The service, run by East Sussex County Council received the top grade across all areas put under the microscope by Ofsted.
The news has been welcomed by Cllr Colin Belsey, the Council's Lead Member for Children and Families. He said: “This is an exceptionally good inspection result and it's hard to imagine a more glowing or positive report from the inspectors.
“Everyone involved in the service, whether that be the young people who are looked after, their carers, or the staff working to support them, should be extremely proud of this result.”
The County Council's fostering service is responsible for the recruitment, assessment, supervision, support and training of foster carers who look after approximately 520 young people in care.
All areas of the service's work were subjected to scrutiny in the latest inspection and, in all respects, the outcome was that the service was outstanding.
The service was judged against various criteria including:
- how it helps children in care to be healthy
- how it ensures young people stay safe from harm
- how well they achieve and enjoy what they do
- how the young people are helped to make a positive contribution
- how they are helped to prepare for adulthood
- how carers are supported and trained
- how the service is organised and managed.
In the report the inspector praised all concerned. She said: “The young people make excellent progress in all areas of their lives. They are provided with excellent support which helps them to thrive in nurturing and safe environments.”
“Foster carers feel exceptionally well supported and they have outstanding opportunities for training and development and for accessing help.”
The inspectors also concluded there was a “clear emphasis” on promoting young people's health and on ensuring they reach their full potential educationally. There was also praise for the way the fostering service “actively seeks out the views of its stakeholders and uses these to improve the service”.
And finally there was praise for the way the service is managed. “This is an exceptionally well run service. Staff are motivated and well supported to promote young people's safety and well being”.
The East Sussex Fostering Service is currently looking for new carers and has just launched a series of recruitment information events. A range of options are available for carers and members of the team would be pleased to talk to anyone who feels they might be interested. For more information including contact details call 01323 747407 or visit our Fostering section.
The full inspection report on the Fostering Service is available on the Ofsted website.
Further information
The East Sussex Fostering Service has arranged a number of recruitment information events. These are held to give information to anyone who would like to know more about fostering and the options open to families who are considering fostering. At the meetings people get the chance to talk to members of the East Sussex Fostering Service and also to existing carers.
The first meeting was held in Eastbourne last week. Future events are being held as follows (all run from 5pm to 8pm):
- 9 February, Azur Marina Pavilion, St Leonards on Sea
- 8 March, Civic Centre, Uckfield
- 12 April, Lansdowne Hotel, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne
- 10 May, Azur Marina Pavilion, St Leonards on Sea
- 14 June, Civic Centre, Uckfield
- 12 July, Lansdowne Hotel, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne
- 13 September, Azur Marina Pavilion, St Leonards on Sea
- 11 October, Civic Centre, Uckfield
- 8 November, Lansdowne Hotel, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne.
Reference:
3468
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council