Slough's fostering service maintains its 'good' rating

Slough’s fostering service has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating from its latest inspection in March.

This is the first time Foster with Slough (Slough Children First’s fostering agency) has been inspected since 2021. It received a ‘good’ rating then, too.

Inspectors highlighted that foster carers know the children well and work with the service to provide good care and support.

They identified that there is a strong commitment to the continued growth and development of the children too, personally, and academically.

“Children live with foster carers with whom they build secure, warm and trusting relationships. They experience a sense of permanence and belonging,” inspectors wrote.

“Foster carers know the children well and work with the service to provide good care and support. Children feel part of the family, and foster carers treat them as such.

Children are, moreover, ‘protected well’ in this service. They do not go missing from home, and they receive care from well-matched foster carers. Children are supported to take measured risks.

One child is now able to walk home from school with a friend when this had previously not been possible. The foster carers helped to build her confidence.

Further, foster carers ‘show a strong commitment to the education of the children in their care.’

They work with social workers and the virtual school to ensure the best possible experience for children.

Inspectors also highlighted that leadership and managers know the progress that children make.

Ofsted acknowledged the positive working relationships that staff across Foster with Slough have with each other and other partner agencies. Similarly, there is trust between the staff and foster carers themselves.

Inspectors found children have life experiences similar to other children of the same age.

They are encouraged in developing their own hobbies and interests, have opportunities to express their views, wishes and feelings.

However, there is mandatory training that some carers have not completed, and some have training that has expired.

Additionally, two sets of carers have not completed their training, support and development standards within the required timescales.

As such, one of Ofsted’s recommendations is that it should be ensured that foster carers are able to evidence that training, support and development standards have been attained within 12 months of approval.

This is one of several recommendations that Ofsted has made in its report, which Slough council says it will be taking into consideration for future improvements.

Sue Butcher, executive director of Children’s Services, said:

“It is great that Ofsted can see that we are extremely committed to delivering services for and providing care to our children and young people, where they feel valued and represented.

“Whether it’s information in a guide, a religious or cultural celebration or event, asking about their traditions or meeting communication needs when their first language is not English, we want to celebrate each child and ensure they are heard and that they are reaching their full potential.”