Rochdale’s Foster Carers Receive Awards

Carol, Sonia Rigley, Irene Whitehead and Jenny Mayor display their certificates of achievement

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The first foster carers in Rochdale Borough who have gained an NVQ with the Social Care Assessment Centre, have received certificates of achievement from Rochdale Council to celebrate their success.

At the NVQ presentation lunch on Wednesday 13 October at Rochdale Town Hall they were presented with their certificates, alongside 70 other care workers who also achieved an NVQ in care.

Between them, the 4 foster carers have been fostering children for 43 years and during this time they have fostered 76 children. All 4 were inevitably pleased to receive their certificates presented by Councillor Irene Davidson.

Steve Titcombe, Head of Child Care Services, said, "Our foster carers do an excellent job making a real difference to the lives of children. They are at the heart of the Council's support for looked after children. I am delighted that the training we are now able to offer through our Social Care Assessment Centre is helping foster carers to get more recognition for the skill and dedication they bring to a vital role."

One carer Irene Whitehead said “I have been fostering children for over 17 years now, I’m so proud to get a recognised qualification for something I enjoy”.

Irene was obviously not the only delighted award winner. Jenny Mayor has taken care of 16 children in the 15 years that she has been a foster carer, from a variety of ages 0-18 years. Jenny said, “I’ve looked after many children, and I feel so happy today, I’m going to be celebrating”. The other two carers Sonia Rigley and Carol were just as thrilled, and joined the celebration lunch with the others carers.

Other organisations were present at the ceremony to receive their NVQ certificates for their hard work.

• Adult Services – Care Level 2, 3 and 4
• Care Line and Wardens – Care Level 3
• Certificates in Learning Support
• Child Care – Caring for Children & Young People Level 3
• Home Support Services – Care Level 2
• Learning Disabilities Day – Care level 2
• Learning Disabilities Residential – Promoting Independence Level 3
• Mental Health - Promoting Independence Level 3
• McKechnies – Management Level 4, and Operational Management Level 5

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, contact Rochdale Council's Family Placement Team tel: 710750.