YOUR DEVELOPMENT YOUR FUTURE Understanding and implementing the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster

1. YOUR DEVELOPMENTYOUR FUTUREUnderstanding and implementing the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care Welcome everyone And welcome from me to the CWDC Training, Support and Development Standards Implementation Workshops RDM introduces self Housekeeping � toilets, fire exits, mobiles The overall purpose of today�s workshop is to help foster care providers to implement the Standards and to share ideas about implementation. Welcome everyone And welcome from me to the CWDC Training, Support and Development Standards Implementation Workshops RDM introduces self Housekeeping � toilets, fire exits, mobiles The overall purpose of today�s workshop is to help foster care providers to implement the Standards and to share ideas about implementation.

2. CWDC will improve the lives of children, young people, their families and carers by: Ensuring the people who work with them have the best possible training, qualifications and support. Helping children�s organisations and services to work together better to ensure the child is at the centre of all services. RDM explains remit of CWDC (see above) and briefly outlines key priorities in the region. We are very pleased that at last foster carers are receiving due recognition as being a key part of the children�s workforce in improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. The Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care are a customised version of the Induction Standards for Children�s Social Care. Parallel workshops are being run by the Fostering Network specifically targeted on foster carers. Your two facilitators for the day are my colleague, Nicci Treanor, from CWDC and John Taylor, a social care consultant, who has been involved in putting together the Standards and supporting guidance. I hope you have a great day and you will be given lots of opportunity to discuss and network with your colleagues in the room. I will now hand you over to Nicci who will tell you more about what we will be doing today and update you on implementation of the Standards. RDM explains remit of CWDC (see above) and briefly outlines key priorities in the region. We are very pleased that at last foster carers are receiving due recognition as being a key part of the children�s workforce in improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. The Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care are a customised version of the Induction Standards for Children�s Social Care. Parallel workshops are being run by the Fostering Network specifically targeted on foster carers. Your two facilitators for the day are my colleague, Nicci Treanor, from CWDC and John Taylor, a social care consultant, who has been involved in putting together the Standards and supporting guidance. I hope you have a great day and you will be given lots of opportunity to discuss and network with your colleagues in the room. I will now hand you over to Nicci who will tell you more about what we will be doing today and update you on implementation of the Standards.

3. Who we represent CWDC works in the interests of a range of sectors, covering about 500,000 workers Footprint includes early years & childcare, educational welfare, learning mentors, Connexions, foster care and social care, CAFCASS. It also coordinates the Children's Workforce Network which includes teaching and other school staff, child health staff, youth workers, youth justice workers and playworkers RDM Further explain CWDC Foot printRDM Further explain CWDC Foot print

4. Aims of this presentation To give background info on the development of the standards To provide an update on the Standards and Care Matters Familiarising providers with the workbook and supporting guidance To share examples of early implementation Read through aims of the day. We see this as very much a hands on day and an opportunity to get to grips with the Standards, familiarise yourselves with the supporting guidance and workbook and kick start your planning. In the morning we will be familiarising ourselves with the Standards and supporting guidance and the nuts and bolts of how to evidence and assess the Standards. In the afternoon we shall be looking at some of the learning from the providers who are piloting implementation and planning issues and processes for your agency. By the end of the day we hope you will be in a position to start planning your own implementation. And for those who have already started their implementation � a chance to share ideas, and experience with colleagues The workshop is an opportunity to ask questions and to work our way through any issues around implementing the Standards. Issues board Read through aims of the day. We see this as very much a hands on day and an opportunity to get to grips with the Standards, familiarise yourselves with the supporting guidance and workbook and kick start your planning. In the morning we will be familiarising ourselves with the Standards and supporting guidance and the nuts and bolts of how to evidence and assess the Standards. In the afternoon we shall be looking at some of the learning from the providers who are piloting implementation and planning issues and processes for your agency. By the end of the day we hope you will be in a position to start planning your own implementation. And for those who have already started their implementation � a chance to share ideas, and experience with colleagues The workshop is an opportunity to ask questions and to work our way through any issues around implementing the Standards. Issues board

