HEAD teachers have backed a campaign to recruit more foster carers.

The White Horse Federation, a Wiltshire-based multi-academy trust made up of primary schools, secondaries and special schools, has stressed the important work that foster carers do and urged those who are interested to get in touch with Swindon Borough Council’s fostering team straight away.

Federation chief executive Dr Nicholas Capstick said: “There are too many young people who do not benefit from being part of a loving family.

“Any employer should look within to see if, by just spreading information and broadening insight into fostering among their staff, they can bring awareness which will hopefully lead to more children being cared for by loving foster parents.”

In May, the council launched the first phase of a drive to encourage more people to sign up to become foster carers.

Phase two will run until December and will be centred on working with local businesses and organisations to help encourage more people to sign up.

The WHF will help by amplifying its message across its schools, ensuring parents and carers are informed about fostering and have access to resources and advice if they are thinking about becoming stepping forward.

Mary Martin, cabinet member for children and school attainment, said: “It’s wonderful to have the support of The White Horse Federation and we are thrilled to be working with them to recruit more foster carers over the coming months. Dr Capstick is right when he says that too many children go without the love and support that comes with having a stable family unit, and it’s our aim to ensure that something which most of us take for granted is extended to as many youngsters as possible.”

Anyone wanting to find out more can call the team on 07917 503447 or go to an information session at the Lyndhurst Centre.