MULBERRY Foster Care has again been rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, following its latest inspection.

In November last year inspectors visited the care facility at the Phocle Green Business Park and judged the independent fostering agency to be ‘Outstanding’ for overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers, confirming that the service continues to ‘consistently exceed the standards of good’.

This latest judgement marks a second consecutive Outstanding rating and reflects Mulberry Foster Care’s unwavering commitment to providing safe, nurturing and therapeutic homes where children can truly thrive.

The inspectors highlighted that children make exceptional progress from their starting points, including those with complex needs, due to the consistent, high-quality care provided by foster carers and the extensive support offered by the agency.

Inspectors also praised the strong relationships between children and their carers, noting that many children experience a real sense of belonging and stability in their foster homes

The report also recognised Mulberry’s deeply embedded therapeutic ethos, with children having access to a wide range of funded interventions such as play therapy, mentoring, music therapy and equine therapy.

Inspectors found that these approaches directly contribute to improved emotional wellbeing, placement stability and positive long-term outcomes for children

Leadership at Mulberry Foster Care was described as ‘inspirational’, with managers praised for creating a highly supportive culture for both staff and foster carers.

Foster carers reported feeling valued, listened to and exceptionally well supported, with one describing their supervising social worker as ‘amazing… always on hand 24/7’.

Matthew Smith, director at Mulberry Foster Care, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been rated ‘Outstanding’ again. This judgement reflects the dedication of our foster carers, staff and children, and the strong relationships at the heart of everything we do.

“At the same time, we know there are more children who need the kind of safe, nurturing homes our carers provide. We would love to hear from anyone who is thinking about fostering and wants to make a genuine difference to a child’s life.”

While celebrating this achievement, Mulberry Foster Care is also using the moment to raise awareness of the urgent need for more foster carers locally.

There are many children who need safe, loving homes, and Mulberry is keen to hear from individuals, couples and families who may be considering fostering for the first time – as well as those with previous experience.

Mulberry Foster Care was founded by Shaun Burnett and Andrew Robinson in 2016. Together they created an agency with children at the forefront of every decision and of every employee and foster carer within the agency.

And following a building swap in October 2024, with another company on the same business park, they have been able to expand what the organisation offers by moving into a premises that are much larger.

Find out more by emailing [email protected] or by visiting mulberryfostercare.co.uk.