Eleanor Newman - 14th December 2023
This year we have continued to see our children thrive because of the standard of care you have given them. We have said goodbye to some children but we have kept hold of many more and we have watched them grow and blossom. We’ve seen new carers join us and welcomed new children too.
There have been lots of opportunites to see just how well our children are doing. At the beginning of summer, we took a group of our young people to the Isle of Wight for a brilliant sailing experience with the UKSA-something we hope to offer again for our older teenagers in 2024. We were so
encouraged to see how they grasped this opportunity with both hands. They got to see new sights and experience new activities and were really able to develop new skills too.
Then of course, we had the joy that is the EFS Summer Camp! We had a great turn out this year and, as always it was such a delight to see the children get stuck in and enjoy themselves (and you too!)
In addition to the big events, we have continued to get together at the beach, in the forest, at the gaming lounge, in the escape room and on the promenade! I love the little community we have at EFS, it always just feels so easy and light. Our community is something I am really proud of and I
believe we have something truly special in our EFS family.
Behind the scenes, our participation team has worked hard to support you and the children, investing in the children and offering additional stability for you. Our social work team has continued to support you, advocate for you and the children and be a listening ear when needed. We’ve offered training on a range of topics, the most popular of which is probably Careapy facilitated by Michelle Francis. We’ve now got Sharon as our carer nurture lead and I know she is really valued for the support and advice she offers. We’ve developed our work with young people aged 16+ and introduced our children and young people’s forum, Choices for Young Voices and our birth children’s forum My Best Family Fosters. We’ve had carer support groups, consultations and get togethers including of course our Christmas lunch at Hintlesham Hall where we were really able to celebrate you and the amazing work you do!
This amazing work was also recognised this year during our Ofsted Inspection in which we were judged as outstanding.
As I look back now, I can see just how much I have to be thankful for and how many moments of happinesss there have been in 2023 and I look forward to sharing 2024 with our outstanding EFS family.
Wishing you, the children and your family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year.
Best wishes
El
Eastern Fostering Services - The small agency with a strong family feel
