Adoption and Fostering Services in Norfolk judged good by inspectors

Added: 19/03/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

Adopted and fostered children in Norfolk are receiving a “good” service with outstanding features, according to inspectors.

Ofsted has published separate reports on Norfolk County Council's Adoption Service and Fostering Services and has ruled both to be “good” or “outstanding” in every inspected category.

A "good" category means that provision in the area is strong, while outstanding means provision is exceptionally high.

Norfolk County Council received particular praise for its work to help adopted children achieve well and enjoy what they do and its work in helping children to make a positive contribution.

Ofsted said that the Adoption Service was “well managed” and that the agency “demonstrates a life long commitment to all those involved in the adoption process.”

Inspectors also said adopters spoke “very highly” of their assessing social workers, describing them as “professional, reliable and sensitive”.

Norfolk County Council's Adoption and Family Finding Unit is responsible for recruiting, preparing and assessing adopters; supporting adoption placements; post adoption support to those whose lives have been touched by adoption and support to birth parents of children placed for adoption.

Ofsted inspected the service in four categories, with an overall rating of good.

Two categories were ruled outstanding and two were judged good.

The Fostering Service was found to have made “significant improvements” since its previous inspection and was judged outstanding in helping children to be healthy and make a positive contribution. Staff were also found to be positive about the service and their managers.

Inspectors found that the service made “a significant commitment to consultation with children and young people” and noted that “children are encouraged to reach their potential”. Ofsted said a “high priority” was given to meeting the education needs of children. Norfolk County Council has furthered its commitment to the education of Looked After Children by pledging that all of Looked After Children who attend school will have access to their own computer

Rosalie Monbiot, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “It is vitally important that we deliver the best possible service to adopted children and their families, supporting them sensitively and effectively to ensure that the adoption is successful.

“Our Adoption and Family Finding Unit does a fantastic job in meeting the individual needs of each child and family and ensuring that adopters are well prepared and have a clear understanding of the likely needs of the child coming into their care.

“I am particularly pleased that Ofsted have noted the efforts we are going to to meet the needs of older children, children with specific needs and sibling groups, by providing families within Norfolk.

“The recognition of our Fostering Service is also welcome news as it shows that the children coming into our care are supported well and consulted about their needs. Staff working in both services should be commended for their hard work and determination to deliver the best possible outcomes for children.”