Children's sufficiency strategy and market position statement

Together, we can build a brighter future for every child in our city.

At Derby City Council, we are committed to ensuring that every child and young person in our care has access to the right support, in the right place, at the right time. The Children in care placements commissioning and sufficiency strategy 2025-2028 reflects this commitment, and details how we intend to meet the ‘Sufficiency duty’ as stated in the Childrens Act 1989 and the Children and Young Person Act 2008. It sets out our vision informed by current and anticipated sufficiency requirements whilst identifying how to achieve and overcome key challenges.

The needs of children and young people in Derby are evolving, and so must our approach. Building on feedback from carers, social workers, partners and, most importantly, the children and young people we support, this updated strategy ensures we:

• Expand placement options – increasing the availability of foster care, residential placements, and supported living to reduce reliance on out-of-area provisions.
• Strengthen early intervention – helping families stay together where safe and possible, with targeted support to prevent the need for care. Listen actively to children and young people and use their feedback to influence services.
• Enhance quality and stability – ensuring every child has a stable, nurturing home that supports their long-term wellbeing and aspirations. Monitor children and young peoples' progression, reviewing strengths and challenges, implementing change if and when required.
• Promote inclusivity through partnership working – providing culturally appropriate care and specialist support for children with complex needs. To execute, via joint commissioning with local partners, the Derby vision and strategy for integrated care. Providing every child and young person with the best facility, providing wraparound support, giving them the opportunity to be the best.

Working together for better outcomes

Achieving sufficiency in placements isn’t something we can do alone. Derby city seeks to promote a joint commissioning and delivery approach between the Integrated Care Board and local authorities across the D2N2 footprint, to provide services for children with challenging behaviour and / or complex mental health needs so we can significantly improve outcomes for this group within the boundaries of the D2N2 footprint. We’re working closely with foster carers, residential providers, health partners, and community organisations to create a network of care that puts children first. Whether you’re a potential foster carer, a professional, or a community member, your support can make a difference.

Our Pledge to Derby’s children

Every child deserves a safe, loving and stable home. This strategy is our roadmap to making that a reality. By focusing on prevention, expanding local provision and investing in our carers and workforce, we’re building a future where no child in Derby is left without the care they need.

Join us in making a lasting impact. Explore how you can get involved, whether through fostering, partnership, or supporting our vision for Derby’s children.

Together, we can ensure every child thrives.

Market position 

We believe that every child and young person deserves the best possible start in life with access to high-quality care, education, and support tailored to their needs.

Our market position strategy sets out how we will shape and influence the local care market to ensure that Derby’s children and young people receive the right services, in the right place, at the right time.

The demand for children’s services is growing, and the challenges facing our care system are evolving. To meet these needs effectively, we must work proactively with providers, partners, and communities to create a stable, sustainable, and high-quality market for placements and support services.

This strategy outlines how we will:

• Strengthen local provision – reducing reliance on out-of-area placements by expanding foster care, residential homes, and supported living options within Derby.
• Improve quality and choice – ensuring all placements meet the highest standards of care, with a focus on stability, safety and positive outcomes.
• Foster innovation and collaboration – working with providers, charities and health partners to develop flexible, needs-led services.
• Support our workforce and carers – investing in training, fair fees and retention strategies to attract and retain the best professionals and foster carers.
• Listen to children and young people – putting their voices at the heart of service design and commissioning.

Our vision for Derby’s care market

We want Derby to be a place where:

• children in care grow up in stable, loving homes close to their communities
• young people with complex needs receive specialist support that helps them thrive
• foster carers and providers feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver outstanding care
• every service is designed with the best interests of children at its core

Working together for change

Achieving this vision requires strong partnerships. We invite providers, carers, and community organisations to join us in shaping a care market that is responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Whether you are a potential foster carer, a care provider, or a professional working with children, your role is vital in helping us deliver better outcomes for Derby’s young people.