What training do foster carers receive before approval?

Before approval, prospective foster carers normally complete a structured preparation course, often referred to as Skills to Foster or an equivalent programme. Its purpose is to help you understand the responsibilities involved, consider how fostering may affect your household and demonstrate that you are ready to continue through the assessment process.

The course is usually delivered through a mixture of discussion, activities, case studies and practical exercises rather than being based only on written information. This gives you the opportunity to explore realistic situations, ask questions and think about how you would respond. You may be asked to reflect on your own experiences, communication style, relationships and approach to boundaries, because these factors can affect how you care for a child.

Preparation training commonly explores:

• the role of a foster carer and the responsibilities involved in caring for a child placed in your home;
• how fostering can affect family life, relationships, routines, privacy and household expectations;
• the importance of identity, culture, religion, relationships and a child’s sense of belonging;
• how to promote development, emotional wellbeing, education and positive relationships;
• how to respond to difficult or uncertain situations while remaining calm, consistent and professional;
• confidentiality, appropriate information sharing and the need to keep clear records;
• how to work as part of a wider team around the child; and
• what is expected from foster carers during reviews, meetings and the wider approval process.

Training also gives you a clearer understanding of the information that will be considered during assessment. The assessing social worker will want to know whether fostering is suitable for your household, what strengths you could bring and whether there are areas where further preparation would be helpful. Completing the course does not automatically mean that you will be approved. It forms part of your preparation, while the assessment considers your circumstances in greater depth.

If you are applying with a partner, you will generally both need to take part. Other household members may also be involved where their age and circumstances make this appropriate. Their views matter because fostering affects everyone who lives in, or regularly spends time in, the household. The exact arrangements vary, so the fostering service should explain who needs to attend and what participation involves.

You are not normally expected to arrive with specialist knowledge or a formal childcare qualification. The training is designed to build understanding and identify questions before approval. However, participation is important: trainers may look at how you engage with the material, listen to different perspectives, reflect on feedback and work through practical examples.

After the course, you should understand the next stages of your application and any actions you need to complete. These may include providing information for your assessment, discussing household arrangements, considering safer-care boundaries and identifying further learning needs. Keep a note of questions that arise during training and raise them with your assessing social worker or fostering service rather than relying on assumptions.

Pre-approval preparation is only the beginning of your learning. Approved foster carers continue to develop their knowledge through ongoing training, supervision and support. Before choosing a fostering service, ask what the initial course covers, how it is delivered, whether everyone in your household can take part and how further training will be arranged after approval.