AFTER nearly 30 years working for local authorities and a number of different independent fostering agencies, Nick Eadon, of Hanley Swan, near Malvern, the Director of Foundation Fostering, decided to create an agency based on the principle that "a looked-after carer means a looked after child".

Nick said: “The Foundation Fostering ethos is, of course, putting the needs of children first, but it is equally about looking after our foster carers. A child never forgets a good foster carer.”

Since Foundation Fostering was registered by Ofsted in July 2013 and rated ‘Good’ in all areas during its first inspection, now the highest grade for a first inspection, the agency has also become one of the preferred providers for Worcestershire County Council.

If you have ever thought about becoming a foster carer, make contact with Foundation Fostering to find out more about it.

With a national shortage of foster carers and over 700 Independent Fostering Agencies in the UK it can be daunting for a new carer deciding which agency to join, and similarly if you are already a foster carer it can be difficult making the decision to transfer agencies.

One experienced foster carer who recently joined Foundation Fostering said: “The support and openness of the agency ensures that foster carers feel trusted and valued.

"There is a genuine commitment to the welfare of the carer which supports directly our ability to care for the children.

"It’s a great fostering agency to work with, and for.”

For further information about fostering telephone 01684 311555 or visit the website: www.foundationfostering.org.