Professional training & development
We're not looking for perfect people. We will provide the training & development - you provide the heart and the home.
During the assessment period, you’ll attend a ‘Skills to Foster’ course. This is a preparation course designed to give you as much knowledge about fostering as possible.
All newly-approved foster carers need to complete the Training, Support and Development Standards (TSD) in their first year. These standards ensure that all people working with children, young people and their families have the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice.
The seven standards for mainstream fostering are:
Standard 1: Understand the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people.
Standard 2: Understand your role as a Foster Carer
Standard 3: Understand health and safety, and healthy care
Standard 4: Know how to communicate effectively
Standard 5: Understand the development of young children and young people
Standard 6: Safeguard children and young people (keep them safe from harm)
Standard 7: Develop yourself
More information is available on the GOV.UK Fostering services: national minimum standards page.
In future years you will complete an annual personal development plan with your supervising social worker to ensure that you continue to develop your skills and role as a foster carer. This includes opportunities to take on more specialist forms of fostering, and diploma-level courses in ‘Advanced Skills in Foster Care’ and ‘Expert Practice in Work with Traumatised Children’.
