POTENTIAL foster parents have come forward in record numbers in Swindon over the last year.

Members of the children’s health, care and education overview and scrutiny committee heard about the improvements Swindon Borough Council has made since it was asked to by Ofsted in 2014.

In 2019 the children’s services received a good rating from the government watchdog and director of children’s social work Angela Clarke said the department continues to make strides

She said one area where this is the case is in fostering.

“One of the unexpected benefits of lockdown is that many more people have come forward interested in being foster parents,” said Ms Clarke.

“We have been assessing them and are now moving forward with a number of the new parents.

“It means we can place more Swindon children and young people with foster parents in Swindon, which is a real benefit.”

From April to December 2020, 11 new foster carers had already been recruited, with more expected to be approved by the end of this month.

That compares to the eight new foster carers recruited in Swindon from April 2019 to March 2020.

Cabinet member for children’s services Mary Martin was pleased to see the response of so many people in Swindon.

She said: “Lockdown has been extremely challenging for a lot of people but especially for children who can’t be cared for by their parents or family.

“The response from our community and the increase in people enquiring about becoming a foster carer has been amazing and we are so grateful for the response from the public during this difficult time. Fostering for your local council means you are part of a service where every penny is spent on providing a good service to children and their foster carers in Swindon.

Coun Martin said the council would still like to hear from more people who may be interested in fostering – whether that’s a family, single people, or couples, including same sex couples.

She said: “Foster carers make a real difference to the lives of children in Swindon all year round so if you’re interested in joining us, please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you.”

For details, visit swindon.gov.uk/fostering