At Wholistic Fostering, we believe training should do more than tick boxes — it should empower you to thrive in your role and meet the needs of every child with confidence and care. That’s why we provide high-quality, accessible and free training for all our foster carers, from the very beginning and throughout your journey with us.
You’ll never be on your own. Our training is designed to support your growth, connect you with others, and help you provide the best care possible.
Our training programme combines online learning and local, in-person sessions to give you flexibility while keeping things personal and practical. Whether you prefer to learn at your own pace or enjoy group discussions, there’s a format to suit you.
Through our training, you’ll be able to:
Track your progress with your own Thrive training account
Your training begins during the assessment stage, through our Tools to Foster pre-approval training — a vital foundation for all foster carers. This course introduces you to the realities of fostering and the core principles behind it. You’ll explore key areas such as:
You'll also take part in other pre-approval modules, including:
These sessions help prepare you for panel, while giving you the tools to begin building positive relationships with children and young people.
Once you’re approved, your development continues with a core programme of mandatory courses. These are designed to deepen your understanding, strengthen your confidence and meet all regulatory requirements. Topics include:
These courses are a vital part of your role, and your Supervising Social Worker will guide you through them at a pace that works for you.
Once you’re settled into your role, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge with a wide range of optional training. These courses help you tailor your learning to your interests or the specific needs of the children you care for.
Popular optional topics include:
