Ofsted report highlights the increasingly important role of Independent Fostering Agencies

Ofsted’s annual Fostering in England report shines a light on the significant role that Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) play in the foster care sector, with 45% of fostering households now choosing to foster with an IFA. The findings, from 465 fostering agencies including 147 local authorities and 318 IFAs, show a steady growth in demand for fostering through an IFA.

Encouragingly, the report reveals that the overall number of newly approved foster carers has increased this year, bucking the downward trend of previous years. However, the total number of fostering households has continued to decline, but this was at a slower rate than last year (a 1% decline compared to 6% in 2024).

As of March 2025, there were 56,345 approved foster carers in England. The Fostering Network estimates that 5,000 more fostering families are needed in England to cope with the current demand.

James Townend, Managing Director, Fitzgerald Fostering said, “IFAs are becoming increasingly crucial in the foster care sector, working in partnership with local authorities to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people who are unable to live with their birth families. As the number of children entering care continues to rise, IFAs are stepping in to provide the stability, specialist support and nurturing environments that young people desperately need. But the reality is that we still need many more foster carers. Every year, thousands of children require safe, loving homes, and without enough foster carers, too many young people risk being placed far from their communities, split from siblings, or placed in settings that are not right for their needs.”

“At Fitzgerald Fostering, we know that becoming a foster carer is a big decision, and no one should take that journey alone. That’s why we commit to providing exceptional 24/7 support including comprehensive training and therapeutic guidance. We believe in building strong relationships with our carers, so they feel confident, valued and fully supported in making a life-changing difference for the young person in their care.”

If you live in Farnham, Slough, Reading, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Wokingham or the surrounding area and are considering fostering, please contact us to find out more or call us on 01753550031

Alternatively, register for one of our monthly online information events. Our next event takes place on Thursday  8 January from  5.30pm-7.00pm Register here