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Ofsted has launched a consultation on its proposals for inspection of adoption and fostering agencies. The proposals focus on the experiences of and outcomes for children. The consultation gives an opportunity for contributors to help refine and develop an inspection system that will assure quality and support improvement. The proposed changes reflect the new national minimum standards and statutory guidance introduced by the government in April 2011. Inspection will continue to make sure that adoption and fostering agencies comply with regulatory requirements but it will have an increased focus on the quality of services and the difference these make to children's lives in supporting them to grow up in secure and loving families. For adoption, Ofsted is proposing to involve children routinely and directly in the inspection of adoption services and continue where possible to meet with birth parents. Ofsted will report on how well agencies do in ensuring the timely and effective identification of children for whom adoption is the right option and the approval and placement of children with adoptive families, helping make sure the process is as smooth and quick as possible for all involved. Welcoming the consultation launch Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, said: 'Ensuring children are placed with families and carers that meet their needs and minimises delays is vitally important to help them feel settled, secure and loved. Ofsted is determined that our inspection of fostering and adoption services will put the needs of children and young people first, looking at what makes the difference for them. 'The proposed changes will ensure inspection continues to support improvement, focusing on the needs of people using the services. I hope everyone who has direct involvement or experience of adoption or fostering will give us their views to help shape our work and ensure the best service is provided so that children and young people are able to thrive." Ofsted proposes to significantly reduce the amount of notice given to inspections to 10 working days - previously adoption agencies were given eight weeks' notice and fostering six weeks' notice. This will help inspectors gain as true a picture as possible of the provision. The consultation seeks views on whether inspection should focus more on agencies that need the most help and inspect outstanding services less frequently. However, in order to ensure that any deterioration in performance is identified between inspections, the consultation asks for views on factors Ofsted should consider when assessing whether an inspection should be brought forward. Ofsted proposes to make judgements under five key headings: Consideration of how well a service promotes equality and values diversity will be key in every judgement area. Ofsted is also seeking views on whether in future local authorities' adoption and fostering inspections should take place at the same time. This will help to reduce the demands of inspections on local authorities. The consultation for inspection of adoption and fostering agencies runs until 31 August and key findings will be published at the end of the year. The results from the consultation and a series of pilot inspections will inform and shape the new inspection frameworks which will come into force on April 2012. Access to the online consultation can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk or requested from the Ofsted enquiry service by calling 0300 123 4234.