At Lighthouse Fostering, our mission has always been to provide the highest standard of care for children and unparalleled support for the foster families who look after them. A cornerstone of our approach is therapeutic fostering, a model designed to help children heal from past trauma and build a brighter future. We are incredibly proud of the work we do, but it is always validating to have our approach recognised by external experts.
We are therefore thrilled to share some recent Ofsted feedback that highlights the success and impact of our therapeutic support programme. This acknowledgment is a testament to the dedication of our team and, most importantly, our incredible foster carers.
What is Therapeutic Fostering?
Before diving into the specifics of the feedback, it is important to understand what we mean by therapeutic fostering. Many children who come into care have experienced trauma, neglect, or significant disruption in their early lives. These experiences can have a lasting impact on their emotional well-being, behaviour, and ability to form secure attachments.
Therapeutic fostering is a specialist approach that goes beyond providing a safe home. It equips foster carers with the understanding, skills, and strategies needed to create a healing environment. It focuses on helping children make sense of their past, manage their feelings, and build resilience. This is achieved through specialised training, dedicated support, and access to therapeutic professionals. At Lighthouse Fostering, we believe this model gives children the best possible chance to thrive.
Positive Ofsted Feedback on Our Therapeutic Training
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. They inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people. An inspection from Ofsted is a thorough process, and positive feedback is a significant indicator of high-quality practice.
We were delighted that Ofsted recognised the value and commitment embedded in our training programme. Specifically, their report noted:
“The 12-week therapeutic parenting course, facilitated by the therapist, has been completed by 95% of primary carers. This helps foster carers better understand the children’s trauma and individual needs. Children and carers can access the resources and support provided by the agency therapist.”
This statement highlights several key elements of our service that we are particularly proud of, and it is worth exploring them in more detail.
A High Level of Commitment from Our Carers
The fact that 95% of our primary carers have completed the 12-week course is a phenomenal statistic. It speaks volumes about the dedication of the individuals and families who choose to foster with us. They are not just opening their homes; they are investing their time and energy into becoming the best possible therapeutic parents.
This 12-week course is comprehensive. It requires a significant commitment, but our carers consistently show up, ready to learn and grow. Their willingness to engage so deeply with the material is the single most important factor in its success. We are incredibly proud of them for their dedication to developing their skills for the benefit of the children they care for.
Deepening Understanding of Trauma
The Ofsted feedback rightly points out that the course helps foster carers "better understand the children’s trauma and individual needs." This is the core purpose of the training. Children who have experienced trauma may communicate their distress through challenging behaviour. A therapeutic approach helps carers look beyond the behaviour to the underlying need.
Our course, which is facilitated by our in-house therapist, provides carers with knowledge about child development, attachment theory, and the impact of trauma on the brain. This knowledge empowers carers to respond with empathy, patience, and consistency. They learn to co-regulate with a child, create felt safety, and build connections through trust-based parenting. This understanding is transformative, changing the dynamic within the foster home from one of management to one of healing.
Accessible, Professional Fostering Support
The final part of the Ofsted quote mentions that "children and carers can access the resources and support provided by the agency therapist." This is a crucial element of our fostering support package. Training is vital, but ongoing support is what makes it stick.
Our model ensures that the therapeutic input does not end when the course does. Our agency therapist is an integral part of our team, available to provide direct support, consultations, and resources to carers and children. This means that when a foster carer faces a challenging situation, they are not left to figure it out alone. They can access professional advice that is tailored to their specific circumstances and the individual needs of the child in their care. This wrap-around support system is essential for building carer confidence and ensuring the stability of placements.
The Real-World Impact of Therapeutic Fostering
The positive Ofsted feedback is wonderful to receive, but the true measure of our success is the impact we see on the ground. We see children who were once withdrawn and anxious begin to engage with their families and school. We see behaviours that were challenging begin to soften as the child feels safe and understood. We see foster carers who feel confident and equipped to manage complex situations.
Therapeutic fostering helps create "sticky" placements—stable, long-term homes where children can finally put down roots. It helps young people build their self-esteem, improve their educational outcomes, and develop the healthy relationships they need to succeed in life.
Every time a foster carer tells us about a breakthrough moment—a child initiating a hug for the first time, a successful family holiday, or a calm conversation about a difficult feeling—we know that this approach is working.
Join a Fostering Community That Cares
We are immensely proud of this Ofsted feedback, as it validates our commitment to a therapeutic approach. It is a shared achievement for the entire Lighthouse Fostering community. It reflects the hard work of our staff, the expertise of our therapist, and the incredible dedication of our foster carers.
If you are considering fostering, the level of training and support you will receive is one of the most important factors to consider. At Lighthouse Fostering, we promise to invest in you, providing you with the skills, knowledge, and support you need to make a real and lasting difference in a child’s life.
Together, we are creating a community of healing and hope. Thank you to everyone who is part of this journey.