In a back garden filled with laughter, food, and joyful children’s party games, some of Foster with Slough’s fostering families came together to celebrate something extraordinary, a recommitment to Foster with Slough’s Mockingbird Programme.
Hosted at the home of one of the programme’s hub carers this week, the event brought families together with food, friendship, and a shared commitment to supporting one another.
Dishes from around the world reflected the borough’s diversity, while carers deepened the ties that turn fostering into something that feels like family.
The Mockingbird model of foster care, introduced to the UK by The Fostering Network, mirrors the support of an extended family.
Small constellations of fostering households are connected by a central “hub carer” who offers practical help, emotional support for carers, and regular sleepovers for the children. For Foster with Slough, part of Slough Children First, it’s been a game changer.
“Mockingbird is built around the power of relationships and that’s what this new constellation celebrates,” said Saima Arif, Head of Regulated Services at Slough Children First. “We’ve seen how these connections reduce isolation for carers, support young people’s wellbeing, and ultimately create more resilient fostering environments.”
With two constellations now thriving, the programme is helping to turn everyday fostering into something deeply rooted in connection and community. “It’s not just about support, it’s about belonging,” added Sue Butcher, Executive Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First. “The Mockingbird model gives fostering families a sense of community, while helping children to feel Happy, Safe & Loved, Thriving and part of something bigger.”
For Denise, a hub carer leading one of the constellations, the model’s impact is deeply personal “We are ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. That’s the magic of Mockingbird, it turns individual efforts into something collective, and powerful.”
Foster carers agree the programme has transformed how they experience fostering “There’s real comfort in knowing your part of a group who understand. The relationships we’ve built through Mockingbird make a huge difference; we don’t feel alone anymore.” The Mockingbird Programme is just one of the many ways Foster with Slough supports its carers and children, with community, compassion and connection at the centre.
Foster with Slough is the fostering agency of Slough Children First (SCF), an independent not-for-profit company providing social care and support services to children, young people, and families.
Why not join our fostering family here at Foster with Slough?
For more information about Foster with Slough and the Mockingbird programme, visit www.fosterwithslough.co.uk or call 0300 131 2797.
