Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire local authorities celebrate regional fostering partnership

The event marked the continued growth of Foster for East Midlands Councils, the regional fostering recruitment hub established in March 2024 by Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The partnership was initially created though funding from the Department of Education to strengthen foster carer recruitment and retention across the D2N2 region and help ensure more children could remain close to their schools, communities, friends and support networks.

Since launching, the partnership has generated nearly 2,700 enquiries, progressed more than 200 applications, and achieved up to 75 new fostering households across the region, delivering growth at a time when fostering numbers are declining nationally.

The family fun day was organised by Mockingbird, which provides enhanced peer support and stronger community-based care for fostering families.

A range of activities were enjoyed throughout the event alongside a shared picnic.

The celebration highlighted the importance of play, fun and mutual support between fostering families, while recognising and celebrating the vital work foster carers do every day.

Foster carers, families, council staff and cabinet members took part in a symbolic 'pledge of support' activity, writing personal pledges on cardboard bricks which formed a wall beside a two-metre house installation.

Together, the display represented the shared commitment to building strong foundations for children and young people in care.

Among the pledges shared during the event was one from Councillor Rory Green, cabinet member for children and families at Nottinghamshire County Council: “Always our best, each day for your brighter tomorrow. No matter what, know that you are loved.”

Lauren Wilson, fostering recruitment officer for Foster For East Midlands Councils pledged: “I pledge to keep advocating for our young people, challenging the narrative and stigma.”

Coun Linda Woodings (Lab), Nottingham City Council executive member for children and young people, pledged: “By working together we will create a brighter future for children.”

The event also reflected the Government’s national fostering reform programme, led by minister for children and families Josh MacAlister MP (Lab), which aimed to create 10,000 additional foster placements across the UK by 2029.

Mr MacAlister said: “We’re building a stronger fostering system that values, supports and backs families.”

Media representatives had the opportunity to speak with foster carers, individuals with lived experience of foster care, and cabinet members from across the partnership.

Hayley Smith, a foster carer with 16 years’ experience across the D2N2 region, said: “I became a foster carer as a single mum with a spare room and time to give.

“Nine months later, our first child arrived.

“The biggest reward is seeing children take on what you’ve taught them.”

Saira, a foster carer who experienced the care system herself before becoming a teacher and foster carer, said: “Having been in care myself, I wanted to give back.

“The best moments are when young people start to recognise their own strengths.”

Nationally, fostering services continued to face increasing demand, with growing recognition of the importance of family-based care for children unable to live with their birth families.

Foster care remained the most common and preferred form of care, offering stability, relationships and long-term positive outcomes for children and young people.

The Government’s fostering reform programme included £88 million of investment over two years, alongside plans to widen eligibility, speed up recruitment processes and improve support for carers.

If you’re inspired, why not consider fostering? Call 03033 132 950 or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to learn more.