A LEOMINSTER-based fostering agency is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors rated it 'outstanding'.

Clifford House Fostering, on Leominster's Enterprise Park, was inspected in December and has once again been given the outstanding rating.

Inspectors said safeguarding is "at the centre of the agency’s thinking and is informed by research and development" while children and young people feel safe and secure in their foster placements.

The report also praised the "highly effective ambitious management team", demonstrating clear vision for the development of the agency and for improving the outcomes of the children and young people placed with them.

The agency's registered manager, Naomi Ebanks Simpson, said: "This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and commitment that is given by staff, carers and panel members in ensuring that the care provided to children and young people that are placed with us is ‘outstanding’."

In a statement, the agency said that since changes were made to the inspection framework, achieving outstanding is harder than ever.

It added that, of the 54 agencies inspected between April and September 2014, only four received ‘outstanding’.

Clifford House Fostering offices will be relocating to Bromsgrove at the end of the February but will continue to support and train local carers in all areas.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer or transferring call 0845 6182680 or 01568 618400 or visit cliffordhousefostering.com