A FOSTERING agency based at Hanley Swan, near Malvern, has been awarded a top rating in its first inspection by Ofsted.

The rating is particularly pleasing because Foundation Fostering, based at the Acorn Business Centre, Roberts End, only registered with Ofsted as an Independent Fostering Agency ten months ago.

Nick Eadon, Foundation's operations director, said: "We are delighted to achieve a ‘good’, which is apparently the highest grade one can attain for a first inspection nowadays.

"We all know that the welfare of the child is paramount, and to this end our guiding principle is a looked-after carer means a looked-after child."

The report, following an inspection in May, says: "Each child and young person is treated as an individual and given personal support tailored to their individual needs. A key strength of this agency is the sensitive support foster carers give to children and young people with complex health needs."

The report says that Foundation can further improve the quality and standards of its care by ensuring that all its foster carers have their approvals reviewed annually.