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The Scunthorpe college has established itself as a leader in student engagement, specifically through its robust sports and enrichment programmes

Children across North Lincolnshire need safe, stable homes – and more residents are being asked to consider whether they could help provide the moments young people remember for the rest of their lives.

There is a growing need for foster carers locally, particularly for older children, sibling groups and children with additional needs – with young people needing support, stability and somewhere they can feel safe.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families and children, said: “Behind every fostering story is a child who simply needs someone to believe in them.

“Children don’t remember policies or processes. They remember feeling safe. They remember someone sitting with them when they were frightened, helping them settle into a new school, listening to them, encouraging them and making them feel like they matter – that’s what foster carers do every single day.”

North Lincolnshire’s fostering offer forms part of children’s services rated Outstanding by Ofsted recently for the fourth consecutive time, with inspectors praising the stability and care provided to children living with local foster families.

Inspectors highlighted that children in North Lincolnshire are cared for in “stable, in-house foster homes” where their needs are met to a “very high standard”, giving children “a sense of security and certainty about their future living arrangements.”

Ofsted also praised the council’s “excellent training offer” for foster carers, including a strong emphasis on therapeutic parenting approaches, alongside the strong sense of community built around fostering families across North Lincolnshire.

This Foster Care Fortnight, local foster carers and young people will be sharing honest reflections about what fostering really means – from offering calm during moments of chaos to helping children rebuild confidence, trust and belonging.

Cllr Reed went onto say: “As an adoptive parent myself, I know just how life-changing a loving and stable home can be for a child. Foster carers provide that same care, patience and reassurance at some of the most important moments in a young person’s life.

A series of events and activities will take place across North Lincolnshire during Foster Care Fortnight, giving residents the chance to meet the fostering team, ask questions and learn more about what fostering involves.

Events include:

• Friday 15 May – Twilight Walk and Fun in the Park, Central Park, 4.45pm to 6.30pm
• Saturday 16 May – Park Run Takeover, Central Park Scunthorpe, starts at 9am
• Sunday 17 May – Curly’s Athletes Big Green 10k, Scunthorpe, Race starts at 11am
• Tuesday 19 May – Business Hive Networking Event, John Leggott College, 12.30pm to 2.30pm
• Wednesday 20 May – Fostering Friendly Pop-Up, Business Hive, Brigg, 9.30am to 1pm
• Wednesday 20 May – Online Information Evening, 6.30pm to 8pm
• Thursday 21 May – Brigg Farmers Market, Brigg, 9am to 1pm

Cllr Reed added: “Foster caring is one of the most rewarding things you can do, please join us at any of the upcoming events or just give us a ring.”

For more information about fostering in North Lincolnshire, visit North Lincolnshire Council website, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.

The post “Children remember feeling safe”: Call for more foster carers in North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

A newly opened play park in Barton-upon-Humber has been damaged by fire and vandalism less than a week after opening, leaving the community deeply disappointed.

The £150,000 upgrade at Baysgarth Park, delivered by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with the Friends of Barton Parks and local organisations, had only just opened to families when the inclusive roundabout was set on fire and graffiti appeared on several new play items.

Thanks to a successful grant, a new CCTV system will be installed at Baysgarth Park and is expected to be live by the end of the month, helping to protect the area moving forward.

While the equipment at Baysgarth Park has been cleaned and is now operational, these incidents are not isolated. Similar acts of vandalism have also been reported at parks in Parkwood and Asterby Road, as well as in Riddings, where a roundabout has been damaged beyond repair.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is completely unacceptable and frankly infuriating. Significant public money has been invested here to create something positive for families, and a small minority have chosen to damage it almost immediately.

“It’s selfish, destructive behaviour and it will not be tolerated. We will do everything we can to support the police in identifying those responsible and ensuring they are held to account.”

Cllr Paul Vickers, ward councillor for Barton and chair of the Friends of Barton Parks, said: “This is really upsetting for everyone involved, but especially for the families and children who were already enjoying the new play area.

“A lot of time, care and community effort went into creating this space. To see it damaged so quickly is a real blow and will be disappointing for many local residents who were looking forward to using it over the coming weeks.”

The council is working with the Friends of Barton Parks, local businesses and nearby CCTV operators to gather evidence, which will be shared with Humberside Police to support any potential prosecution.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Humberside Police.

The post New play park vandalised within days of opening in blow to Barton families appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.