FtSE Member News: We’re glad to be Good, says Community Foster Care

Foster care agency Community Foster Care is delighted to have achieved an overall ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.

The independent agency and charity, based in Staunton, provides professional foster care for looked-after children in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Cumbria and Lancashire.

Ofsted Inspector Paul Clark concluded that CFC provides “a good level of care for children and young people... who report that they feel safe and well cared for”.

He awarded ‘Good’ ratings in four categories: outcomes for children, quality of service, safeguarding and leadership.

He singled out the ‘hands-on’ support which Placement Support Workers provide for children with good therapeutic care and a large range of community activities. Consultation forums for young people ‘give them a voice in service provision and development’, he said.

Foster carers are also given good levels of support, including an excellent out-of-hours service. Good access to training makes them feel part of the agency’s ‘fostering family’.  

“Foster carers report that they have regular and ongoing training in all key areas of their work and that supervision and support is of a high standard,” said Mr Clark. “This helps to provide young people with a level of care that ensures good outcomes.”

He praised the way that the agency matches carers with children, providing detailed information so that both parties benefit.

Community Foster Care also works effectively with placing authorities, schools and professional bodies, he said.

He concluded that staff feel well managed, trained and supported by managers who are visible, available and approachable.

Chief Executive of CFC, Hugh Pelham, welcomed the report. “We pride ourselves on the level of support we provide to both carers and children, and to our family ethos. It’s good to see that recognised from the highest regulatory authority,” he said.

You can click here to access all Ofsted reports for CFC.

Source:
http://www.communityfostercare.co.uk/news-and-events/news/1124/we%E2%80%99re-glad-to-be-good-says-community-foster-care_

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