Next Stage for Fostering, an independent fostering agency based in the North West, has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted for the second consecutive time.
The inspection, conducted in July 2024, highlighted the agency’s commitment to excellence in fostering services. Ofsted inspectors noted that “the actions of the independent fostering agency contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.”
This achievement comes just three years after the agency’s previous ‘Outstanding’ rating in September 2021, demonstrating consistent high-quality care and support for both foster carers and children. Across England’s 370 independent fostering agencies, reports show that only circa 10% have received two or more consecutive ‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgements.
Paul O’Rourke, managing director at Next Stage for Fostering, said: “We are immensely proud to have retained our Outstanding rating. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our foster carers, staff, and the children in our care. Our commitment to providing nurturing, stable environments for children remains unwavering.”
“This rating reflects our team’s tireless efforts to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children in our care. We’re particularly pleased with the recognition of our ‘family feel’ and the exceptional progress children make with our foster carers.”
The report particularly commends the agency’s “high levels of nurture and support” offered to foster families, resulting in children “flourishing” in their care. Foster carers praised the agency’s supportive nature, with one carer stating, “It really does take a village [to raise a child], and we have that here. This is our village.”
This comes during a major shortage of foster families in the UK, with the highest numbers on record of children in care. Earlier this year the Fostering Network called for urgent action to recruit and support foster carers as the UK saw more carers leaving their roles than signing up.
Registered manager at Next Stage for Fostering – Lynda Hardman said: “It is extremely heartening to know that our efforts to support carers are having a positive impact. As a sector, we are seeing fewer families than ever sign up to foster, which will continue to have a detrimental impact not only on the children but on wider society for years to come. It is so important that we make the process of fostering as straightforward and supportive as possible, while still maintaining the utmost levels of safeguarding.”
