Celebrating the Launch of Mockingbird for fostering in the D2N2 region

Local authorities across the D2N2 region have expressed pride at the launch of a pioneering and award-winning programme led by The Fostering Network, which transforms the delivery of foster care.

An innovative model named 'Mockingbird' has been successfully implemented across fostering services in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham (D2N2), creating a strong, resilient, and supportive network for children, young people, and foster families.

Mockingbird constellations have been established in every local authority fostering service across D2N2. Each constellation consists of up to ten satellite families (fostering households) supported by a Hub Home Carer and a liaison worker. The Hub Home Carer plays a key role by offering both planned and unplanned sleepovers, emotional and practical support, and organising monthly social events to strengthen the bond between families. These events will range from movie nights to picnics and BBQs, creating opportunities for carers and young people to form lasting relationships.

The Mockingbird programme is funded through the Department for Education’s Fostering Recruitment and Retention grant, which also supports the Foster for East Midlands fostering recruitment hub. With continued success and subject to future funding, the goal is to expand the Mockingbird model even further across the D2N2 region, enabling more foster families to benefit from the programme.

The official launch event was held in August 2024. Attended by fostering families, key stakeholders, and special guests, the event marked an exciting milestone for the fostering community. Heads of service from each local authority, including Andy Smith, - Derby City Council’s Strategic Director of People Services, Rachel Miller, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Service Director for Children's Commissioning and Resources, and representatives from The Fostering Network, joined local councillors and colleagues from the Department for Education (DfE) to celebrate this achievement. The Cabinet Members for children from Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council were in also in attendance.

Mockingbird has been running successfully in England since 2015, with constellations established throughout the country. In recognition of its impact, the programme was awarded the Big Impact Award at last year’s Third Sector Awards, with judges praising it as "a fantastic and innovative project, bringing real change and with demonstrable impact”. They described it as “a sea-change in the way foster care is delivered.”

Andrea Dore, Mockingbird Team Manager said: "This event marked the coming together of our fostering families across the D2N2 region to celebrate friendships, having fun, making memories, and building a strong sense of community. I am so proud of what we have all collectively achieved in a few short months.

"This community-based model of fostering is working, and we are already seeing really positive outcomes. Our foster carers feel better supported, and our young people are making friends, enjoying sleepovers, and building relationships with safe, trusted adults outside their immediate fostering families.

"What I love most is that everyone in our fostering families is included in the activities and events we offer, and the support provided by our Hub Home Carers is invaluable."

Sarah Olowo, Mockingbird Coach from the Fostering Network said: "I am extremely proud to be part of the Mockingbird launch for D2N2, a lot of hard work and effort went into the implementation phase and launching. It was wonderful to see the Mockingbird model come to life; you can see the foster carers and young people forming their micro communities of support with one another supported by their fantastic hub home carers and liaison workers.

"A truly heartwarming experience seeing the young people of all different ages bonding with their hub home carers and building friendships with one another.  Each constellation is unique, but you can see they share many of the Mockingbird core values as that sense of family, having fun and building safe communities shone throughout the day."

Andy Smith, Derby City Council’s People Service Director said: “As the Strategic Director for People Services in Derby I was delighted to represent the four Directors of Children’s Services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire at the official launch of our Mockingbird programme.

"It was inspiring to speak to carers and hear first hand what a difference being part of a constellation is making to the lives of children and carers, which is even more impressive given that constellations have only been in place for a relatively short space of time.  

"It was clear to see and hear that young people and foster carers are forming friendships and building relationships, with some lovely examples of young people accessing sleepovers for the first time. Overall, foster carers told me they are feeling more supported with hubs becoming more self-sufficient. It was a great launch event with a real buzz around the park. Well done and thank you all!”

For information on Mockingbird visit the Fostering Network Mockingbird website or for more information about fostering visit the Foster for East Midlands website or call 03033 132950.