Ofsted have a duty to ensure the service we provide to both our children and our carers is of a high standard.

Previously Ofsted would inspect a Fostering Service independently and this led to Barking & Dagenham being judged as an Outstanding Service in both 2008 and 2011.

Since then all fostering inspections are incorporated into the wider Children Service Inspections (with 2014 & 2018 being the most recent) and Ofsted Inspectors have commented positively about the boroughs Fostering Service.

Their comments have included:

• the Mockingbird model of intervention is well established and supports the long-term stability of children with more complex needs. This excellent work provides children with a wider support network, allowing them to remain or be reunited with their brothers and sisters.
• children in care (in Barking & Dagenham) achieve better at each key stage when compared statistical to both their neighbouring boroughs and nationally
• strong and motivated fostering practice managers know their service well
• most children in care in Barking and Dagenham live with long-term approved foster carers who meet their needs. Many are making good progress.
• children told inspectors that their foster carers were fun and took them on holiday, and that they can tell their carers about their worries.
• almost all foster carers who inspectors spoke with have developed positive, strong relationships with the children placed with them and, together with other professionals, play a key role in helping children understand what is happening to them.
• foster carers stated they feel well supported in helping children achieve academically.
• fostering is of a consistently high quality, enabling children to be placed safely with skilled carers.
• carers are highly positive about the support and quality of training they receive, considering it well targeted on key issues.