Following an inspection in December 2023, Ofsted have announced that TACT North West has been rated ‘Outstanding’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children in the North West.
The Ofsted report drew specific attention to the fact that the cultural and religious needs of children and young people were met, and that their views, feelings and ideas were key to driving the development of the agency.
TACT North West excels itself on delivering a child-centred practice with bespoke support to understand and respond to children’s past trauma and emotional health needs. The team have an in-house Therapeutic Social Worker and have commissioned a Clinical Psychologist to ensure the delivery of excellent quality of care.
TACT North West has been highly commended for its wellbeing support to foster carers: “The agency has a strong and effective focus on the wellbeing of foster carers. Foster carers have regular social activities, paid for by the agency, where they can meet up, without staff, to talk and gain support from one another. Leaders and managers provide additional financial support to carers at times of financial difficulty. This reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting and retaining their foster carers and valuing the contribution they make to children’s lives.”
One of TACT North West Foster Carers went on to say “From the application process, through to training, to the regular supervisions, and therapeutic support groups, we have constantly felt supported”
The Ofsted report also praised the skilled team: “Foster carers benefit from a stable and skilled team of Supervising Social Workers. The team works very well together. They know each other’s foster carers and children.”
Jon Broadhurst, TACT North West Area Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted has recognised the hard work and dedication of our staff, foster carers, therapists and support staff. We hope that getting such a fantastic endorsement from Ofsted will encourage people to consider fostering with TACT.”
