Independent fostering agency, Foster Care Associates (FCA), North East region has received critical acclaim from Ofsted for its latest inspection.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ for the overall experiences and progress of the children and young people in its care, Ofsted drew specific attention to the agency’s ‘Safe and Happy’ mantra which underpins its work, to enable children to feel safe, be safe and to make progress. These principles include a strong focus on reducing the numbers and frequency of children going missing by also working with local police forces. Together equipping foster carers with the information they need to help reduce the risk of children going missing, and how to report a child missing.
Foster carers’ commitment to the children they foster was described as ‘impressive’, while FCA North East’s support and training were identified as key contributors to the stable and well-matched placements their foster carers provide.
Neil Morris, registered manager at FCA North East commented: “I am very proud of our Outstanding Ofsted inspection result. This reflects the amazing work that our staff and foster carers do each and every day in their endeavour to create the best possible outcomes for our children and young people.
“The inspection report highlights the ambition, resilience, creativity, affection and warmth that our staff and carers exhibit in abundance in their day to day working lives which collectively is creating a positive legacy for those we care for and about. Well done one and all. Together we made this happen.”
The level of input children have into their own lives as well as the agency itself was identified in the report, along with significantly enhanced outcomes with children making good, and often outstanding, progress.
FCA North East’s innovative practice based on the implementation of research was also widely acknowledged as enhancing children’s lives, while the agency’s ‘inspirational leadership’ has created a culture that focuses on providing excellent outcomes.
Described as ‘outstandingly effective’, FCA North East’s monitoring and quality assurance ensures a high quality of service while the development of strong relationships with partner agencies is providing vital stakeholder involvement.