Transforming lives for 20 years: an interview with founder Simon Lockyer

The birth of Blue Sky Fostering

Simon's career in social work began in 1988.  He spent a decade supporting homeless young people, working as a probation officer, a social worker, and managing fostering projects with national charities.  Those experiences laid the foundation for his vision of a therapeutic fostering agency – Blue Sky Fostering.  Our therapeutic fostering model at the time was entirely unique; rooted in attachment theory, our approach helps foster carers understand how trauma shapes the way children see the world, respond to adults and manage difficulties.

In its earliest days, Blue Sky Fostering was a small operation in Ringwood, Hampshire.  With no guarantee that local authorities would partner or that foster carers would join, the tiny team relied on determination and belief in their therapeutic approach to fostering.  “I remember in the early days we had a tiny little office down in Ringwood and during the day we’d ring each other on the internal phones just to make sure they were still working, because actually there were no calls coming in!”

Two decades of achievement

Blue Sky’s therapeutic model has grown to empower hundreds of foster carers to provide nurturing, transformative homes for countless young people.  “What keeps driving me forward is hearing the stories of young people – the difference we’ve made in their lives”.

One striking accomplishment is that Blue Sky has been rated Ofsted Outstanding throughout its entire 20 year history.  In a sector full of challenges, it’s an achievement few can match.  But for Simon, the true measure of success isn’t the badge, it’s the children who thrive.  Whether that’s a young person going to university, returning home to family or even managing to attend school a couple of mornings a week, each step forward is a victory.  These stories are proof of Blue Sky’s impact and they remain the heartbeat of our organisation.

Looking ahead

The future of fostering is uncertain, but Simon is confident that Blue Sky will remain central in shaping it.  Innovation, adaptability and a culture of thinking outside the box have defined the agency from day one, and that spirit continues to guide its next chapter.  “‘Whatever direction fostering goes in, Blue Sky is going to play a very central role.”

A heartfelt Thank You

As the agency celebrates two decades of success, Simon’s final words are dedicated to those who made it possible.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone that’s been involved in Blue Sky over the last 20 years – our colleagues, foster carers, ancillary staff, and most importantly our young people.”

With that gratitude comes a promise; to keep Blue Sky’s values at the heart of decision making, to keep listening and to keep making a difference.

Because at the end of the day, Blue Sky isn’t just an agency, it’s a family.  Here’s to the next 20 years together.