What ongoing learning is expected after foster carer approval?

Ongoing learning after approval is a continuing professional requirement, not a one-off course. You will usually follow a development plan agreed with your fostering service, complete required learning, apply it in day-to-day care and discuss your progress with supervising staff. The exact programme depends on the service, the children placed with you and any additional responsibilities you take on.

Your development plan

Once approved, your supervising social worker should help identify the learning you need to complete and how it will be recorded. This may include a mixture of online modules, group sessions, workshops, reading, reflective discussions and learning from supervision. Training can be arranged around your existing knowledge and may be prioritised according to the needs of a particular child.

In England, foster carers are normally expected to complete the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care within the period set by their fostering service, commonly during the first year of approval. These standards provide a framework for demonstrating that you understand your role and can provide safe, consistent care. Evidence may include written reflections, records of training, examples from practice and discussions with your supervising social worker.

What learning may involve

• Understanding your fostering service’s policies, procedures and expectations, including safer caring and recording requirements.
• Developing skills for communicating with children and young people, listening to their views and contributing to assessments and care planning.
• Learning how to respond appropriately to changes in behaviour, emotional distress, conflict, missing episodes or concerns about safety.
• Understanding professional boundaries, confidentiality, information sharing and the importance of working with social workers, schools, health professionals and birth families.
• Building knowledge relevant to a child’s individual circumstances, such as disability, identity, culture, relationships, substance misuse or experiences of neglect and abuse.
• Refreshing practical skills where required, including health and safety, first aid, medication or other areas linked to the child’s care plan.

Some learning will be required for every foster carer, while other sessions will only apply to certain placements or household circumstances. For example, caring for a child with complex health needs may require additional guidance from health professionals. A placement involving contact arrangements, sibling groups or teenagers preparing for independence can also create different learning needs.

How learning is monitored

Training is considered alongside supervision and the review of your fostering practice. Your supervising social worker may ask how you have used a course in real situations, what has worked well and where you need further guidance. Keeping a simple record of attendance, certificates, reading and reflections can help show how your knowledge is developing.

At review meetings, your fostering service will consider your continued suitability, the support you have received, your learning completed and any development still required. This is an opportunity to raise questions, identify training that would help with future placements and discuss whether your role or the needs of children in your care have changed. Reviews are not intended to replace day-to-day support; supervision provides a more regular opportunity to discuss practice and learning.

What is expected of you

• Attend or complete the learning identified as necessary by your fostering service.
• Take part in discussions about your practice and be open about areas where you need more help.
• Put learning into practice while following approved policies and the child’s agreed care plan.
• Keep required records and tell your supervising social worker about significant incidents, concerns or changes in the household.
• Complete refresher learning when a course or your fostering service requires it.

Training is most useful when it is connected to the children you care for rather than treated as a checklist. If a subject raises concerns about a placement or your confidence, discuss it with your supervising social worker. Further guidance, supervision or specialist advice may be appropriate before you are expected to manage a new situation independently.

Requirements vary between fostering services, so ask for the current post-approval training programme, the process for recording completed learning and the arrangements for reviews before you apply. A clear programme should explain what must be completed, what support is available and how your development will be considered throughout your fostering career.