BACK TO NEWSCongratulations to Mulberry Foster Care who have been rated as Outstanding in their recent Ofsted inspection.
Mulberry are a small independent fostering agency that has their carers and children in care at their heart. They cover 27 local authorities in the Midlands and across Wales and offer comprehensive support to our carers throughout the process and into their fostering journey.
The Inspection
Having previously been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2018, Mulberry Foster Care were inspected in September 2022 and received ‘Outstanding’ in all three areas. Highlights of the report include:
‘Staff celebrate children’s personal achievements. The agency has created a monthly miniature hero award where children, including birth children, receive a certificate and chocolates for their achievements. For example, children have received awards for learning to ride their bicycle and for excelling at gymnastics. These awards help to support and develop children’s sense of pride and accomplishment.
Children enjoy individual leisure interests such as spending time with friends, playing football and attending groups. The agency hosts a wide range of events such as Christmas and summer parties. These events are well attended and enjoyed by all. These experiences provide the children with enjoyable opportunities to gain a sense of achievement and develop their self esteem and confidence.
Children’s participation is a key strength in the agency. Children benefit from having their views, wishes and feelings considered. The agency continually reviews how the children can meaningfully engage, and regularly consults with the children to improve how it can respond to their needs. Some of the children are part of a children’s panel and are involved in the recruitment process for new foster carers. As a result of this, children feel that they are listened to and that their wishes, views and feelings are heard. Foster carers spoke highly of the support they receive. One carer described the support she receives as ‘phenomenal’, with another carer describing the agency as being like family. The agency provides the foster carers with opportunities to attend support groups. These meetings are well attended and provide the foster carers with the chance to receive regular updates, as well as offer peer support to each other. Foster carers value the support they receive.’
Shaun Burnett, Managing Director of Mulberry Foster Care and FosterTalk Award finalist said “We have spent many years building Mulberry Foster Care and ensuring our young people and foster carers are supported and valued. It has been a great affirmation for OFSTED to acknowledge the hard work of the agency and foster carers. We are very excited to continue to raise awareness and to ensure the children placed with our carers flourish”
You can find out more about Mulberry Foster Care at https://mulberryfostercare.co.uk/
