Bradford's fostering service goes from “requiring improvement” to “good” after Ofsted inspection
The latest report into Foster For Bradford says children “have positive experiences and outcomes” and have “a sense of belonging, stability and security.”
BRADFORD’S fostering service has gone from “requiring improvement” to “good” following a recent inspection by Ofsted.
The latest report into Foster For Bradford says children in foster care “have positive experiences and outcomes” and have “a sense of belonging, stability and security.”
The Ofsted report, which follows an inspection in September, has now been published, and describes a service that has improved since it was last inspected in March 2024 – when it was judged to require improvement.
The service is run by the Bradford Children’s and Families Trust.
The Ofsted report says that at the time of the inspection there were 443 approved foster carers in the District, providing placements for 566 children and young people.
The report says: “Most children have positive experiences and outcomes with their foster families. They receive high-quality care that meets their needs and enables them to make good progress. Most children are settled and have lived with their foster carers for several years. This provides children with a sense of belonging, stability and security.
“There is an increase in the recruitment of foster carers. This means that there will be more carers available to look after children so that they can stay locally.
“Foster carers acknowledge that the agency is still on a journey.
“One foster carer said, ‘Leaders genuinely care. They want to get it right for us, and they want to do well.’
“However, there are still some frustrations expressed by foster carers about the lack of consistent support by the agency to escalate their concerns about other professionals.
“Since the last inspection, there is clear evidence of improved management oversight and a grip on the fostering service.”
Eileen Milner, Chair of Bradford Children and Families Trust, said: “It is fantastic that Ofsted judge our independent fostering agency as ‘good’. The outcome reflects the dedication and compassion of our foster carers and colleagues. We are proud to see Foster for Bradford recognised for the safe, nurturing, and stable environments it provides for children and young people across our district.
“Our foster carers are crucial to being able to provide support, guidance, stability and care to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our district.
“We would encourage anyone who has considered fostering to get in touch with us. The Foster for Bradford team will guide and support you through every step of the process.”
Councillor Sue Duffy, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, said: “This is a strong and positive step forward and reflects the real progress that has been made since Foster for Bradford became part of the Bradford Children and Families Trust.”