Joe Difford

Reading joins country's largest fostering partnership

Reading has joined 19 other councils from across the south east to create the country’s largest local authority fostering partnership, with the goal of recruiting more foster carers for our children and young people in care. 

Brighter Futures for Children, which delivers children’s services, including fostering, on behalf of Reading Borough Council, is a proud partner of this national Department for Education (DfE) funded project, with Local Authority Fostering South East being the largest of nine regions taking place in this pilot programme. 

There is an urgent need to recruit more foster carers to provide safe, loving and local homes for vulnerable children in Reading and the wider area, with over 11,000 children in care across the south east and fewer than 3,000 local authority approved foster carers. 

The new hub, which launches today (Monday 8 July), will provide a centralised platform for prospective foster carers to enquire and will see local authorities work collaboratively to provide the best support, with a new ambassador scheme established to share what this life-changing role is really like. 

The hub will also run marketing campaigns to raise awareness and encourage more people to take the next step in becoming a foster carer. In doing so, they will benefit from comprehensive local training, generous financial assistance and ongoing support. 

Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We do not currently have enough Reading-based foster carers, so we are delighted to be involved in this partnership and keep more children and young people in care closer to their local links, including school, family and friends. 

“Our foster carers make such a positive difference to children’s lives and create many happy moments for them to look back on for years to come. This hub will help us to give more children a loving home locally and will enhance our offer to make sure foster carers have access to the support they need.” 

Cllr Wendy Griffith, Lead Councillor for Children, said: “We are excited to be part of this collaboration to increase the number of foster carers and make sure they continue to be supported to care for our children and young people. 

“Becoming a foster carer is a wonderful thing to do and I hope that by working with the 19 other local authorities across the region, we’ll be able to find more loving homes in Reading.” 

Notes to editor 

More information on becoming a foster carer can be found on the new regional website and by following Local Authority Fostering South East on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).   

Those interested in fostering can also contact the regional hub directly to speak to a member of the recruitment team by calling 0300 131 2797. 

The local authorities involved in this project are: 

• Achieving for Children (London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, The Royal Borough of Kingston Upton Thames and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead) 

• Bracknell Forest Council 

• Brighton and Hove City Council  

• East Sussex County Council  

• Hampshire County Council  

• Isle of Wight Council  

• Kent County Council  

• Medway Council 

• Milton Keynes City Council 

• Oxfordshire County Council  

• Portsmouth City Council  

• Brighter Futures for Children (Reading) 

• Slough Borough Council  

• Southampton City Council  

• Surrey County Council 

• West Berkshire Council  

• West Sussex County Council  

• Wokingham Borough Council 

Find out more about what it takes to become a foster carer in Reading by visiting BFfC’s dedicated fostering website. 

Please send any media enquiries to Holly Turner holly.turner.consulting@gmail.com / Charlotte Barnes charlotte.barnes@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

by Joe Difford

Mental health service for Reading’s young people expands

Brighter Futures for Children’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST) is expanding to schools in north and east Reading, with the team set to provide support to all 55 state-funded schools in the borough. 

The innovative service launched in January 2020, with Reading chosen as a trailblazer for the project, which supported an initial 16 schools in west Reading. The scheme was expanded in 2022 to a further 20 schools in south central Reading. Since then, the MHST has gone on to offer low intensity interventions to support children and young people (and their families) who are experiencing emerging or mild to moderate mental health problems. 

And now, the third MHST, developed in partnership with the Integrated Care Board, will form in September of this year before formally launching in September 2025 to support the remaining 19 state-funded schools in north and east Reading. 

The teams complement existing mental health support already provided in schools and by existing professionals and services, such as school-based counsellors, educational psychologists, school nurses, primary mental health workers, school pastoral care teams, school nurses, voluntary sector organisations and CAMH services. 

The MHST was recently shortlisted as ‘Medium Team of the Year’ at the LGC Awards 2024 and was rated good or above by almost 100% of its users in last year’s annual feedback. 

Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “The MHST has been providing incredible support to our children and young people for years now, so we are delighted that this expansion brings the service to all state-funded schools in Reading. 

“Access to a systemic approach to improving mental health is incredibly important to us all and the MHST supports schools in promoting their ‘whole school approach’ for mental health, providing advice and signposting. 

“The team has consistently been recognised as a fantastic resource and I’m certain it will continue to improve the mental health of children and young people across Reading.” 

Notes to Editors 

Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company owned by but independent of Reading Borough Council. We were formed in December 2018 and deliver children’s services on behalf of RBC. 

The full list of 55 schools covered by the MHST, once the expansion is complete in 2025, includes:

• Alfred Sutton 
• All Saints Church of England Aided Infant School   
• All Saints Junior 
• The Avenue Special School 
• Battle  
• Blessed Hugh Faringdon  
• Caversham Park Primary School  
• Caversham Primary School 
• Christ the King  
• Churchend  
• Civitas Academy  
• Coley  
• Cranbury College  
• E P Collier Primary School  
• Emmer Green Primary School  
• English Martyrs  
• Geoffrey Field Infant  
• Geoffrey Field Junior   
• Green Park Village   
• Hamilton College  
• The Heights Primary School 
• Highdown School  
• The Hill Primary School 
• Holy Brook School  
• John Madejski Academy  
• Katesgrove  
• Kendrick School  
• Maiden Erlegh Reading  
• Manor  
• Meadow Park  
• Micklands Primary School  
• Moorlands  
• New Christ Church  
• New Town Academy  
• Oxford Road  
• Palmer Academy  
• Park Lane  
• Prospect  
• Ranikhet  
• Reading College (whole setting work only)  
• Reading Girls’  
• Reading School  
• Redlands  
• Ridgeway  
• Southcote   
• St Anne's RC Catholic Primary School  
• St John's CofE (Aided) Primary School  
• St Martin's Catholic Primary School  
• St Marys and All Saints 
• St Michael’s  
• Thameside Primary School  
• The Wren  
• UTC Reading    
• Whitley Park  
• Wilson 

More information about what support MHST can offer and how to access the service is available on BFfC’s website and on the Reading Family Information Service website. 

by Joe Difford

Create your own #FosteringMoments this Foster Care Fortnight

Brighter Futures for Children is encouraging the people of Reading to learn more about becoming a foster carer throughout this year’s Foster Care Fortnight. 

Foster Care Fortnight runs from Monday 13 – Sunday 26 May and is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, coordinated by The Fostering Network charity. 

The annual campaign aims to celebrate the moments that define fostering journeys, build confidence, make children and young people feel safe and create lasting memories, with the theme of this year’s campaign being #FosteringMoments. 

Throughout the two weeks, BFfC, which is the only not for profit fostering agency in Reading, will be playing its part by sharing valuable resources and information on social media, as well as some inspiring words from its foster carers and children, encouraging more Reading residents to give a home to one of its children and young people in care. 

Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We do not currently have enough foster carers in Reading, so campaigns like Foster Care Fortnight are incredibly helpful in getting the word out there. 

“During the two weeks, we encourage people to visit the Rooted in Reading tree outside Reading Town Hall to read messages shared by young people about the importance of staying rooted in Reading; to share our social media messages that provide some useful information on becoming a foster carer; and consider whether it’s something that you could do for one of our children or young people. 

“If you’re curious about becoming a foster carer, now is a good time to come forward and create your very own #FosteringMoments.”

Cllr Liz Terry, Deputy Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Our foster carers do an amazing job of looking after vulnerable children and young people in Reading. 

“They really do make such a positive difference to children’s lives and create many happy moments for them to look back on for years to come. 

“Our foster carers are looking out for children every day of the year, but Foster Care Fortnight gives us an opportunity to recognise their dedication and thank them for all that they do. 

“I would urge anyone in Reading who has ever considered being a foster carer to visit the Brighter Futures for Children website to find out more.”

Notes to editor 

Find out more about what it takes to become a foster carer in Reading by visiting BFfC’s dedicated fostering website. 

