A WORCESTERSHIRE fostering service have been awarded a ‘Good’ overall rating after its latest Ofsted inspection.
Worcestershire Children First Fostering agency was awarded the rating following a five-day visit last month.
Inspectors recognised good progress being made in areas of the service that had previously been identified for improvement in September 2021.
The report noted that the overall experiences of children and young people and the level of help and protection they received were all ‘Good’.
The inspection highlighted the importance of recruiting a registered manager for the independent agency but noted interim management and leadership had been effective in bringing about the necessary improvements.
Ofsted praised the ‘responsible individual’ as being ambitious for the staff, children and kinship and foster carers whilst having a clear vision for the future of the agency and a stable team of staff, who are also invested in progressing the service.
Tina Russell, Worcestershire Children First chief executive, said: “We are delighted Ofsted has recognised the significant improvements in our fostering service and the positive impact it is having on the children and young people that are cared for. “I would urge anyone thinking of fostering to join us in our Worcestershire family.”
Further highlights in the report include children feeling safe when living with their foster carers, and carers being proactive in keeping them safe.
It added children were happy and settled when living with their foster and kinship carers and, as a result, were now improving in areas where they had previously struggled.
And it said the agency placed a strong emphasis on the voice of all children and managers’ and staff’s responses to significant incidents and safeguarding concerns involving the children and carers were also good.
Clear procedures to ensure close partnership working with other professionals were in place and carers were supported during any allegations or investigations.
“Carers are overwhelmingly positive about the support they receive from fostering social workers.”
Visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ and search for ‘Worcestershire Children First’ to read the full report.
