Training is an important part of the support we offer our foster carers. It is provided at all stages of the fostering journey, from pre-approval and onwards throughout your fostering career.
We provide a comprehensive, bespoke training programme which equips our carers with the skills required to meet the demands of fostering.
The training our foster carers receive
Pre-approval
Applicants complete the Skills to Foster course before their approval as foster carers. This three-day programme provides attendees with the essential skills and knowledge required to become a foster carer. Topics covered include child development, separation and loss, diversity and identity, safe care, childhood trauma and attachment.
During the assessment process, you will also start a Personal Development Plan (PDP). Completing a PDP is a mandatory requirement to meet the Fostering National Minimum Standards. Your PDP is used throughout your fostering journey. It records your completed training and learning activities, and helps you to identify areas for further development.
Post-approval
Approved foster carers are expected to complete the Department for Education's Training, Support and Development Standards (TSD). These outline the skills and knowledge that all carers need to achieve and evidence in the first 12 months of their fostering journey. Your Supervising Social Worker will help you to identify areas for development and suitable training opportunities.
As part of your learning journey as a foster carer, you will be required to complete four mandatory training sessions within your first year of fostering:
- Safeguarding children
- Paediatric first aid
- Diversity and equality
- Keeping data safe and GDPR
Continual learning and training benefits carers and the young people they support. In addition to your mandatory post-approval training, there is a requirement that you complete at least four pieces of training or learning activities per year.
Our continuing programme of post-approval training offers a wide range of in-person, virtual and online courses. You will be supported to identify and access all relevant training that will assist you in your role as foster carer.
To receive a higher skills-based fee, ranging up to £1,000 per week on our specialist scheme, foster carers can progress through our career pathway. The skill levels are based on a range of factors, including experience, competency and training undertaken.
The support out foster carers receive
One-to-one monthly supervisions with skilled and experienced fostering social works.
24 hour support to help you at any time.
Access to local support groups and social events throughout the year.
Links to specialist services, including the Safe Connections therapeutic support service.
Free membership to The Fostering Network, the UK's leading fostering charity who provide helplines, financial and legal advice.
The benefits of becoming a foster carer
Some of the other benefits of becoming a foster carer include:
- Access to discount schemes such as the Blue Light Card and Max card
- Free activities throughout the year from the fostering service
- Opportunities for free or discounted tickets to local attractions and events
For full details of the benefits we offer our foster carers, please contact us for more information.
What our carers say about our training and support
"The Skills to Foster training was informative and complemented the work we'd done with our social worker, exploring secure and insecure attachment and behaviours. We heard case studies from active foster carers and from a young person, which cemented our purpose for wanting to do this. We felt confident that we were on the right path to understanding what it takes to be great foster carers." Terry and Sara, foster carers for Herefordshire Council.