Grandmentors Contributes to ‘Outstanding’ result from Ofsted

The success of our Grandmentors scheme in Suffolk has been recognised by Ofted’s recent inspection of the Children’s social care services in Suffolk, contributing to an ‘outstanding’ rating.

Since 2017 we have been working in partnership with Suffolk Children’s social care services through our Grandmentors service – an innovative mentoring project which pairs volunteers aged 50 and over with young care leavers to empower them to achieve their full potential.

The Ofsted report stated that ‘Schemes like the Grandmentors project provide children and young people with further opportunities to develop and reach their goals’.

We’re delighted with this recognition for the work our volunteers have done in partnership with Suffolk County Council. Over the past two years more than 50 Grandmentors have supported 48 young people leaving care, helping them transform their lives in often difficult circumstances.

One example of how successful Grandmentors can be in transforming the lives of young care leavers is Darren and Cole’s story. Cole told us:

“He made me believe that anything is possible. Before I met him I had never had something to believe in. He taught me that if you know what it is that you want to achieve then there is no reason why anything should stop you.”

The recognition from Ofsted builds on the continued success of our partnerships with local councils – in March 2019 Waltham Forest Council received an ‘Excellent’ rating from Ofsted for ‘The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families’, with the OFSTED inspector noting that an ‘inspirational use of commissioned partner services and projects’ to improve outcomes for children and families following our ongoing Volunteers Supporting Families partnership project.

Read DARREN AND COLE’S STORY