'Inadequate' fostering agency which has left children 'vulnerable to harm' is slated in damning Ofsted report

Inspectors visited Flying Colours Foster Care near Whitchurch between October 14 and 18 last year and have concluded that leadership and management is "weak", managers do not recognise the seriousness of some children’s vulnerabilities and there are "shortfalls" in how children are helped and protected.

Ofsted concluded that there have been "serious and/or widespread failures" which means children and young people are not protected, or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded, and that the care and experiences of children and young people are "poor, and they are not making progress".

A report published on Saturday (January 18) stated that the fostering agency had been downgraded from its previous rating of 'Good'.

At the time of the inspection, the fostering agency was providing placements for eight children, living in seven fostering households.

Inspectors criticised leaders, and rated the fostering agency's ability to protect and help children and young people, the overall experiences and progress of children and young people, and the experiences and progress of children and young people, all as 'Inadequate'.

'Weak' leadership

The agency's leadership and management was described as "weak" by Ofsted.

Inspectors said leaders "failed to demonstrate that they are managing the agency with competence and skill and with a focus on safeguarding children".

The report added that the manager has "failed to demonstrate" that they had the necessary skills and qualifications for the role.