Outstanding fostering agency in Gloucester celebrates recent Ofsted rating

Outstanding fostering agency in Gloucester celebrates recent Ofsted rating

Children in care in and around Gloucester are benefiting from an exceptional level of support and stability thanks to Nexus Fostering Midlands and West, recently rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

The inspection, carried out from 3–7 November 2025 under the Social Care Common Inspection Framework, recognised the agency for delivering services that go above and beyond standard expectations. Inspectors praised the impact of its child-centred, therapeutic approach, designed to help children feel safe, supported, and understood, while promoting their emotional, social, and educational development.

Outstanding ratings across all areas

Inspectors awarded the highest possible judgement across:

• Overall experiences and progress of children and young people – Outstanding

• How well children and young people are helped and protected – Outstanding

• The effectiveness of leaders and managers – Outstanding

Ofsted highlighted Nexus Fostering Midlands and West as providing “highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good,” noting that the agency’s work contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.

How children benefit

Nexus Fostering’s Midlands and West approach ensures children:

• Build secure and trusting relationships with their foster families, giving them a real sense of belonging.

• Receive tailored support for emotional wellbeing, including access to specialists who help them process experiences of trauma, loss, or change.

• Enjoy stable, nurturing placements that allow them to flourish, develop self-confidence, and achieve their full potential.

• Are supported in education and personal development, with dedicated staff working alongside schools to meet each child’s individual needs.

• Have their voices heard through participation initiatives, workshops, and opportunities to influence decisions about their lives.

One child told inspectors:

“The best thing is being cared for and feeling loved. Nothing could be better, everything is perfect.”

The report also highlighted innovative initiatives, such as neurodiversity support, inclusive practices for children with differing needs, and robust safeguarding procedures, all helping children feel safe, valued, and supported every day.

Exceptional support for foster carers

Ofsted commended the agency’s leadership and staff, noting that foster carers receive comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support. This ensures children are consistently cared for by carers who understand their needs, helping them overcome challenges and achieve life-changing progress.

Jane Vallender, Registered Manager, said:

“Being an Outstanding agency means we can remain committed to providing safe, stable homes where children can thrive and reach their full potential, and ensuring foster carers are valued and well supported so they are able to continue affording children the best possible care, providing them with opportunities to flourish.  Every child deserves to feel loved, safe and empowered to achieve their best.”

Make a difference in your local area

Nexus Fostering Midlands and West is encouraging anyone who has considered fostering in and around Bristol, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, or those thinking about transferring from another provider to get in touch. Comprehensive training, supervision, and ongoing support are offered to all carers.

• Take a look at their upcoming fostering drop in events in Gloucester here.

• Call: 01452 491 980

• Visit the office: Unit A5, Elmbridge Court, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester, GL3 1JZ