimously agreed the
worker to support the new foster carer in their fostering
swift, friendly and professional approach they received
task. Compass will advise local authorities of the
from a member of the Recruitment Team is a major
approved foster carer’s availability.
factor in their decision making, once they had made
A number of applicants describe how they have been
an initial enquiry. Some made comparisons to other
“ruled out” or “rejected” by other agencies or local
agencies and local authorities where response and
contact was poor, unfriendly and lengthy.
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 three years through the Skills to Foster course
for 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.
Compass takes any dissatisfaction in our service very seriously and will learn from them so that we may continually “extremely lucky to have found a family who respect me and my past. Every day is a joy to spend time with
improve the services we offer. We have a comprehensive complaints procedure, recorded in our Foster Carer everyone”.
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
conduct a full investigation. Complainants can also go directly to Ofsted at any time. “I find it fun as it helps me interact with others learning about their background and former life style. They
are like my real siblings and I become really close with them”.
Complaints forms are available digitally and can be accessed at any time.
“The support I get is excellent all my needs are met in this house, I want to continue on and stay put after
my 18th”
Compliments
Our Complaints Process All compliments and commendations are
recorded, with special awards being made in
Stage 1 - Local Informal exceptional circumstances.
Here is a selection of comments made about our
Resolution staff and the services we offer:
Complaints will generally be raised and resolved
“I am really happy with Compass
directly between the parties concerned with
they are very supportive and
managers being kept informed.
caring. My SSW is excellent
and a credit to Compass, Compass London In Numbers
she amongst others is one
Stage 2 reason I wouldn’t leave the
The agency maintains separate processes agency.”
for the purposes of complaints, allegations,
26%
commendations and suggestions. This information “I have found the
and processes are monitored and reviewed on a support from Compass
regular basis by each registered service and the Fostering very good. To
senior management team. be able to call someone of the children in Compass
London are aged 0-10 years
any time of day is very old, and 74% are 11+.
Suggestions important to me.”
Breakdown of
We welcome suggestions about our services and - Compass Foster Carers CYP ages in
how we might improve them. All suggestions will
be considered and responded to. 46% London
• 0-5 years
Of the children and young • 6-10 years
people with us, 46% have • 11-15 years
been with their foster family
Number of complaints up to 1 year.
• 16+
01/04/20 - 31/03/21
Compass London received a
54%
total of 5 complaints, all of which
were not upheld.
Of our children have been
with their foster family from
1 to 18 years.
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 London region.
(My ssw) is always contactable by phone, email
or text message and will reply on the same day
if I had not been successful in reaching her, she
has helped me develop my recordings and
encouraged me to become an Ambassador to
help other carers.
FOSTER CARER
I would also like to thank the Compass team, I have
spoken to the office staff a number of times and
have always found them helpful. I spoke to the
accounts department who went above and beyond
my expectation in helping me to correctly fill in my
expenses sheet. When I used the Out of Hours duty
social worker when S had to go to hospital she was
caring and professional with the help she gave me.
The CSW has been extremely helpful in transporting
myself and the girls to Kent for sibling contact.
FOSTER CARER
“
“
The panel were very impressed
with our carers who they feel “have
advocated for the children’s cultural
needs and know and understand
each child’s individuality and embrace
this. They have absorbed all the boys
into the family. The panel wanted to
clone them and recognised they are a
very special family!
LA SOCIAL WORKER
Thank you, **** (SSW) for your continued
support, advice, guidance and helpful
suggestions throughout our journey
that identifies the true meaning of
“working in partnership “. Also not
forgetting the very knowledgeable
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 London region.
EC Helped out
at a foodbank.
V made a
crumble from
start to finish, from
instructions only and
totally independently.
This was a success and
everyone enjoyed the
T was sent his 16th
good work post
card for school
today.
dish.
SS Learned
G has identified her
strengths and weaknesses
in learning and has taken
the initiative to work on
them. She has taken action
by going back to school
as she felt she was able to
engage with her learning
better at school.
Trophy received -
Lealands Excellence
reward, only 1 girl
per year received
this award. SA received a medal
and certificate for
‘dedication and
commitment’ to
school work during
Covid 19.
office staff that have helped with my to swim,
often IT enquiries etc. independently
without
FOSTER CARER
“
armbands!
R has done really
P was by my side when I moved M on to adoption, well recently with her
I spoke to her every night about how the day had school work during the
gone, thankfully it was all positive! She was there to lockdown period and
“
listen when I cried because M had left. has received lots of
I would like to thank my SSW for her praise from her school
FOSTER CARER continued support throughout this year. teachers and also in
She has been there for me through her most recent PEP.
some difficult family times this year and
her words of comfort and support have
really helped.
FOSTER CARER
19 20Compass Fostering London
1. Brixton Office
5th Floor,
Bon Marche Centre,
241-251 Ferndale Road,
BRIXTON,
London,
SW9 8BJ
T 02077 377 333
2. Hornchurch Office
135 Albany Road,
HORNCHURCH,
Essex,
RM12 4AQ
T 01708 733 735
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