Southern Counties Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted

We’re proud to announce that our Southern Counties team have been rated as ‘Outstanding’ following an official inspection from Ofsted, the independent watchdog.

The Southern Counties team provide fostering services in and around Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, and is responsible for respite, emergency and long and short-term fostering placements for over 65 children.

The team were praised by inspectors for ‘providing highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good and contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people’.

Ofsted commented: “Foster carers and staff have high aspirations for the children in their care. Attendance and engagement in education are actively promoted and all children are making progress. Children are also given opportunities to experience things that they may not have done before.”

Previously rated as ‘Good’ in February 2016, managers have strived to excel and inspire a culture where all staff and carers aspire to be the best.

Carers also report exceptionally high levels of satisfaction of working in a culture where continuing professional development is encouraged. One commented: “I value these opportunities, it enhances communication among colleagues who work remotely and facilitates good team working.”

Registered Manager for the Southern Counties team, Andy Purnell, praised the agency’s foster carers as being instrumental to this achievement. “It is a testament to the dedication of our team at Orange Grove and to the foster carers that work so closely with us.

“We are very proud of our Outstanding inspection result and are privileged to work with such motivated and dedicated carers, and the children and young people they care for.”

Bridgid McCaig, Orange Grove Agency Director, added: “This is fantastic news for our southern counties office. The team should feel immensely proud of the outstanding care, support and services they provide for some of the most vulnerable children in the area.”

If you would like to find out more about how to become a foster carer, call 0800 369 8513 or fill in our online web form.

Interested in fostering in Surrey, Sussex, Kent or Hampshire? Get in touch with our Southern Counties team today.