We are delighted to share that ISP Chesham has been awarded an Outstanding judgement in all areas following its latest Ofsted inspection.
The inspection, which took place in February, recognised the team for the exceptional care, support and opportunities provided to children and young people, as well as the dedication of the agency’s foster parents and professionals.
The report highlighted the agency’s commitment to nurturing children’s emotional and physical wellbeing, helping them prepare for the future and creating an environment where every child feels valued, included and able to thrive.
Children feel safe, valued and celebrated
Ofsted praised the agency’s inclusive approach and the commitment of foster parents to helping children feel proud of who they are.
The report said: “Foster carers demonstrate exceptional acceptance, curiosity, and advocacy, consistently challenging discrimination and celebrating diversity… Ensuring that children feel safe, valued, and proud of who they are.”
Children and young people at ISP Chesham were described as having ‘exceptionally positive experiences’. Through participation groups, activities and one-to-one conversations, children are encouraged to share their views and experiences, helping to shape the support they receive and influence decisions within the agency.
Long-term stability and brighter futures
A key strength highlighted within the inspection was the agency’s focus on providing long-term stability for children and young people.
Many children remain with their foster families on a long-term basis, with some continuing to live with their foster families through Staying Put arrangements after the age of 18, providing them with the security and ongoing support they need as they transition into adulthood.
Ofsted also recognised the agency’s commitment to helping young people achieve their ambitions. Two young people supported by ISP Chesham have progressed to university, something only a small proportion of care-experienced young people achieve nationally. The report stated that this: “reflects the agency’s commitment to their success.”
Ofsted added: “Foster carers speak positively and fondly about the children, expressing pride in each child’s achievements. Children thrive in nurturing, stable and highly responsive homes where they feel genuinely valued, heard and respected.”
Inspirational leadership and a whole-team effort
The effectiveness of leaders and managers was also judged Outstanding, with Ofsted describing the leadership of the agency as ‘inspirational’.
Jane Partridge, Registered Manager at ISP Chesham, said: “This Ofsted report is such a brilliant read and celebrates so many attributes of our agency. It is wholly representative of the dedication and passion of our team of foster parents and professionals.
“Fostering is not easy to do, and it really does take a village to provide this level of support and care to our children and young people and to our foster parents, too.
“I am so proud of this judgement and to have so many areas of the work we do commended by Ofsted. We want fostering to be a positive experience for the whole family and have seen first-hand the incredible things we can achieve when we work together.”
We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to every foster parent, child, young person and member of staff who contributes to making ISP such a special community. This Outstanding judgement is a reflection of the life-changing difference that can be achieved when children are surrounded by stability, therapeutic support and people who genuinely care.
If you’re thinking about fostering and want to be part of an Outstanding team that puts children first and offers unrivalled support, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with our team here.
Download information pack
If you’re interested in fostering, then download our information pack to discover everything you need to know about becoming a foster parent with ISP.
