CONTACT US
01424 211122
office@5fostering.co.uk
Rebecca Nicholls and I are proud to be the new owners of 5 Fostering.
I am an experienced foster carer and social worker who has spent many years in social worker management in Essex and most of my life as a foster carer. I currently foster two young people so I know what it is like to walk in your shoes. I have run a successful business previously in South Africa and know what it takes to make it work.
Karen Hardaker and I are proud to be the new owners of 5Fostering.
I am a qualified social worker with 6 years of experience and a Master of Arts (MA) in social work. I came late to the party in social work with a previous Environment Health honours degree (Bachelor of Science) but nonetheless the majority of my social work career has been in fostering. Having worked as a Supervising Social Worker for most of my fostering career, I am excited to have taken on this joint venture with my previous colleague Karen Hardaker. I am a highly motivated individual who will always have an open door policy to all our carers and I very much enjoy relationship-based social work.
I have been teaching, for 36 years, in a variety of primary schools in: West Sussex; Norfolk; East Sussex; and Germany. Although I have taught children between the ages of 6 and 13 my favourite age is 10-11 as the children still have that awe and wonder mixed with independence. I enjoy arts and crafts particularly painting and drawing.
My role, in 5Fostering, is working with the Business Support Group as a Business Manager. A few of my new roles include processing carer payments and managing finances, managing and auditing Charms to help keep us Ofsted ready, working with Katie to develop the recruitment materials and attending initial visits to prospective carers, helping to organise family events and running the Newsletter. I am the Voice of the Child.
I am a qualified Social Worker and registered with the HCPC. I have worked as a Social Worker on two continents covering over 30 years’ experience. I have covered all disciplines of social work from Adult Services (Psychiatric in the community) to children and families. I have managed residential units for teenagers under 8 years old and undertaken family and parenting assessments in preparation for court proceedings. I have also worked with UCAS. My passion lies with children and families, with a special concern for child safety and protection. I have worked as a supervising SW for over 10 years assisting foster carers to develop their fostering careers and supporting their placements.
At 5Fostering I process the child placement referrals. On average we receive around 70 referrals a day. I am looking for potential matches between the child and foster carer. Any possible matches are then passed to our Social Workers for their consideration. My role also includes the data input of referrals onto our system.
In my own time I like to walk my rescue dog Archie, and spend time with my family and friends.