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One issue it is perhaps worth clarifying is around whether unsuccessful applicants at fit persons interviews are subsequently disqualified. This was raised as a worry in some focus groups.
Ofsted clarified if they refuse an application to manage a children’s home, the applicant will become disqualified from private fostering when they write the notice of decision. Most applications do not reach this stage – Ofsted advise retracting an application rather than refusal. Should an application be refused it means the applicant cannot carry on, be concerned in the management of, have a financial interest in, or be employed in a children’s home, unless they get written consent from Ofsted.
Ofsted know that there is confusion about what this means for the person who is disqualified. It certainly does not mean that a disqualified person is forever banned from working with children, but there are some steps that they or their employer will need to take if the applicant wants to work in a children’s home in future. This is called a waiver application. The compliance handbook has more information on this.
When thinking about hours, please consider average hours over 17 weeks (in line with the working time directive). We have added options for contracted hours and for hours actually worked (if different).
How many hours does the RM/Head of Care work in a week, excluding on-call time