Slough's fostering service rated 'good' by Ofsted

Slough Children First’s Independent Fostering Agency, which supports 47 fostering households that provides care for 45 children and young people, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors after two years of two disappointing reports.

The service was rated ‘inadequate’ in the past after inspectors criticised leaders, managers, and staff for failing to ensure the children’s safety and for not routinely challenging poor practices by foster carers.

Following an inspection on July 5, 2021, agency staff and foster carers were praised for improving the service and highlighted “clear, child-focused goals have been embraced by staff and foster carers”.

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Foster carers in particular were praised for “going the extra mile” to support children and they “instilled” children with skills for life through positive experiences and routines.

The report, which was published on August 27, also highlighted settled children are in ‘safe, consistent care’ and are ‘able to build trusting, positive relationships, resulting in children doing well’, and, in some cases, exceeding expectations.

The leadership was also praised for being “aspirational and visible” and staff were given the support they needed to achieve “high quality and child-focused practice” as well as the opportunity to learn new skills and develop their practice.

This support and opportunity to develop was also provided to foster carers who received ‘bespoke training that ensures they have the skills and knowledge required’.

Slough Children First's independent fostering service has been given a 'good' rating by Ofsted

During Covid, staff made good use of digital technology, resulting in children and foster carers feeling “well supported”.

Safeguarding had been an area of concern during the previous inspection but this time the inspectors found that any concerns were reported promptly, and the fostering service worked well with partners agencies and foster carers to resolve any concerns that did arise.

The inspectors only made one recommendation, stating: “The registered person should ensure that people involved in carrying on and managing the fostering service have a good knowledge and experience of law and practice relating to looked after children.

“Specifically, the logs that foster carers provide should contain clear information about the child’s day-to-day life.”

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Cllr Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills said: “Slough Children’s Services are on an improvement journey.

“I would like to place on record my thanks and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all the staff in our fostering service, our valued foster carers, and our children in care for giving their feedback, which in turns helps us improve standards and achieve positive outcomes for them.

“This latest Ofsted rating is a testament to that hard work and dedication.”