Another Ofsted 'outstanding' result for Nexus Fostering
Date published
01 March 2023
Following an inspection in December 2022, Ofsted have just announced that Nexus Fostering has once again been rated 'Outstanding'. This is the fourth consecutive time since 2011 that Nexus Fostering has achieved the highest grade possible from Ofsted.
One of the Ofsted inspectors said,
This fostering agency offers an outstanding service to children in foster care placements. Children's experiences and progress are excellent. The service negotiates and maintains very successful and stable foster placements. The service’s matching processes are effective. Children, including several sibling groups, have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. Unplanned endings do not happen often. As a result, children thrive in safe, stable homes, enjoying secure relationships that are nurturing and positive.
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages and services that care for children and young people. Every aspect of our work came under the spotlight and was assessed. The inspector talked with staff, foster carers, foster children and the independent members of our approval and review Panel.
A child in the care of a Nexus Fostering foster family said,
Mum and dad [his foster carers] are amazing; I love it here. They praise me even when I'm not so good. They go above and beyond to help me. I hope to stay here until I'm 18.
The inspection reported that Nexus Fostering maintained very successful and stable foster placements, and the matching processes are effective. It also highlights the fantastic work of Nexus Fostering’s Head of Participation, who has seen the engagement and interaction between children increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. Reference was also made to Nexus Fostering’s Head of Education, who is responsible for offering expert advice, support, and resources to foster carers and staff. This ensures children can access appropriate educational provision that meets their learning needs.
It recognised how children benefit from Nexus Fostering’s commitment to and investment in high-quality training and support, meaning foster carers receive expert specialist care to look after disabled children. Staff and foster carers also receive targeted training and support to offer trauma-informed care to children, providing an excellent understanding of the impact trauma has on children's lives. In addition, each local office has a lead therapeutic supervising social worker and in-house clinician.
A foster carer said of the service,
When the chips are down or even well before they are down, the agency sends in the cavalry. The clinicians are brilliant, and the other professionals help you to work through whatever the issues are. It's the best possible experience for me and the children. We're totally included.
Kelly Randall, Director of Nexus Fostering, says,
We continuously strive to improve outcomes and create positive experiences for all our young people, and to retain our Ofsted outstanding rating since 2011 is something I'm immensely proud of! I cannot be more grateful for the hard work and unwavering commitment our foster carers and staff provide to all our young people.
The full Ofsted report is available to read here
If you would like to be part of the outstanding, supportive and close-knit team at Nexus Fostering, please get in touch with us on 0800 389 0143 or visit nexusfostering.co.uk. Foster carers receive comprehensive training, 24/7 support, and a competitive allowance.
News
01 March 2023