5. The development of the Standards Standards were developed by consultant to CWDC Who worked with an expert reference group that included: Foster Carers Local Authorities providers Independent providers BAAF Fostering Network

6. The development of the Standards continued� CWDC and the consultants also consulted with children and young people through VOICE and the Who Cares Trust The Standards were developed in draft, then used in consultations throughout the country. Feedback from the consultations was used to develop the final version which was published and signed off by DCSF in May 2007 Quotes

7. Standards referenced in �Care Matters� Will be a requirement in the revised National Minimum Standards for all foster carers, providers and in inspection (Ofsted) Currently DCSF have endorsed the Standards and they are intended to underpin the inspection framework that Ofsted use to judge provider quality DCSF expects that from April 2008 all new foster carers will be expected to meet the requirements All existing foster carers are expected to achieve CWDC Certificate of Successful Completion by April 2011 Background Information Read slide / Introduce issues board New foster carers should meet the standards through planned learning within12 months of approval as a Foster Carer (cp induction for staff in the children�s workforce � 6 months in total). In some circumstances this period can be extended (e.g English second language, family circumstances). Will also be able to use pre-approval training and learning period. Foster care providers will therefore have to introduce the standards for new foster carers from next April and put in place plans for foster carers who are already approved. When there are 2 Foster Carers per household, both should successfully complete the Standards (with regard to National Minimum Standards 23.4) It is up to foster care providers to determine agency policy and priorities in relation to particular groups of foster carers (family and friends, short-break, respite and nominated carers. Technically, agencies could wait until the NMS are revised, but this would mean that there would be a lack of time for planning and Ofsted will be looking for evidence from April 2008 Read slide / Introduce issues board New foster carers should meet the standards through planned learning within12 months of approval as a Foster Carer (cp induction for staff in the children�s workforce � 6 months in total). In some circumstances this period can be extended (e.g English second language, family circumstances). Will also be able to use pre-approval training and learning period. Foster care providers will therefore have to introduce the standards for new foster carers from next April and put in place plans for foster carers who are already approved. When there are 2 Foster Carers per household, both should successfully complete the Standards (with regard to National Minimum Standards 23.4) It is up to foster care providers to determine agency policy and priorities in relation to particular groups of foster carers (family and friends, short-break, respite and nominated carers. Technically, agencies could wait until the NMS are revised, but this would mean that there would be a lack of time for planning and Ofsted will be looking for evidence from April 2008

8. Building the Foster Care Workforce Care Matters: Transforming the lives of children and young people in Care Options for Excellence Consulted with Children and Young People Underpinned by the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge and the 5 outcomes (ECM) Reinforced by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Mapped to the CWDC Induction Standards for Children�s Social Care (Sept 2006) ME The Standards have been built on and underpinned by the following Care Matters � Transforming the lives of children and young people in care. Green paper published in Oct 2006 Contained a range of proposals to raise the knowledge and skills of Foster Carers including the development of a comprehensive training and qualifications framework This was further reinforced by the white paper � Care Matters: Time for change (Sept 2007) This paper advised that a Foster Carers skills should be recognised and improved by setting clear standards for skills that all FC�s should have, by increasing access to training and support And also ensured better enforcement of the Standards through a future revision of the NMS for Foster Care and Residential Care Options for Excellence (Oct 2006) Was pivotel in its review of the Social Care Workforce and highlighted the important contribution of carers Also identifies Foster Carers as a professional group with specific knowledge and skills needs, who are an essential part of the wider children�s workforce ME The Standards have been built on and underpinned by the following Care Matters � Transforming the lives of children and young people in care. Green paper published in Oct 2006 Contained a range of proposals to raise the knowledge and skills of Foster Carers including the development of a comprehensive training and qualifications framework This was further reinforced by the white paper � Care Matters: Time for change (Sept 2007) This paper advised that a Foster Carers skills should be recognised and improved by setting clear standards for skills that all FC�s should have, by increasing access to training and support And also ensured better enforcement of the Standards through a future revision of the NMS for Foster Care and Residential Care Options for Excellence (Oct 2006) Was pivotel in its review of the Social Care Workforce and highlighted the important contribution of carers Also identifies Foster Carers as a professional group with specific knowledge and skills needs, who are an essential part of the wider children�s workforce

