Achieving for Children

03/09/2025

What an incredible year it’s been for AfC Fostering! 💛

We’ve had the absolute pleasure of attending so many fantastic events - from community festivals, summer fairs and recruitment days. Every single one gave us the chance to meet amazing people, have fun, and most importantly, talk about something we’re truly passionate about: fostering.

Whether we were answering questions, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the sunshine with you - we loved every minute of it. 😊

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask about fostering, or just have a chat. Your support means everything to us and the children we care for.

📸 Check out some of our favourite memories in the collage below!

Thinking about fostering? We’re always here to talk - no pressure, just friendly advice and a welcoming team ready to help ➡️ achievingforchildren.org.uk/contact-fostering

Fostering South East Norden Farm Centre for the Arts John Lewis & Partners Kiri Pritchard - McLean RBWM Kingston upon Thames London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

02/09/2025

As we wrap up our summer safety campaign on Windsor and Maidenhead AfCinfo, our final posts help parents and carers understand the law and a young person's rights.

Check out the post below and head over to the Windsor and Maidenhead page to find out more.

As we wrap up our summer safety campaign, we are going to share some guidance to help parents and carers understand the law. ✍️

So, let's dispel some myths around what's legal and illegal and whether your teen can be searched.

1. It is illegal to carry a knife, even if it belongs to someone else

2. Young people can be liable for crimes they didn't directly commit, especially in cases involving knives. If they were part of a group when a knife was used by someone, else they could also be charged.

3. The police can take action for any amount of drugs found on a young person.

4. Taking, making, sharing, or possessing indecent images of children under 18 is illegal, even if the young person is taking indecent images of themselves.

5. The police need ‘reasonable grounds’ to stop and search someone.

01/09/2025

AfC Fostering were proud to be part of ROCK THE REC - Windsor’s brilliant music festival at Clewer Memorial Recreation Ground on Sunday 🎪🎸

We had some fantastic conversations with festivalgoers about fostering and the difference it can make. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and shared their stories or asked questions 💜

Want to find out more about fostering with us? Visit 👉 https://www.achievingforchildren.org.uk/fostering

29/08/2025

What a fantastic day at our Summer Fun Day 2025! 🌞

A huge thank you to Jenners Cafe for hosting such a brilliant event for AfC Fostering. We had an amazing time with our wonderful foster carers enjoying mini golf, football, rounders, badminton, card games, rock painting, face painting, glitter tattoos… and of course, we finished it all off with a delicious ice cream! 🍦💛

It was a day full of laughter, connection, and creativity - the perfect way to celebrate summer together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it so special! 💫

https://www.facebook.com/jennerscafe/

Fostering South East

28/08/2025

We’re incredibly proud to share that our children's services in Richmond have been awarded Ofsted’s highest rating of 'Outstanding' in its latest inspection. 🥳

This is a huge moment for all of us - Since our last inspection in 2022, we’ve worked hard to strengthen and improve the support we offer to children, young people and families, and we’re so pleased that Ofsted has recognised the impact of that work.

Inspectors praised:

✅ Exceptional care for children in care
✅ Inspirational support for care leavers
✅ A skilled, stable and well-supported workforce
✅ Strong corporate parenting and visible leadership
✅ Services shaped by the voices of children and young people

This result is a reflection of the dedication and compassion of our teams - social workers, carers, practitioners and partners - and of the children and families who inspire and guide the way we work every day. 💛

While we’re celebrating this recognition, we know our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to helping every child in Richmond grow up safe, supported and able to thrive.

Huge thanks to our teams, carers, partners and the children and families we serve.

You can read the full Ofsted report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/44/80513

28/08/2025

When the nest feels a little too quiet…

This time of year, many young people are spreading their wings and heading off to university, college, or new adventures. For parents, it can feel bittersweet — the pride of watching them fly balanced with the silence left behind.

If you’re missing the bustle of family life, the routine of school runs, or simply the joy of a busy home, fostering could be a new chapter for you.

Thousands of children and young people across the UK need a safe, caring place to belong. As a foster carer, you could offer not just a roof over their heads, but the love, guidance, and stability every child deserves.

Your local authority is recruiting!
Find out how fostering could be the perfect next step in your journey.
Visit www.lafosteringse.org.uk



🔗 Achieving for Children | Bracknell Forest Fostering | Brighter Futures for Children | Fostering Service - Hampshire County Council | Isle of Wight Fostering | Kent Fostering and Supported Homes | Medway Council Fostering | MKCCFostering | Fostering in Oxfordshire | Foster Portsmouth | Slough Children First | Southampton City Council Fostering Service | Surrey County Council Fostering Service | West Berkshire Fostering | Wokingham Fostering

27/08/2025

Sometimes the best support is knowing you’re not alone.

🗨️ “It’s not an easy journey, but having each other is a lifeline.”

🗨️ “It’s nice talking to people who just get it.”

🗨️ “I know I can always pick up the phone if I need support.”

That’s what Mockingbird at AfC Fostering is all about - building connection, reducing isolation, and creating lasting relationships 🧡

Learn more about the national programme: https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/programmes/mockingbird-programme/

The Fostering Network

25/08/2025

What do our satellite carers say about Mockingbird?

🗣️ “It’s spectacular… it’s helpful to know the support is there.”

🗣️ “The hub carers are fantastic - proactive, open, and experienced.”

🗣️ “Mockingbird gives me breathing space and helps my mental health.”

🗣️ “It’s a safe place where we’re not judged - and our children feel like they have a family.”

This is more than a model - it’s a community 💛

22/08/2025

Meet Holly and Chris - our incredible Home Hub Carers who are at the heart of their Mockingbird Constellation 💫

Here’s what our foster carers are saying:

🗣️ “She is really good at communication, she is thoughtful. She reaches out and keeps the group going.”

🗣️ “We are very enthusiastic about being part of Mockingbird and this is largely thanks to our Home Hub Carer.”

🗣️ “Organised a very successful first social meet-up in the park - we and our children really enjoyed it!”

Thank you Holly and Chris for the compassion, energy and warmth you bring 💛

20/08/2025

At AfC Fostering, we’re proud to be part of the innovative Mockingbird programme, with two thriving Constellations supporting our foster families.

Mockingbird builds a community of care - bringing together 6 to 10 fostering families (called satellites) around a central Home Hub Carer to offer practical and emotional support.

It’s all about connection, resilience, and shared experiences ❤️

👉 Learn more about the national programme:
https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/programmes/mockingbird-programme/

Fostering South East

19/08/2025

If you’re already a foster carer, you know how life-changing it can be – for children and for you.

Sometimes, the best way to inspire new foster carers isn’t an advert or a leaflet…it’s you.

When you share your experiences with friends, family, or colleagues, you help them see what fostering is really like – the challenges, the joys, the moments that matter.

▪ Someone might be waiting to hear from you that they could do it too.
▪ Your story could be the seed that grows into a safe, loving home for a child.

So next time the topic comes up – at the school gate, over coffee, or in a group chat – tell them what fostering has meant to you. You never know whose life you might change!

And if they’re curious, send them our way ...
📍www.lafosteringse.org.uk



🔗 Achieving for Children | Bracknell Forest Fostering | Brighter Futures for Children | Fostering Service - Hampshire County Council | Isle of Wight Fostering | Kent Fostering and Supported Homes | Medway Council Fostering | MKCCFostering | Fostering in Oxfordshire | Foster Portsmouth | Slough Children First | Southampton City Council Fostering Service | Surrey County Council Fostering Service | West Berkshire Fostering | Wokingham Fostering

11/08/2025