CONTACT US
01424 211122
office@5fostering.co.uk
I am a Director of 5Fostering and I have fostered children for over 20 years meaning I come with a wealth of experience, walking in the shoes of foster carers daily. I have also been a registered social worker with over 8 years of IFA experience and social work management in Essex. My other experience includes previously being a registered Charge Nurse at a busy hospital in South Africa before retraining in social work as well as has holding companies over the last 30 years.
I am a Director of 5Fostering and a qualified Social Worker with a Bachelor of Science, first class honours in Environmental Health and a Master of Arts in social work - two years post grad. I have predominantly worked as a supervising social worker in my career. I greatly enjoy working alongside foster carers and their families, watching children thrive in loving homes. One of the most rewarding aspects is the relationships built with carers and children. I am very proud to be a co-owner of 5 Fostering and look forward to getting to know you all. I am the Responsible Individual - ensuring compliance with regulations.
I am a qualified Social Worker registered with the HCPC. With over 30 years of experience across two continents, I have worked in all disciplines of social work, including Adult Services (Psychiatric in the community) and 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. My passion lies with children and families, with a special concern for child safety and protection. I have worked as a supervising social worker for over 10 years, assisting foster carers in developing their fostering careers and supporting their placements.
I taught for 36 years in various primary schools across Sussex, Norfolk, and Germany. My favourite age to teach was 10-11, where children still have awe and wonder mixed with independence. I enjoy arts and crafts, particularly painting and drawing.
My role in 5 Fostering is working with the Business Support Group. A few of my responsibilities include collecting documentation of potential carers, managing and auditing Charms to help keep us Ofsted-ready, organising family events, and running the newsletter. I am also the Voice of the Child.
At 5Fostering, I process child placement referrals, averaging around 70 per day. I match children with foster carers and ensure all referrals are recorded in our system.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking my rescue dog, Archie, and spending time with family and friends.
Bobby and Binky are twin poodles. At 5Fostering, we understand the benefits dogs provide for mental health, so we enjoy a dog-friendly environment in the workplace.