What training is required before I become a foster carer?

Before approval, prospective foster carers complete pre-approval training set by their fostering agency. This usually includes Skills to Foster or an equivalent programme, followed by any additional preparation identified during assessment. The training helps you understand the responsibilities of fostering and consider how they would work in your household.

Pre-approval training commonly helps you explore:

• how fostering may affect your household, relationships, routines and existing children
• the importance of safer caring, confidentiality, boundaries and professional conduct
• how to work with social workers, schools, health professionals and a child’s birth family
• the importance of recording information accurately and sharing concerns appropriately
• how to reflect on your own experiences, assumptions and responses when caring for a child
• the practical expectations involved in transport, appointments, meetings and contact arrangements

The programme is not simply a test. It gives you opportunities to ask questions, discuss realistic examples and identify areas where you may need further guidance. Trainers may use group discussions, exercises, case studies and written or practical activities. You should be prepared to participate openly and consider how you would respond to situations that could arise in a foster placement.

Training is also part of the assessment process. Your attendance, participation and ability to reflect may help the agency understand your strengths, support needs and readiness to foster. Completing a course does not by itself guarantee approval. The agency will consider your training alongside checks, references, interviews, home visits and the wider assessment before making a recommendation.

The exact programme depends on the agency and the type of fostering you are considering. Some applicants may need additional preparation because of the ages or needs of children they hope to care for, or because of circumstances within their household. Your assessing social worker should explain which sessions are required, whether every household member needs to take part and what happens if you need extra help with a particular area.

Training does not end when you are approved. Foster carers continue learning through induction, agency training and development activities. These may cover subjects relevant to a child’s individual needs, changes in guidance or the skills you need to manage a placement safely. You should expect to discuss your ongoing training with your supervising social worker and keep a record of learning completed.

You do not normally need a formal childcare qualification before applying to foster. What matters is your ability to learn, reflect, work with professionals and put training into practice. If you are unsure whether you can meet a particular training requirement, raise this at the initial enquiry or assessment stage so the agency can explain the process and any available support.