Foster service rating upgraded to 'good'

Ofsted noted several improvements to the service since its last inspection

Bradford's foster care service has been rated as good by Ofsted, after a previous inspection in 2024 found the service required improvement.

The department, run by the Bradford Children and Families Trust, was visited by inspectors in September when they noted "significant improvements" had been made.

In a report, Ofsted said most foster children under the care of the trust had "positive experiences and outcomes" and received "high quality care".

Eileen Milner, chair of the Trust, said: "The outcome reflects the dedication and compassion of our foster carers and colleagues."

The report said that "most children are settled and have lived with their foster carers for several years," providing them with "a sense of belonging, stability and security".

The trust was set up in 2023 to take over the running of all children's services in Bradford from the council, after successive inadequate ratings and the death of toddler Star Hobson.

The decision to strip Bradford Council of control of its children's services came after recommendations made to the then Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi.

Ms Milner said the result of the latest inspection was "fantastic".

She added: "We are proud to see Foster for Bradford recognised for the safe, nurturing, and stable environments it provides for children and young people across our district.

"Our foster carers are crucial to being able to provide support, guidance, stability and care to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our district."

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