Member Article

Preston-based foster care service achieves prestigious ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating

A Preston-based independent foster care agency has been rated ‘Outstanding’ after a recent Ofsted inspection, making it one of only three in the region.

Local Charity Caritas Care is a specialist fostering agency operating throughout the North West and have received high praise from Ofsted inspectors.

Of the 34 Independent Fostering Agencies registered in the North West, latest figures show that only three – including Caritas Care - have a rating of Outstanding.

Ofsted gave particular praise for the overall experiences and progress of children and young people that Caritas Care look after and the effectiveness of their leaders and managers.

The report said: “The quality of individualised care and support to children is excellent. Managers and social work staff know children and their needs very well, and provide extremely good support, advice and guidance to foster carers and concurrent carers.

“Dedication and a steadfast commitment to children is evident throughout the agency’s workforce and results in carers ‘going the extra mile’ to ensure that children have the best possible care and positive experiences.”

“Leaders and managers are highly competent and effective. They lead the agency with enthusiasm, confidence and, above all, a strong desire to enhance, enrich and repair the lives of disadvantaged children.”

One foster carer stated: “The whole team is on the journey with you. Their (staff’s) ideas are creative. They are incredible, supportive and respectful. They offer advice without being patronising.”

Rebecca Hughes, Service Manager at Caritas Care said: “I am so proud of all who make up our Caritas Care family, from the dedicated staff team and committed foster carers to the fabulous children.

“We pride ourselves on providing a local, friendly and accessible service, going that extra mile so our foster carers and the children we care for are given the best possible opportunity to make each and every one of their lives better.”

“To receive the recognition from Ofsted that our service is Outstanding is testament to the fantastic work we are all doing to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children in our care”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lisa Valentine .