The fostering service in Northamptonshire has improved in the last four years and provides “effective, good quality care” to all children, an Ofsted report has concluded.
The county council’s fostering service was inspected last month and a report has rated the department as “good”. An inspection in 2008 rated the service as “satisfactory”.
The report published today states there is good matching to carers, minimal delay and high quality input from carers promotes which produces good outcomes for children.
Inspectors also praised a supportive buddy system for foster carers and the “effective” training, support and supervision from the council.
Councillor Catherine Boardman (Con, Uplands), cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It’s wonderful to have independent recognition of the fact that our carers and our foster children are well supported.
“Children’s needs are usually best met within their own family but there will always be occasions where the most appropriate response to a family’s situation is a foster placement.
“It’s crucial that our carers have the right training and support to equip them to deal with the challenges of looking after children and young people who have may experienced disruption and instability in their lives.
“We know there are a lot of people out there, couples and individuals, who have considered fostering but may be daunted. I hope Ofsted’s findings will help to reassure potential foster carers that by coming to us, they’ll have the training and support they need.”
The leadership and management was the only part of the fostering service which was not rated “good” but “adequate”.
The report includes five recommendations for improvement and states “staffing shortages and weak management” have featured during some lengthy periods since the last inspection which has led to some complaints and a lack of focus on the needs of carers.
The report does state leaders and managers have correctly identified previous shortfalls in the assessment and support of carers.
The report states: “Reorganisation, resources, new staff and the existing skills of the fostering service have been harnessed to clear a backlog of connected carers awaiting an assessment and support service.”
Councillor Andrew Grant (Con Brackley East), cabinet member for children, learning and skills, said: “We accept the five recommendations, which the report recognises don’t impact directly on the welfare of children and young people.
“I’m particularly pleased to see that improvements introduced as a result of recent management changes are reflected in the inspectors’ comments even though they felt it was too soon for those changes to affect the rating. It confirms that we have correctly identified our previous shortfalls and our response to our recent adoption inspection is having a positive impact on the management of the service.”
The report has been published today on Ofsted’s website www.ofsted.gov.uk.
Anyone who wants to find out more about becoming a foster carer can call the fostering recruitment line on 0300 126 1009 or visit the council website www.fosterme.co.uk.
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