We know that fostering is a huge commitment

Fostering is a commitment that involves opening your home and your heart. Part of creating that safe space is providing a private bedroom where a foster child can have their own quiet time, make it their own, and feel a sense of belonging.

Why does a spare room matter?

When a child or young person comes into care, especially if they’ve experienced disruption or trauma, one of the most powerful ways to help them feel safe is by giving them a space they can call their own.

Having a spare room:

Promotes emotional security and routine
Gives the child somewhere to reflect and unwind
Reinforces their dignity and privacy
Allows personal space to study, sleep, and play

For children of African, Caribbean, and mixed heritages — who may already feel a sense of cultural disconnection — being welcomed into a space that respects their individuality is a crucial step toward feeling understood and accepted.

What counts as a spare room?

Your spare room doesn’t need to be fancy, but it must be:

A separate room with a door and window
Not shared with anyone else living in the home
Used exclusively by the foster child

Rooms that are occasionally free or used by guests don’t meet this standard. Likewise, it’s not appropriate to ask your birth or adopted children to share a room simply to make space for fostering — their stability matters too.

What makes a room suitable?

We’ll work closely with you to assess your home during the application process. But in general, the foster child’s room should include:

A bed suitable for their age
Storage (like a wardrobe or drawers)
A desk and chair, especially for school-age children
Heating and natural light
Enough space for play and personal items

The room should ideally be on the same floor as your bedroom (or close by), so that the child doesn’t feel isolated or unsafe.

"When I moved in, I didn’t know where I’d fit. But my room made me feel like this could be my home."

Jahmai, foster child

Wholistic Fostering

What doesn’t count as a spare room?

There are a few common scenarios where a room won’t meet fostering standards. For example:

A walk-through room or space without privacy
A room used part-time by university students
A space normally used for visiting family or overnight guests
A shared bedroom with your own children
A converted dining room or second lounge (unless agreed after assessment)

That said, we’ll always consider your individual circumstances and talk through any ideas you have for making your home work.

Real-life examples from our community

Patricia

A grandmother who occasionally hosts her adult children and grandkids during holidays, Patricia decided to keep her guest room free for a foster child instead. She now provides short-term care for a 7-year-old girl, and the room has become her safe haven.

Amara & Dwayne

Their teenage sons have always shared a spacious bedroom. When the couple considered fostering, they were able to use the third smaller room as a private space for a child — without disrupting their sons' existing bond.

Mina & Zakir

Living in a multigenerational household, Mina and Zakir were initially unsure if their home had enough space. After discussing their layout with our team, they made small changes that ensured their foster child had both privacy and a sense of family inclusion.

Let’s find the right fit for your home

At Wholistic Fostering, we understand that every home is different — and every foster child brings their own story. Our role is to help you prepare in a way that feels natural, sustainable, and family-focused.

If you’re unsure whether your home is suitable, we’re happy to talk things through. No pressure. Just a real conversation about how fostering might fit into your world.

📞 Reach out today — and let’s explore your next step together.

Do I Need a Spare Room to Foster a Child?

Is a spare bedroom needed for fostering?