Drive to find and support people who ‘privately foster’

Bradford Council is marking Private Fostering Week, which runs from 3 to 7 July, by reminding people to get in touch if they think a child is living with someone other than their parents or a close relative.

Private fostering is where a child lives with someone who is not their parent or a close relative, for longer than 28 days. This can be for a number of reasons including if the child’s parents are abroad or unwell, or if there are difficulties in the family.

Private foster care can be a very positive experience; however, the council needs to know about children and young people in these types of arrangements as they are potentially vulnerable as they are not living with their parents.

Bradford Council is particularly asking people who work with children to be aware of private fostering and to notify the council.

The council has produced a short film about private fostering that can be viewed here.  Messages are also being sent out in to the Polish, Slovakian and Czech communities through social media posts.

Coun Val Slater, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “If you look after someone else’s child, or know of someone who does, we’re encouraging you to contact us.

“Ensuring all children are safe is a priority. Everyone should know what private fostering is and what you need to do if you think a child is living in this arrangement.”

People can contact Children’s Services on 01274 437500 or find out more at:

http://www.bradford.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/private-fostering/private-fostering/

More information about the national campaign is available at:

http://www.privatefostering.org.uk/

Notes

A private fostering arrangement is essentially one that is made without the direct involvement of a Local Authority for the care of a child under the age of 16 (or 18 if disabled) by someone other than a parent or close relative for 28 days or more.

A close relative is defined as “a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt or uncle (whether a full or half relative or by marriage or civil partnership) or step-parent.

Privately fostered children are a diverse and sometimes vulnerable group, which includes:

• children sent from abroad to stay with another family, usually to improve their educational opportunities

• teenagers who, having fallen out with their parents, are staying in short-term arrangements with friends or other non-relatives

• language students living with host families

Primary school celebrates double inspection success

Staff and pupils at a village primary school have double the reason to celebrate after receiving two very positive inspection reports in quick succession.

East Morton CE Primary has been praised in an Ofsted report with inspectors describing it as a good and improving school in which parents have great confidence and where pupils thrive.

This closely follows a very successful SIAMS Inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) with the inspector judging East Morton as an outstanding school which “celebrates the unique value of each individual pupil, ensuring that all are supported to achieve the best possible educational outcomes.”

Both the Ofsted and SIAMS reports praise headteacher Katie Savage’s “exceptional vision” for the school, which inspectors feel along with her inspirational and engaging leadership, “have created a community that celebrates pupils and celebrates life”.

The SIAMS report notes that staff are “highly effective role models” and “pupils follow their example by showing each other universal courtesy and respect”.

The Ofsted report praises pupils’ behaviour and impeccable manners. Pupils are also said to develop “excellent personal and social skills” through the “exceptional spiritual, moral, social and cultural education provided by the school.”

The reports also recognises “the great confidence which parents rightly have in the school”, with one parent describing the school as “a second home for our children.”

Children throughout the school are said to make good progress and Ofsted says a “challenging yet supportive culture” is helping teachers to stretch the most able pupils.

East Morton CE Primary School’s Headteacher Katie Savage said:  “As a school community, we are delighted with the outcome of both of our recent inspections and have noted with pleasure the fact that the reports celebrate our school’s distinctive ethos, vision and values, which have been central to our continued success.”

Coun Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Education, Employment and Skills said:  “To undergo two inspections in quick succession is a challenge for any school but East Morton CE Primary has come through with flying colours. These reports are full of praise for the way the school supports both pupils’ education and their personal and social development. They are a credit to everyone involved.”

St Mary’s is a Good school says Ofsted

Riddlesden St Mary’s CofE (Aided) Primary School has been judged to be good following its recent Ofsted inspection.

The school was judged to require improvement when it was previously inspected in March 2014.

In a very complimentary report, the inspectors said:  “The headteacher has high expectations of pupils and staff.  As a result, pupils’ outcomes and the quality of teaching have improved over time and are now good.Headteacher, Linda Wright, said:  “We are delighted with Ofsted’s findings as they recognised the amount of work which everyone has put in to bring about this positive outcome.

“We are particularly pleased they recognised the robust systems which we put in place to support improvement are proving efficient and that our Governors are well informed and pro-active.”

Michael Jameson, Bradford Council’s Director of Children’s Services, said:  “This is an excellent result for Riddlesden St Mary’s.  Pupils, staff, parents, Governors and the wider community who have all contributed to this achievement should be very proud.”

Other comments in the report include:

• Leaders are passionate about the school’s values and promote them exceptionally well.  As a result, pupils develop a clear understanding of democracy, law, freedom, liberty, tolerance and respect.
• Governorshave sought good training opportunities to ensure they have the necessary skills to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.
• The school is promoting reading well.
• Staff believe behaviour is good in school.  Parents agree and believe that their children enjoy school.