A Bracknell-based fostering agency has been rated outstanding by Ofsted for the third time in a row.

Fitzgerald Fostering has kept this top standard since 2018.

The agency, which recruits, trains, and supports foster families in Berkshire and the home counties, was praised by Ofsted inspectors across all criteria.

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This includes the overall experiences and progress of young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

The inspection report highlighted that children in the agency placements "make exceptional progress because they are cared for by compassionate and resilient foster carers and because of the excellent support that the agency provides".

It also identified an "excellent safeguarding culture" and cited the "compassionate, child-focused leadership team" as an "inspiring strength".

The training and guidance provided by the agency results in foster carers feeling "empowered, knowledgeable and supported to deliver safe, informed, high-quality care to children".

This contributes to placement stability and helps children "thrive and achieve well in all areas of their life".

James Townend, managing director of the agency, said: "Receiving our third consecutive outstanding rating from Ofsted is testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, who share a commitment to helping children in foster care succeed and achieve their ambitions in life.

"We support our foster carers every step of the way, providing excellent training and ensuring they feel valued.

"We are firm believers that this close collaboration with foster carers provides the best possible outcomes for the children and young people in their care, and we are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the effectiveness of this approach."

He continued: "Many people considering fostering don’t realise that they have a choice when selecting a foster care provider, and this decision can make all the difference to their foster care journey.

"As a small, independent fostering agency, we are able to build strong and supportive relationships with our foster carers, and our therapeutic model of care means that the training and support we provide are tailored to meet individual needs."

"The UK currently has more children in care than ever before, which is why there is an urgent need for more foster carers.

"Fostering can change the lives of young people in care and, with the right support, it can also be life-changing for the carers."

Founded in 2007, the agency specialises in short-term and long-term fostering placements, including emergency foster care and respite foster care.