THE number of children in the care of the Isle of Wight Council has risen by nearly 30 per cent in the last five years.

At the end of December 2019, 260 children were in the care of the Isle of Wight Council — a rise of 34 children from 2018 alone.

Since the start of 2015, 58 children have been placed in the care of the council — starting with 202 in 2015 and rising to 228 in 2017.

More children have entered the care system since then.

In 2012, children's services on the Island were taken over by Hampshire County Council after Ofsted warned vulnerable children were at risk due to inadequate services.

Now, with improved support for the children and more carers, 46 per cent of children in care are placed with Isle of Wight foster carers and 30 per cent with independent fostering agencies.

Independent foster carers usually care for more challenging placements, such as siblings, older teenagers with complex needs and disabled children.

The Isle of Wight Council has been trying to grow its foster care network to give every child in its care the best chance of finding a foster carer.

One foster carer said: "It is so rewarding when you know you have played a part in helping a child during their time on need."

A council spokesperson said the authority was proud of the fostering community on the Island.

"There are Island children who need local homes," said the spokesperson.

"As a foster carer you will be given the opportunity to help those children by providing a secure and nurturing home.

"You will change the lives of children within your local community, and they will change yours, too."

Anyone interested in fostering can call 823160 or find out more online at iwight.com/fostering