We are thrilled to announce that Foster for Bradford, part of the Bradford Children and Families Trust, has recently been rated ‘Good’ across all inspection areas by Ofsted following its latest inspection in September 2025.
The Ofsted findings have been welcomed by Bradford Children and Families Trust and Bradford Council, which have been working closely with Foster for Bradford to improve children’s services across the district.
Inspectors saw how Bradford’s children in care are receiving high-quality care, making good progress and have a sense of ‘belonging, stability and security’. They also found that foster carers feel positive about the support they receive from Foster for Bradford via their social workers and they benefit from enrichment activities, including access to holidays in Foster for Bradford’s caravan.
The inspection outcome is a significant improvement on the previous ‘requires improvement to be good’ judgement (March 2024).
In the report, inspectors also praised Foster for Bradford’s strong safeguarding practices, and effective leadership, highlighting the positive experiences and progress of the children and young people.
Eileen Milner, Chair of Bradford Children and Families Trust, said:
“It is fantastic that Ofsted judge our independent fostering agency as ‘good’. The outcome reflects the dedication and compassion of our foster carers and colleagues. 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.
“We would encourage anyone who has considered fostering to get in touch with us. The Foster for Bradford team will guide and support you through every step of the process.”
Key strengths identified in the report include:
- Children experiencing stability, belonging, and emotional security in long-term placements.
- A strong emphasis on education, with good attendance and attainment.
- Effective recruitment and assessment of foster carers, ensuring secure and well-matched placements.
- The continued success of the Mockingbird Family Model, offering peer support and community for carers.
- Robust safeguarding and monitoring systems that ensure children’s safety and wellbeing.
Cllr Sue Duffy, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, said:
“I’m very pleased that Ofsted has rated Foster for Bradford as Good. This is a strong and positive step forward and reflects the real progress that has been made since Foster for Bradford became part of the Bradford Children and Families Trust.
“The report highlights the quality of care our foster families provide and the improvements in management oversight, support, and partnership working. Most importantly, it shows that children are thriving, feeling settled, secure and supported to do well in their education and lives.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our foster carers, the Foster for Bradford team, and everyone across the Children and Families Trust who worked so hard to make sure children have safe, stable and nurturing homes.
“We all know there is still more to do, and as a council we are committed to supporting the trust to keep on improving. Everyone’s focus is on making sure every child in Bradford grows up in a loving home, with the best possible opportunities for their future.”
The report also commended Foster for Bradford’s leadership and management, noting improved oversight, strengthened partnerships with education and mental health services, and a culture of support and pride among staff.
Emma Naylor, Registered Manager of Foster for Bradford, said:
“We’ve worked hard to listen, learn, and grow as a service. This rating is a testament to the resilience and heart of our team and carers. We remain committed to continuous improvement and to giving every child the opportunity to thrive.
”If you are interested in becoming a foster carer with Foster for Bradford, now is the perfect time to get in touch.
You can book a no-obligations call with our recruitment team by clicking on the link below, you can call us, email or even text.”
The Ofsted report, published following the recent inspection, can be found at: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50289794
For more information about fostering in the Bradford district, visit: www.bradfordcft.org.uk/fostering
To book a call back: www.bradfordcft.org.uk/fostering/enquire
Phone: 01274 434331
Email: foster4bradford@bradfordcft.org.uk
Text the word Bradford to 88802