Serious Incident Notification Decision Tree – Independent Fostering Agencies

Description

Independent fostering agencies must notify Ofsted of a range of serious incidents involving children placed with foster parents. Understanding the notification requirements and distinguishing reportable events from routine incident management is an important part of regulatory oversight.

The Serious Incident Notification Decision Tree for Independent Fostering Agencies provides a clear visual framework to support notification decision-making.

The resource covers the key Schedule 7 notification categories, including the death of a child, safeguarding referrals, serious illness or serious accidents, reportable infectious diseases within a foster home, known or suspected child sexual exploitation, serious incidents requiring police attendance at a foster home, serious complaints against approved foster parents and the instigation or conclusion of child protection enquiries.

The decision tree includes additional guidance on police attendance, helping agencies distinguish between police action in response to a serious incident and routine contact with the police. It also includes practical seriousness indicators and prompts to consider patterns, escalation and cumulative impact.

Designed for Registered Managers, Responsible Individuals, supervising social workers and senior fostering staff, the resource provides a practical reference point when reviewing incidents and considering Ofsted notification requirements.

Please note: This resource supports professional decision-making and does not replace the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, Ofsted guidance or professional judgement.