Newcastle Foster home where 'most children experience long-term arrangements' praised by inspectors
A Tyneside foster home for children has been praised by Ofsted inspectors.
Fostering North East on West Road in Newcastle was visitied by the education inspection group in August, with the full inspection report released this week.
The site was considered to be ‘good’ in two of the three key judgements made by Ofsted. These are the key ‘verall experiences and progress of children and young people’ and how well children and young people are helped and protected.
The third judgement, the effectiveness of leaders and managers “needs improvement to be good” according to the report.
The assessment adds: “Children live in stable foster homes and are cared for by committed foster carers.
“Most children experience long-term arrangements. Foster carers and staff are strong advocates for the children in their care. Foster carers and staff build effective working relationships with professionals that support children’s progress.
“One teacher wrote: ‘Engagement [by foster carers] with professionals is always honest and open and with [name of child]’s best interests at the core of any discussion.’ As a result of this partnership work, children make progress in all areas of their lives.
“Children experience family life with their foster carers. Children are welcomed into the household and enjoy family celebrations, holidays at home and abroad and a range of individual activities and interests.
“These experiences help children to develop social links and peer relationships. Children are supported to maintain links with people who are important to them.
“Foster carers are committed to helping children spend time with friends and family, recognising the importance of this in helping children to retain a sense of history and identity.”
In regards to leadership, the assessment adds: “Since the last inspection, there has been a change in registered manager. The new manager was previously the deputy manager.
“This gives her an established relationship with staff, carers and children. She can talk knowledgeably about foster carers, children and their journeys. Foster carers report that the registered manager is someone they and their children know and are confident to approach about any issues.
“The registered manager is committed to driving service improvement. She has reviewed a range of systems, policies and processes to ensure that these are compliant with current guidance and legislation.
“At the time of the inspection, there was much work in progress. However, many of the systems and processes are still to be embedded. Some of these systems contradict each other, resulting in confusing information or misinformation about the service.
“In addition, as new processes develop, some practice is inconsistent. The manager has plans to further develop these areas.”