Do foster carer training courses cost anything?
Foster carer training courses are generally provided free of charge by the fostering service, so you should not normally pay to complete the required preparation training. Ask your fostering service to confirm what is covered, including any possible travel or other related expenses, and what financial support may be available during your fostering journey.
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In most cases, foster carer training courses do not have a course fee. The fostering service normally arranges and funds the preparation training needed before approval, so applicants are not expected to pay to complete this part of the assessment process.
It is helpful to understand what is included in the term “free training”. This usually refers to the teaching, course materials and activities provided as part of your fostering application. It does not necessarily mean that every personal expense connected with attending a course will be paid. The arrangements can vary between fostering services, so ask for a clear explanation before you begin.
You should also ask how costs are handled if:
- training takes place at a venue rather than online;
- you need to attend additional sessions;
- more than one person in your household must complete the preparation training;
- you need help with course materials or accessibility requirements; or
- you are asked to attend further learning after approval.
Training is only one part of the fostering process. You may also need to complete checks, health assessments, references and a fostering assessment. These requirements are separate from the training course, and the fostering service should explain any expenses or arrangements linked to them before you proceed. You should not assume that paying for a private course will replace the preparation training required by the service assessing your application.
After approval, foster carers continue learning through ongoing training and development. Some sessions may be required to help you maintain your approval and develop skills for the children placed with you. Ask whether this learning is provided through the fostering service and how attendance is arranged.
If a provider asks you to pay a fee, request a written breakdown of what the charge covers and whether it is compulsory. A reputable fostering service should be able to explain its training arrangements clearly, including any costs that are not part of the course itself. You can then make an informed decision without confusing a training fee with the wider financial considerations of becoming a foster carer.
Although the training itself is usually free, you may still need to plan for the practical costs of attending. These can include transport, parking, arranging childcare or taking time away from work, depending on how sessions are delivered and who needs to attend.
Before starting, ask the fostering service whether it offers help with any approved expenses and whether you need to keep receipts. Clarify this in advance rather than assuming that every cost connected with attending training will be reimbursed. This gives you a more accurate picture of the financial arrangements involved in completing your preparation training.
Ask about foster carer training costs
If you are considering fostering, contact our fostering team to discuss your questions about training costs, preparation and the next steps in the application process.