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Being part of the Mockingbird Hub has been a very positive experience. I feel supported and have built strong friendships. The social activities are excellent, and my birth children love taking part.
- Mockingbird Satellite carer for Bedford Borough Council
Diagram showing how the Mockingbird programme works

What is Mockingbird?

The Mockingbird Programme creates an extended family feel for children and young people living in foster care. It is an evidence-based approach and is led by The Fostering Network. 

Under this model, between 6 and 10 fostering households come together to create a group called a ‘Constellation’.

Within each Constellation is a foster home referred to as the ‘Hub Home’. The Hub Home Carer provides planned and emergency sleepovers, day care and practical support, as well as guidance, training and advice to the other fostering households in a Constellation, known as ‘Satellite Homes’.

The programme is designed to strengthen fostering households and improve relationships between carers, children and young people and the fostering service. 

Read more about Mockingbird on The Fostering Network website.

How is Mockingbird used in Bedford Borough?

The Mockingbird Programme launched in Bedford Borough in March 2025. There are currently 3 Mockingbird Constellations, with 24 foster families in the programme. 

We hold a social every month for each Constellations; these range from picnics in the park to trips out to soft play to a summer BBQ. All the children get involved and form lasting relationships and the carers benefit from a large support network full of like-minded people. We also hold a coffee morning each month for foster carers only to support each other, learn together and build lasting relationships with one another. 

The foster carers within the Mockingbird Programme continue to work with their social worker and also benefit from the support and guidance of the Mockingbird Lead Practitioner - this creates a wider support network for our foster carers bringing positive outcomes for our foster carers and the children in our care.

Benefits of Mockingbird

  • Creates a strong extended-family support network that reduces isolation for foster carers, children and young people including birth children
  • Improves stability and emotional wellbeing for children and young people through consistent relationships and shared care with the Hub Home Carers
  • Provides planned and emergency support, including sleepovers and day care, helping children and young people experience the stability of care and fewer placement disruptions
  • Strengthens carer confidence, wellbeing and resilience through peer support, mentoring and shared learning, benefitting the children in their care
  • Supports birth children of foster carers by giving them their own peer network, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging alongside children and young people in foster care, within the Constellation.

Mockingbird FAQs

Is Mockingbird just a respite model?

No, Mockingbird is not a respite model. Sleepovers are only one small part of Mockingbird.

Mockingbird is about being part of a friendly community where carers, children and young people spend time together, make friends, and support each other. There are social activities, meet-ups and chances to talk to people who understand.

Being together helps everyone feel supported and less alone. Sleepovers within Mockingbird are for a few nights in planned or emergency situations. They are similar to staying over with extended family or friends.

Is Mockingbird only to support families in crisis?

No. Mockingbird is not a crisis model. Mockingbird is a relationship-based model. Our Constellations are made up of families who are keen to provide support, as well as receive support, as you would within any extended family.

All families have ups and downs, and Mockingbird is there to offer support along the way. It can really help during tricky times, but it is also about building strong relationships and feeling supported before things become difficult.

Does everyone have to join Mockingbird?

No. Joining Mockingbird is always a choice.

It is part of a wider support offer, and we understand it may not be right for everyone. Each Mockingbird group supports a small number of families, so only some families will take part at first.

How do sleepovers in Mockingbird work?

Children and young people in Mockingbird can have sleepovers at the hub home, once everything has been agreed and checked.

Sleepovers give everyone a short break while children and young people stay in a safe, caring home with someone they already know and trust.

Sleepovers usually last between one and three nights and can be requested by the children and young people themselves or be suggested by carers and workers.

Get in touch to find out more about Mockingbird

Phone us on 01234 718718 or email fostering@bedford.gov.uk.

Download the Mockingbird 2024 Impact Report (PDF).