Gloucestershire’s new promise to children in care and care leavers

The strategy was produced with children and young people, councillors, foster carers and partners. This reflects an ongoing commitment to make the experiences of children in care and care leavers a key consideration when planning the work of the council.  

The ambitious strategy sets actions against six priorities; involving children and young people in decision making, maintaining links with important people like family members and friends, supporting mental and physical health and wellbeing, having local foster families, children’s homes and suitable housing, keeping children safe from harm, and making sure there are plenty of opportunities to explore and achieve their potential.  

The three-year plan outlines innovative projects that are upcoming, in-development or recently implemented, and reflects the council’s commitment to set an example of excellence in care leaver support.  

The launch of the strategy comes the same day that the County Council services for older children in care and care leavers received praise in a letter from Ofsted, the national regulator of children’s services. Following a recent inspection the letter commended the “impressive level of dedication and ambition for care leavers in Gloucestershire, which has significantly improved the experiences of many care leavers.” 

Ofsted also praised the new strategy, stating “‘the sky’s the limit’ immediately highlights an aspirational approach” adding that “the voice of children is explicit throughout.” 

Cllr Stephen Davies, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “To launch this strategy on the same day that our care leavers services have received such enthusiastic praise from Ofsted demonstrates our dedication to continued improvement.  

“We have achieved so much, but we’re determined to do better. While this is how we view all council responsibilities, it is especially important in the care and support we give to our children and young people.” 

Ann James, Executive Director for Children’s Services said: “It has been a pleasure to work with our children and young people to develop a vision of what care should look like, and to set clear steps to achieving this. 
 
To be able to celebrate this new strategy alongside a very encouraging review from Ofsted, on National Care Day, allows us to recognise how far we have come while continuing to be ambitious and taking the next steps towards a standard of care in Gloucestershire that we can all be truly proud of.” 

You can read The Sky’s the Limit here.