Excel Fostering have been making brighter tomorrows for children and young people for over 10 years.
At Excel Fostering we have nearly 100 foster carers. In partnership with our expert team of staff, we have recently been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. This is a testament to our staff and carers and, the great work they do together in helping children and young people.
With over 14,500 children in care across the North West, we work with local authorities, from Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Borough Council to Cumbria County Council and Warrington Borough Council to place children with our foster families to provide a secure, loving and stable home.
When you join the Excel family, our foster carers are supported with expert advice and guidance as well as training and support, 24/7 365 days.
As a foster carer, you and family have access to support groups which provides you with the opportunity to meet with other Excel foster carers and forge strong bonds with like-minded people.
We also have time for fun! Whether it’s meeting in the local park, visiting a zoo or spending the day at the theme park - be assured we always make time to spend with our family.
Recruitment of new foster carers ensure that there is timely follow-up, induction, support and training.
A newly introduced buddying system, alongside formal staff support, enhances new foster carers’ experiences.
I’ve been with Excel since June 2014 and prior to joining the team I worked in a local authority Initial Assessment and Child Protection team.
I first heard about Excel Fostering when I was completing my social work degree and I was able to complete my final placement with them, which is what brought me into contact with foster carers and helped me to realise what a valuable role they play.
I was also impressed with how enthusiastic and motivated the team were to support foster carers and the children and young people in placement with them to achieve positive outcomes. After gaining the experience in front line social work, I was looking forward to pursuing a career within a fostering setting.
Since joining the team, I have worked in the role of supervising social worker, senior practitioner, team manager before becoming the registered manager. I have enjoyed supporting and mentoring colleagues to develop within their roles. I really look forward to working with you.
I manage referrals from our local authorities. My role is to match the incoming referrals with our available carers.
I work closely with the duty social worker to make sure we find the best possible match for both the carer and the young person. I have a strong working relationship with our local authorities, carers and colleagues along with a strong commitment to our young people.
I have been with the company since April 2014 and have also undertaken various administration tasks within the agency.
Outside of work, I enjoy socialising with my family and friends, and I have also been a Cub leader for 13 years.
I work alongside Mandy on referrals; working with our local authorities, Social Workers and Carers to find the best possible matches.
I started working for the company in October 2020 (during the pandemic!) with a background of working in the NHS.
Outside of work, I run competitions which sends young girls and ladies to the USA representing the UK in areas such as dancing, acting, modelling and public speaking. We also have a strong charity involvement and over the years have raised over £30,000 for various charities.
I am the Fostering Recruitment Advisor (FRA) here at Excel. My Role involves meeting potential foster carers right at the very beginning of their journey when I complete an initial visit (IV). I also source and hold recruitment events across the area where I can be a social butterfly and meet/speak to many people who have an interest in knowing more about fostering.
Although I only joined Excel in September 2021 I have been within the fostering sector for over 20 years with most of these years being within Referrals & Placements.
When not working I enjoy spending time with my family and going for walks with my pooch Simba.
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