Foster Care Fortnight 2024 – The Fostering Network 

by Joe Difford

98% of Reading parents offered one of top three preferred primary schools for their child

98% of Reading parents who applied for a primary school place for their child starting school this September have been offered one of their top three preferred schools. 

Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) has successfully allocated school places for all primary school pupils in the borough. 

Almost 94% of families were offered a place at their first preference primary school, which is a 3% increase on those offered their first choice last year (91%). 

BFfC received 1,850 applications for primary school places this year, an increase of more than 120 compared to 2023. 

A transfer from infant to junior school was needed for 126 pupils in Reading and 98% of on-time applicants got their first preference for this move. 

Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer so many Reading families a place for their child in one of their preferred schools this year, with a significant percentage offered their first choice. 

“I’d like to personally thank all primary school staff for their continued commitment to making Reading such a popular choice and the Education team at BFfC for working tirelessly to ensure every child in the borough has been offered a place. 

“Good luck to all children who start primary school this September and we send our best wishes for their big day.” 

Reading primary school offers in 2024 and 2023 

by Joe Difford

Reading SEND Local Offer more helpful than ever before

Almost 95% of people who contacted the statutory information service for Reading families who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) found it helpful or very helpful, new figures reveal. 

The annual survey of Reading’s SEND Local Offer saw an increase in the percentage of people who gave the service a thumbs up to an all-time high, beating last year’s 93% satisfaction rate. 

There was also a rise in the percentage of people who found everything they were looking for on the Local Offer, from 97% last year to more than 98.5% this year. 

Respondents particularly liked the look and feel of the Local Offer website; the comprehensive information available; the search list filter options; and the advice and guidance pages. 

Almost 80% of people currently registered for updates also take advantage of the weekly email sent out on activities, events and services. 

And one lucky Reading mum who responded to the survey won a £50 Amazon voucher for completing it, which she collected with her two children (pictured).

The Reading SEND Local Offer won the Best SEND Local Offer at the National Association of Family Information Services Coram Family & Childcare Conference in both 2023 and 2021, as well as the Best Community Engagement award in 2022 and Best Promotion of 2-Year-Old Funding in 2023. 

Delivery of the service in Reading is the responsibility of Brighter Futures for Children and a dedicated team works on both the Reading SEND Local Offer and the Family Information Service on its behalf. 

The Reading SEND Local Offer website is hosted on the Reading Services Guide, alongside the Family Information Service and the Adults and Carers Support Service, which is managed by Reading Borough Council. 

Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We are incredibly happy with the number of people who took the time to respond to the annual survey and are delighted that so many families found the service to be helpful. 

“Even though it might appear from the impressive figures that there isn’t much room for growth, we are always listening to suggestions and looking for ways to improve so that we can offer the very best advice and information for Reading families of children with SEND living in Reading.” 

Visit the Reading SEND Local Offer.  

Notes to editors 

To sign up to receive regular SEND Local Offer updates, please email localoffer@reading.gov.uk.  

by Joe Difford

93.5% of Reading students offered preferred secondary school place

Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) has made sure the 1,859 pupils starting secondary school in Reading have a place for September, despite strong competition. 

Just over 93% of Reading students who applied have been offered a place in one of their preferred secondary schools this year. 

The percentage who received their first or second preference is 86% compared with 87% last year. Of these, 91% were offered their first, second or third choice, with almost 72% of pupils (1,399) offered their first preference. 

The percentage of students not allocated any of their preferences, but still offered a place in a Reading school, was 6% (127 pupils). 

Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to offer so many Reading children a place at one of their preferred secondary schools again this year. 

“A huge thank you goes to our Admissions team, who have worked tirelessly to ensure all 1,859 applicants have a school place. 

“We wish all pupils the best at their new school in September and hope they enjoy their time in secondary education.” 

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “It is fantastic to see such a large number of Reading young people being offered their secondary school of choice this September. It takes a real collaborative effort to help so many get into one of their preferred schools. 