9. The Standards Understand the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people Understand your role as a Foster Carer Understand health and safety, and healthy care Know how to communicate effectively Understand the development of children and young people Keep children and young people safe from harm Develop yourself JOHN Just to remind you of the Standards ���. The Standards incorporate the Every Child Matters Outcomes You will see similarities with the BAAF and tFN competences. BAAF and tFN have been involved as part of the Expert Reference Group which advised on the these standards. Our understanding is that both organisations will be reviewing these competency frameworks which underpin assessment and training. JOHN Just to remind you of the Standards ���. The Standards incorporate the Every Child Matters Outcomes You will see similarities with the BAAF and tFN competences. BAAF and tFN have been involved as part of the Expert Reference Group which advised on the these standards. Our understanding is that both organisations will be reviewing these competency frameworks which underpin assessment and training.

10. How the Standards link to NVQ and NMS Completion of the Standards provides the first building blocks for an NVQ � there is a good deal of common ground for a number of NVQ units And vice versa, if an NVQ has already been achieved that knowledge can easily be used in completing the standards For further info, see page 90 / 91 of the workbook john It is important to understand how the standards relate to and link to NVQ�s and National Minimum Standards In terms of the NVQ, completion of the Standards provides underpinning knowledge for the NVQ. The knowledge that is developed through completing the workbook can be used again in an NVQ portfolio. Vice versa, knowledge developed throughout an NVQ, training completed, witness Statements etc, can be used to prove competency and skills in order to achieve the Standards. Information on this and links to National Minimum Standards can be found in the workbook on pages 90 � 91 john It is important to understand how the standards relate to and link to NVQ�s and National Minimum Standards In terms of the NVQ, completion of the Standards provides underpinning knowledge for the NVQ. The knowledge that is developed through completing the workbook can be used again in an NVQ portfolio. Vice versa, knowledge developed throughout an NVQ, training completed, witness Statements etc, can be used to prove competency and skills in order to achieve the Standards. Information on this and links to National Minimum Standards can be found in the workbook on pages 90 � 91

11. Supporting materials The Standards A Guide for Managers, Supervising Social Workers and Trainers A Guide for Foster Carers Workbook Portfolio front cover CWDC Certificate of Successful Completion John Here are the supporting resources and materials � you will be able to take home a copy of all this today Copies have already been sent to Foster Care Providers. They are also downloadable from the CWDC website. Details in your pack. Talk through each one people referring to own copies. Mention Certificate which it for providers to sign off and complete. Recommend signed off by person other than the supervising social worker/assessor as part of quality assurance.John Here are the supporting resources and materials � you will be able to take home a copy of all this today Copies have already been sent to Foster Care Providers. They are also downloadable from the CWDC website. Details in your pack. Talk through each one people referring to own copies. Mention Certificate which it for providers to sign off and complete. Recommend signed off by person other than the supervising social worker/assessor as part of quality assurance.

