Foster Care Fortnight: Rising Demand for Specialist Foster Parents in East Midlands

Recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, Anchor Foster Care attributes its success to the exceptional, life-changing care provided by its foster parents. This Foster Care Fortnight, in addition to encouraging new foster parents to sign up, the agency is shining a light on the growing need for specialist fostering. In the last year, Anchor has seen demand rise for fostering homes capable of supporting families with special requirements such as emergency fostering, joint placements for parents and children, or care for children with disabilities or complex health needs.

Nationwide there are approximately 80,000 children living with foster parents and 70,000 approved foster families, but fewer than one in five places are vacant at any one time (Ofsted). Many of these places are unable to support specialist cases, placing extreme pressure on an over-burdened health and social care system and causing distress and uncertainty for vulnerable children.

One of the most critical areas of demand in the Midlands is fostering placements for children with complex healthcare needs. This requires a foster home capable of medication management and supporting children with developmental delays, feeding or mobility challenges.

Appreciation Brunch Event in Derby

Anchor Foster Care invited its current foster parents to an event on 20th May 2026 at Seven in Derby. Each foster family also received a luxury hamper filled with treats to thank them for their service over the last year, which helped Anchor to secure an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. To bridge the gap between the number of foster places and the number of children who need them, Anchor is also opening the event to any new families who are interested in fostering.

Farayi Chinyemba, Managing Director of Anchor Foster Care, says: “We are incredibly proud of our foster parents, and this Brunch is just one way to show our gratitude. This event is a vital opportunity to thank our families across the Midlands but also serves a much larger purpose.

“As we face rising demand for emergency placements, support for children with complex needs and sibling or parent and child placements, we know that hearing a real story from fellow foster parents, like Kelly and Simon, is often the catalyst that encourages someone to register. By bringing our community together, we aren't just celebrating past successes, we are inviting others to see the profound impact they could have and the support our fostering families receive.”

Caring for children with complex health needs in Derby

Simon and Kelly, based in Chellaston, are experienced and committed foster carers who offer a warm and nurturing home to children with complex additional needs. They have fostered for over 7 years and have cared for four children with different health conditions, including a young person with a tracheostomy and PEG feeding. The couple have even go onto adopt one of their foster sons.

They offer structure and routine, ensuring that adequate equipment and training is completed before children arrive in placement. Their role involves attending medical appointments, keeping their home sterile and completing specialist required training, whilst offering a safe, nurturing environment, allowing children to experience stability and hope.

Kelly says: “My mum and dad were foster carers with Anchor Foster Care for many years. After they made the decision to retire, we became foster parents so we could continue to look after the young boy my parents cared for; he still lives with us today!

“We love to give the children different experiences including holidays and days out as it really helps their development.”