Essex has 13 fostering agencies with a published Ofsted grade. At their latest inspection 4 were outstanding or exceptional and 100% good or better, against 95% of fostering agencies across England. The most recent was inspected on 16 Jan 2026. Source: Ofsted inspection reports (Open Government Licence v3).
- 4 outstanding or exceptional
- 9 good, strong or expected
- 0 requires improvement or needs attention
- 0 inadequate or urgent improvement
| Fostering agencies | Latest grade | Inspected | Postcode area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity Fostering | Outstanding | 1 Aug 2025 | CM3 |
| Brighter Futures Fostercare | Outstanding | 8 Dec 2023 | EN9 |
| Children First Fostering Agency | Outstanding | 17 Jan 2025 | SS13 |
| Foster Care Associates Eastern | Outstanding | 12 Dec 2025 | IP6 |
| Aim High Fostering Services | Good | 12 Jul 2024 | EN9 |
| Apex Fostering Limited | Good | 8 Nov 2024 | CM16 |
| Aspirations Fostering Limited | Good | 7 Jun 2024 | SS5 |
| Five Rivers Fostering Service London and East | Good | 26 Sept 2025 | IG1 |
| Fostering Hearts Limited | Good | 22 Nov 2024 | CM16 |
| Futures for Children | Good | 20 Oct 2023 | SS1 |
| Harmony Fostering Services Ltd | Good | 19 Jan 2024 | EN9 |
| Quality Foster Care | Good | 27 Jun 2025 | SS7 |
| Shine Fostering | Good | 16 Jan 2026 | E18 |