The collection guidance and collection template file are now available for the 2025 to 2026 collection which will open in April 2026.
Updated with confirmed changes for the 2025 to 2026 collection and proposed changes for the 2026 to 2027 collection.
We added an updated fostering data collection video. We also announced that the 2024 to 2025 fostering data collection is now open, and will close on 30 June 2025.
Minor amendments to two documents: the ‘Fostering portal codes and guidance 2024-25’ (ODS file) and ‘Fostering data template 2024-25’ (Excel file).
The collection guidance, portal code file and collection template file are now available for the 2024 to 2025 collection.
Updated with confirmed changes for the 2024 to 2025 collection. The 2023 to 2024 collection is closed.
Amendments to the proposed changes for the 2024-25 data collection.
Ofsted's annual fostering data collection for 2023 to 2024 is now live.
The collection guidance and portal code file and the collection template file are now available for the 2023-34 collection.
The 2022 to 2023 fostering data collection is now closed.
The next collection for 2023 to 2024 will open in April 2024. Guidance for the next collection will be available in January 2024.
Fostering portal codes and guidance 2022-23.ODS: updated the 'Essential fields' in column C of the 'Required fields' tab.
Updated the 'Fostering portal codes and guidance 2022-23' ODS file.
Ofsted's annual fostering data collection for 2022 to 2023 is now live.
Updated with proposed changes for 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024.
Ofsted's annual fostering data collection for 2021 to 2022 is now live.
Added the fostering data template and guidance on fostering portal codes for the 2021 to 2022 collection.
The 2020 to 2021 fostering data collection is now closed. The next collection, for 2021 to 2022, will open in April 2022. We have also confirmed changes for the next collection.
The 2020-21 fostering data collection is open for agencies to use. We've updated the upload template and guidance documents following recent testing on the portal.
Added fostering data template and guidance on fostering portal codes for the collection covering the financial year 2020 to 2021.
Updated with planned changes for next year's data collection.
Updated guidance and data collection files for 2019–20.
Added note on the changes to the data collection template and the portal for 2019 to 2021.
In preparation for the launch of Ofsted’s annual fostering data collection 2018 to 2019 the upload template, guidance and troubleshooting page have been updated. The fostering collection runs from 15 April 2019 until 30 June 2019.
Added 'Ofsted fostering dataset returns: changes for 2018 to 2019 onwards'.
Added details of a recent system update to fix an issue that was incorrectly causing validation errors.
Added details of known validation issues.
Added guidance on using the portal.
Added link to fostering data collection portal and updated data collection template.
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This video contains step-by-step guidance on uploading fostering data. You can skip to the most relevant section for you.
About Ofsted’s fostering data collection
Each year Ofsted asks local authority fostering services and independent fostering agencies for data about their fostering services. This is the only national data collection that provides an overview of the fostering landscape.
We ask all local authority fostering agencies and around 300 independent fostering agencies (IFAs) to provide data on:
characteristics of foster carers
terms of approval of fostering households
capacity and the use of fostering places
recruitment and retention of fostering households
data on complaints and allegations
This provides a unique insight into a sector that affects the majority of children in care.