Hounslow Council's fostering service has been found to be “a good service with four outstanding features” by Government inspectors.

The report by Ofsted states that: “Children and young people’s welfare is enhanced by good relationships that exist between staff, foster carers, children and young people”.

Cllr Lin Davies, lead member for family at the council, said: “This inspection not only recognises the dedication of the foster carers, it also indicates the very high standards in the support and organisation provided by council officers.

“Our foster carers provide an important lifeline for vulnerable children and young people in their times of need.

“We are always looking for more carers, and this report shows there is excellent support and training available. I strongly urge anyone interested in fostering to get in touch to find out more.”

Foster carers were found to receive excellent support with training, supervision and appraisals and the inspectors found overall excellent systems and support for children, young people, foster carers and staff were in place.

Hounslow has more than 330 children and young people in care, who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their own family.