Leicestershire County Council’s Children and Family Services have recently been rated as outstanding by Ofsted. After three weeks of intensive assessment, the support offered to Leicestershire foster carers was highlighted as ‘consistent and reliable’ by inspectors.
Paul and Marie have been fostering for 15 years. In this time, they have welcomed between 30 and 40 children (they’ve lost count!) into their lives. A mechanic and nursery nurse by trade, their interest was sparked after supporting a friend who fostered disabled children.
Paul and Marie now specialise in caring for disabled children, as well as taking time to support other carers who make up our fostering family.
Here’s their story, and their thoughts on the support they are offered:
What has your experience been with fostering?
We’ve looked after children of all ages; some long-term placements and, recently, ‘bridging’ placements of just six to eight weeks. Fostering does obviously earn us an income but it’s so much more than that. When you see a difference in a child after looking after them, that means so much.
Many children don’t realise it, but they need structure and routine. We also have a calm home, which I think helps. Sometimes you don’t always see the changes when you’re living it but then someone from the outside will come along and say they have noticed a real difference in the child you’re looking after.
What is it like fostering with the council?
We were originally with an IFA (independent fostering agency), but when we joined the council, it really became part of our extended family. Without a shadow of a doubt, it was the best decision for us. There are some fantastic carers and staff, and support is available 24/7. We love being part of the council’s fostering community.
We now run locality groups, bringing foster carers together, and also do mentoring. Paul has also recently become chair of the Leicestershire Foster Carers Association.
How did fostering fit in with your family life?
We have three birth children and we sat down and had a discussion with them about it before going ahead. Our eldest was 12 at the time and she asked if we could not look after any children older than her, so we respected that. They have all grown up now, but fostering became part of our lives.
Have you any message to anyone thinking about fostering?
Just pick up the phone and have a chat with the team or come along to one of the information events to see what it’s about. It’s that easy.
If you would like to find out more about fostering, visit Fostering Leicestershire, or contact the team directly on fostering@leics.gov.uk or 0116 305 0505.
You can also follow our Facebook page for regular updates.