Exceptional progress for children as FCA Thames Valley is Ofsted Outstanding again
FCA Thames Valley was commended on making children’s participation a ‘high priority for all,’ providing a wide range of activities and catering to children with additional communication needs, ensuring all children’s voices are heard.
Children in care with the agency have been invited to a new participation group called ‘We Are In It Together’ where they shape and propose questions to ask prospective foster parents going through the assessment process.
The agency also protects the welfare of foster parents’ own children, asking them for honest feedback through surveys, recognising that fostering affects the entire family.
Ofsted rated the effectiveness of leaders and management as outstanding in its own right, outlining how “leaders are focused on achieving the best outcomes for children through continually reviewing and improving how they identify and meet the needs of children and foster carers.”
Kate Knight, registered manager at FCA Thames Valley since 2022, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the whole team for achieving Outstanding for two consecutive Ofsted inspections. This is not easy to do, and it reflects the dedication, professionalism and hard work that goes into providing the very best care for our children and young people – not only during inspection week but throughout the three years between inspections. We never deliver a one-size-fits-all approach to foster care. Whether that’s the care plans for our young people or the support we provide to foster parents, we value each and every member of our FCA family for being exactly who they are and offer them fully-tailored support. A real focus for us is creating a sense of community and belonging for our young people. This is made possible by our participation team, who deliver fantastic events, activities and opportunities all year round.”
Over the last 12 months, the participation team at FCA has provided events like an easter egg hunt, summer fun days, arts and crafts, SEN-friendly activities, visits to theme parks and even a gaming bus. The FCA team has care-experienced staff members on board who offer unique insight in the world of care through their own lived experiences.
Jessica Wilson is a participation officer at FCA Thames Valley and also spent some of her childhood in care, she now uses her own experiences to positively impact children in care today.
Jessica said: “I know what being in care feels like so I can really relate to our young people and let them know they’re not alone. I try to show them their voices genuinely matter and they have the power to shape change for themselves and others, too.
“I wish more people understood just how much change and uncertainty children in care often experience, and how deeply it can affect them. Even little things, like making sure their belongings are respected or really listening to their views can make a huge difference to their sense of worth and stability.”
FCA works collaboratively with local authorities to provide appropriate care for children and young people, matching children with the right foster families for them.
The agency offers holistic support to children and foster families, with leads in education, participation, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and health.
Interested in fostering? The FCA Thames Valley team would love to hear from you. Join a fostering community that values people as much as it values care, get in touch to find out more.