"I would like to use this opportunity to thank our secondary schools for helping us to accommodate all students this year and wish every pupil the very best of luck in their new school." 

Notes to editor 

Brighter Futures for Children delivers children’s services, including education, on behalf of Reading Borough Council. 

More information on secondary school places, including what happens after places are offered can be found on the BFfC website. 

by Joe Difford

Mental Health Support Team shortlisted for national award

Brighter Futures for Children’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST) has been shortlisted for the Medium Team of the Year at the LGC Awards 2024.

The trailblazing team proudly support children and young people aged 5 to 18 years, with emerging, mild to moderate mental health needs, across an impressive total of 36 infant, junior, primary, secondary and specialist settings and a college in Reading. This is 16 more than 18 months ago as the team and education settings recognised the need for further support.

Shortlisted alongside seven other teams from across the country, the MHST is made up of senior educational psychologists, education mental health practitioners, wellbeing outreach workers, a primary mental health worker and a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) specialist clinician, plus business and data administrators, triage coordinator and an assistant education mental health practitioner.

They will be presenting to a panel of judges in April before the awards ceremony in June.

Brian Grady, Director of Education for Reading, said: “The MHST fully deserves to be shortlisted for this national award and does an incredible job as part of a wider mental health offer in Reading.

“The work of the team to promote and support mental health in Reading schools has helped children and young people feel open to talk about mental health and to understand what support is available.

“Locating the MHST within BFfC, which delivers children’s services, including education on Reading Borough Council’s behalf, has helped to embed a consistent and inclusive whole school approach to understanding and responding to mental health as part of BFfC’s wider commitment to being trauma informed and thinking therapeutically.”

by Joe Difford

RISE service now live for all settings in Reading

The Reading Inclusion Support in Education (RISE) service’s webpage is now live on the professional’s section of Brighter Futures for Children’s (BFfC) website. 

RISE is a free-to-access service for all settings in Reading, delivered by BFfC, helping schools support all learners to achieve their potential by improving what they can offer. 

The service supports schools by offering free training and coaching, audits, supervision and networks, and boasts specialists and consultants, including a Senior Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist, with experience and knowledge of the different areas of need. These include: 

• Mental health 
• Neurodiversity 
• Behaviour 
• Speech, language and communication 
• Sensory needs 

If a parent/carer feels that their child’s school could benefit from support from the RISE team, please discuss this with the school’s SEND department. Individual referrals are not accepted. 

Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “The RISE service is a fantastic asset available to all Reading settings at no cost. 

“The aim is to upskill Reading town and Reading schools so more children can be supported by the skills and knowledge that will be shared with teachers.” 

Note to editors 

The Reading Inclusion Support in Education (RISE) service’s page is now live on the professional’s section of the BFfC website. 

by Joe Difford

School transport policy consultation now open

Brighter Futures for Children is seeking families’ views on proposed changes to its school transport policy. The consultation is open until Sunday 17 March 2024 and is related to the following proposals: 

• That free transport entitlement for pupils attending Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School is removed 
• That travel assistance entitlement for eligible pupils is clarified and means an offer of a bus pass or school bus at a pickup point, with an expectation for active travel as part of a child’s healthy development 
• That the policy clarifies the exceptional circumstances required to access any exceptional additional support in addition to travel assistance 
• That the policy clarifies that parents are liable for costs incurred by Brighter Futures for Children on behalf of Reading Borough Council if children did not access travel assistance provided 
• That the policy clarifies that students are not entitled to travel assistance post-16 except in appropriately-evidenced, exceptional circumstances. 

Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: "We are seeing increased pressures on transport budgets across the country, and local school place options have changed since the introduction of the free transportation to Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge school. 

“It is important to us that the views of children and young people, alongside their families and carers who may be affected by the proposals, are carefully considered before any decision is made.” 

A copy of the proposed new policy and a summary of changes can be found on the BFfC website, along with a short series of consultation questions and the current school transport policy. Please send responses to this consultation to School.Transport@brighterfuturesforchildren.org by midnight on 17 March 2024. 

by Joe Difford