Foster Care Training

Training for Foster Carers

What to Expect from Our Foster Carer Training

Whether you’re brand new to fostering or continuing your development, our training will help you:

• Understand the needs and experiences of children in care
• Learn essential safeguarding and behavioural strategies
• Build your skills in partnership working and communication
• Meet other carers, share experiences and grow together
• Stay up to date with fostering regulations and best practice

Training is ongoing and split into two key stages:

Stage 1: Pre-Approval Training

Before becoming an approved foster carer, you’ll attend a face-to-face pre-approval course at one of our local offices. This essential introduction gives you a strong foundation in key areas such as:

• Why children come into care
• Understanding safeguarding
• Attachment and separation
• Safe caring principles
• Managing behaviour positively
• Working with others and promoting contact
• Anti-discriminatory practice
• Promoting a positive identity

This course also introduces you to our values and the Wholistic fostering approach, helping you feel prepared and informed from the outset.

Stage 2: Post-Approval Training

Once approved, your training journey continues with a range of courses designed to help you grow as a carer. You’ll begin by completing the Training and Development Standards (TSDs) and then have access to additional specialist training in areas like:

• First Aid (2 days)
• Safeguarding children
• Equality and diversity in practice
• Recording and reporting
• Online safety for children in care
• Understanding and managing behaviour
• Education and children in care
• Attachment training
• Fire safety
• Caring for children from diverse backgrounds
• De-escalation and safe handling
• Childcare legislation

Our ongoing support ensures you continue to build your expertise and feel confident in responding to the unique challenges each child may bring.