dorset council

A report released by Dorset Council has concluded that children in care in Dorset are thriving in the right educational setting, attending, feel included and listened to so that they become independent and resilient young people.

The report states: ‘We do not give up when one of our children hits a bump in the road; we set our sights high, in the knowledge that every child has the potential and right to a wonderful future leading from a brilliant education.’

Councillor Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education, skills and early help, said: ‘We know that children do their very best when they are in an educational setting as much as possible – not only is it good for their achievement but it is also good for their mental wellbeing and their social development whatever age they are.

‘So I am really pleased to see that we’ve seen a reduction in the number of children on reduced timetables and a reduction of the number of children missing out on education.’

As well as taking part in education, the achievements of over 100 children were celebrated at the Dorset Virtual School Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) Awards, and there have been weekly celebrations of over 100 children and young people who have excelled in education or overcome significant barriers.

2022 also saw the first Dorset Young Person Conference which helps to raise ambition and aspiration for this group of young people who often have a harder start in life.

The Virtual School Council started just over a year ago to further engage with the young people in care and create a forum for their thoughts and ideas on the Virtual School. Children on the Virtual School Council say that they ‘want to work together to share our voice, have fun and make friends.’

Councillor Parry added: ‘This annual report is a wonderful opportunity to share in and celebrate the achievements and successes of our children and young people over the past year.

‘I am incredibly proud of all our children and young people, who daily show their resilience, perseverance and determination.

‘I would like to thank all our carers, teachers, virtual school leads, social workers, personal assistants and the wider teams that support our children to achieve their potential and widen their aspirations.’

The Fostering Network in Dorset has agreed on a partnership with the global Mockingbird programme.

Mockingbird delivers sustainable foster care as an evidence-based model structured around the support and relationships an extended family provides.

The model nurtures the relationships between children, young people and foster families supporting them.

The first extended family group, or constellation, met for a party to celebrate the official start of the programme with Dorset Council.

Freya Burley, Mockingbird implementation manager at The Fostering Network said: ‘We’re really delighted to celebrate the launch of Mockingbird in Dorset. The model has had a big impact for fostering families around the UK, and globally.

“It works by setting up a group of six to ten fostering families, known as a constellation, who provide support to each other in a similar way to an extended family.

“Relationships are key to the success of Mockingbird, so at the centre of each constellation there is a hub home family who organise at least one social event every month for the families, offer emotional and practical support and can even have the children in the constellation for sleepovers. The model offers supportive relationships for everyone in the fostering family, including the sons and daughters of foster carers.”

Helena and Graham Sellers are the hub home carers for the first constellation. Helena said: “I am really excited to see all the families come together with all their children, both foster children and birth children. The party was a great way to celebrate this first constellation and I think the support we are all able to give each other will really help us to see the children do well.”

Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education and early years, said: “We know that there is evidence that the Mockingbird programme really works to support foster families.

“The hub home carer builds strong relationships with everyone in the constellation, so families are better placed to support each other and overcome problems before they escalate. Best of all, the children have another trusted adult they can talk to if they are going through a tough time.”

Dorset Council’s fostering service puts the children who need loving, local foster homes at the heart of everything it does. The key focus is on keeping local children close to their schools, friends and birth families so they are always looking for more foster carers.

Foster carers transform the lives of children and young people by opening their hearts and homes to those who need it the most. At present, demand for foster carers in Dorset is high – especially for teenagers and sibling groups.