The package documents will not only act as invaluable reference guides for existing carers, but as information and inspiration for those thinking about fostering too.

They were formally launched on Monday 9May, at an afternoon tea event for carers, which took place at The Hayloft in Great Sankey.

Cllr Sarah Hall, cabinet member for children’s services said: “We hosted the event as a thank you to our foster carers for their dedication over the course of the pandemic. So it was the perfect opportunity to present our enhanced support offer to them.

Setting out our support in this way also reinforces this year’s campaign theme of fostering communities. Our support is hyper-local, easily accessible and person-centred.

Our packages set out the 360-degree support we offer to our families who foster- bringing all the services we provide into one place. They detail everything – from the 7 seater pool cars, which are free for our carers to use at any time, to a dedicated therapeutic social worker, to priority swimming lessons, to 24/7 local out of hours support.

Our innovative Mockingbird and No Wrong Door schemes are also showcased, along with the invaluable intervention support our Families First team can provide.

Each element of this package is another tool in our carer’s kit.  Together, they enable them to provide exceptional care to children and young people.”

Foster Carer Ros, who together with husband Warren, celebrated entering her 50th year of fostering at the event, said: “We’ve seen the support offer evolve so much over our fostering career. 50 years ago, we were given 50p and a carrier bag of nappies, and not much more! Since Foster4 launched, the development of the support on offer has accelerated significantly. They really do strive to be the best in the sector. We’re extremely proud to foster for our Local Authority with them.”

Find out more about the support packages and becoming a foster carer at www.foster4.co.uk or call 01925 444100. You can also find Foster4 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @foster4cheshire