Parents And Children Together (PACT) has been rated outstanding by Ofsted for the fourth consecutive time.
The inspection found that PACT’s adoption services continue to deliver “exceptionally high-quality support” for children, adoptive parents and birth families. PACT’s adoption services were also rated outstanding in previous inspections in 2014, 2017 and 2023.
Ofsted inspectors awarded the “outstanding” rating across all three inspection areas and concluded that PACT provides “highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good and contributes to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children, young people and adults.”
The inspectors noted that adoptive parents consistently described the service as “exceptional”, praising staff for “going the extra mile” and describing social workers as “incredible”, “brilliant” and “meticulous yet non-judgemental”.
The report highlights PACT’s “prompt and welcoming response to people enquiring about adoption, high-quality adopter-preparation and strong commitment to ensuring adopters are fully informed about children’s needs, history and long-term support requirements.
Inspectors also praised PACT’s lifelong support model and trauma-informed training and tailored therapeutic services, describing the support available to families as “substantial” and deeply reassuring. Children’s education, safeguarding and emotional wellbeing were all found to be priorities embedded throughout the service.
Strong leadership was cited as a key factor in the agency’s continued success. Ofsted described PACT’s leadership team as “knowledgeable, visible and highly effective with a clear focus on learning, innovation and continuous improvement.” Staff morale and retention were reported to be high, with professionals across the sector describing working relationships with PACT as “knowledgeable and reliable.”
PACT Service Director and Safeguarding Officer Lorna Hunt said: “This outstanding judgement is a real testament to the commitment and professionalism of all of our adoption teams. We see every day the difference that timely, compassionate and highly skilled support can make for children and adoptive families. I’m incredibly proud of our team and the unwavering focus they bring to achieving the very best, lifelong outcomes for children.”
Berkshire-based adoptive dad Kevin* said: “As a PACT adopter, I chose PACT for the wonderful post-adoption support they provide, which my family have made use of multiple times. So, I am delighted to hear that PACT have once again been given an outstanding rating by Ofsted, it’s certainly well deserved and reflects our experience as PACT adopters.”
PACT CEO Natausha van Vliet said: “We are incredibly proud to have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for the fourth consecutive time. This judgement reflects the dedication, skill and compassion of our staff, the commitment of our adopters and the voices of the children and families we support. Our focus remains on achieving the very best outcomes for children, now and for life.”
PACT is a voluntary adoption agency providing domestic adoption services, post‑adoption support, birth records counselling and intermediary services across southern and central England with offices in Reading, Brighton, London and Milton Keynes.
PACT also operates two community projects in the Thames Valley. Alana House supports and empowers women who face multiple disadvantages to make positive changes to their lives – and Bounce Back 4 Kids supports child victim survivors of domestic abuse.
