STAFF at a Warminster based fostering agency are celebrating after they are one of 37 in the country to be given the highest possible rating in a recent Ofsted report in the last year out of the 313 independent fostering agencies that were inspected.

Five Rivers, who have more than 440 children and young people in households under their supervision, were recognised for the progress that it's carers make with their foster children when the were given the status of outstanding.

Staff, foster carers, children and young people in care all took part in Ofsted’s evaluation process and were asked a series of questions around the overall experiences of Five Rivers’ care, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers at the agency.

The report said: "Five Rivers is outstanding because children and young people, some of whom have very complex needs, make exceptional progress in many areas of their lives, and this progress is sustained over time.

"Children’s and young people’s participation is excellent. They have a real voice in how the agency is run. Their contributions are valued and they effect change.

"Children and young people who find it more difficult to communicate verbally are enabled to give their views because the agency is creative in ensuring that they have the opportunity to contribute.”

Martin Leitch, head of fostering operations for Five Rivers, said: “The Ofsted inspections are thorough, and we are only given two days notice to prepare for them.

"To receive an outstanding rating is testament to the fantastic work our team is doing every day across the region, and reflects positively on the young lives being changed for the better by our carers.”

For more information on fostering, please call Five Rivers on 03452660272 or visit www.five-rivers.org/fostering