12. The role of the Supervising Social Worker/trainer Draw up personal development plan with foster carer Explain the Standards and Workbook Facilitate relevant learning opportunities and activities Assess the Foster Carer�s knowledge and skills using the workbook To sign off each of the Standards John This slide notes some of the key responsibilities for the Supervising Social Worker � however the person in this role could also be a Training Officer. During pre-approval, the assessing social worker should use the Standards to identify knowledge and skills of the foster carer, identify learning needs and recommend learning activities, reading etc. Preparation training, foster carer handbook, core training courses, multi-agency safeguarding children courses all contribute. Supervising social workers have a key role. They already have responsibility for addressing the training needs of foster carers through the personal development plan, supervision and annual review. They will need to make time with foster carers to work on the Standards. What additional training and support will they require to assess learning? How else might providers support foster carers evidencing the standards e.g. programme run by training officers/NVQ assessors for residential staff doing the induction standards? John This slide notes some of the key responsibilities for the Supervising Social Worker � however the person in this role could also be a Training Officer. During pre-approval, the assessing social worker should use the Standards to identify knowledge and skills of the foster carer, identify learning needs and recommend learning activities, reading etc. Preparation training, foster carer handbook, core training courses, multi-agency safeguarding children courses all contribute. Supervising social workers have a key role. They already have responsibility for addressing the training needs of foster carers through the personal development plan, supervision and annual review. They will need to make time with foster carers to work on the Standards. What additional training and support will they require to assess learning? How else might providers support foster carers evidencing the standards e.g. programme run by training officers/NVQ assessors for residential staff doing the induction standards?

13. Shared practice Foster Carer Training and Development Standards field testing Somerset County Council London Borough of Tower Hamlets Cumbria County Council Wirral Metropolitan County Council Buckinghamshire County Council Foster Care Associates Ltd Me The field testing models and updates on progress Explain the field testing project Give out copies of completed questionnaires sent to the field testers � to exemplify the different models of implementationMe The field testing models and updates on progress Explain the field testing project Give out copies of completed questionnaires sent to the field testers � to exemplify the different models of implementation

14. What methods are they using for implementation

15. What problems have they encountered up to now?

16. What has gone well up to now?

17. More good ideas from CWDC workshops Have Working / Implementation Group that includes a cross section of everyone involved (FC�s, SW�s, Service Leaders. Meetings to discuss and further implementation Briefing Sessions for Panel members and Independent Reviewing Officers Buddying existing carers with new carers Presenting positives of this right from the beginning Encourage the participation of young people in the process Young people to help evidence the Standards eg, testimony Target carers with NVQ/Btec to co-opt into joining training pool Cross reference Form F to the Standards Multi-agency training with wider child care team

18. Ok�What are the benefits? For the Foster Carer Long overdue recognition of the professionalism and expertise of Foster Carers Enhance and update skills Evidence for payment for skills Allows for movement in wider children�s services Creates a clear career progression Accessible - Can be used creatively in structured interview if a carer has low levels of literacy Direct benefits for the children and young people they care for, in relation to the 5 outcomes To remind ourselves why we are doing this ��.. To remind ourselves why we are doing this ��..

19. Ok�What are the benefits? For the Foster Care Provider Clear personal development plans can be structured and implemented The Standards can update the skills of your Foster Carers who have been fostering for many years Provides evidence for inspection Is simple for those Foster Carers who have achieved NVQ etc, to evidence prior learning A Foster Carer�s learning can be assessed in various ways � making signing off an easy process Direct benefits for the children and young people they care for, in relation to the 5 outcomes

20. Ok�What are the benefits? For the Children and Young People Placed with Foster Carers who have a high level of skills and competencies that have been shown and recognised at a professional level Foster Carer�s who feel valued and nurtured Their Foster Carers will have up to date knowledge and skills

21. Thankyou for listening to my presentation today Nicci Treanor Development Officer for Social Care Children�s Workforce Development Council 3rd Floor, Friends Provident House 13 � 14 South Parade Leeds LS1 5QS 0113 390 7630 nicola.treanor@cwdcouncil.org.uk Fostercare@cwdcouncil.org.uk RDM to summarise main outcomes of the day, indicate how any issues will be dealt with and say goodbyes and point to contact numbers RDM to summarise main outcomes of the day, indicate how any issues will be dealt with and say goodbyes and point to contact numbers