Five Rivers Fostering Service London and East rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted
Following a recent inspection, the London and East Fostering Office has received a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
The report recognises the positive experiences and progress of children and young people who “have the opportunity to flourish while living with foster carers”. Carers are described as “nurturing” and demonstrate a “commitment to their role”.
The report recognises the exceptional work and dedication of the caring staff who support children and young people to have an optimistic future. Children and young people are helped and protected by the staff in a way the report describes as “outstanding”. The family workers are described as “creative” and “enthusiastic”, and children are kept safe at the agency through “clinical oversight”, “focused support work”, and “research-informed guidance and practice”.
The leaders and managers are described as “solution-focused”, meticulously monitoring placement stability and cause for concern to ensure issues are addressed “efficiently and promptly”.
A local authority commissioner praised their commitment to sustaining placements as “high-quality”.
Despite the absence of a registered manager, the report describes the office as having made “a very positive journey”. Staff are recognised for their hard work making a difference in children’s lives. The leaders and managers lead with “ambition” and “tenacity” to provide a quality service for children that is “continually developing”. As a result, staff feel their needs are met both professionally and personally.
The team is recognised for enabling children to have a wide range of experiences, all of which help to build children’s self-worth, resilience, and social and life skills. The report recognises children are at the heart of the team, reflected by their Investors in Children award status.
Ofsted found new foster carers to have had positive experiences at the early stages of enquiry with the team, which is a testament to all their hard work and dedication.
Read the full 2022 Ofsted report for London and East Fostering Office.