SOUTHAMPTON City Council is "wholly committed" to its fostering service, according to a report by the watchdog National Care Standards Commission (NCSC).

A report by the NCSC found the service manager to be responsible for significant improvements and also noted excellent support for the service from the head of the Children's and Families Division within the city, as well as a close and supportive relationship with Southampton Foster Care Association.

The service was praised for meeting the majority of national standards, including those concerning management arrangements.

Shortfalls in the service were also highlighted in the report.

These included a shortage of carers within which blocked placements and a compromising of the matching process, and a shortage of staffing with resulting inability to routinely monitor placements on a regular basis.

An action plan has been developed by the NCSC listing good practice recommendations and other suggestions for improvements, including the recruitment of more staff.

The report said: "There are many areas of good practice within the service and the city provides a supportive framework in which to operate. There are solid plans in place to develop the service in line with the standards and best practice and this is commendable."

Sue Allan, of the council's health and social care directorate, said: "The action plan is already in hand. Recruitment has started."