Do fostering allowance rates include holiday payments?

Holiday costs are usually considered separately from the regular fostering allowance. The allowance is intended to help meet the ordinary day-to-day costs of caring for a child, while any additional holiday payment or expense support depends on the fostering service’s policy, the child’s circumstances and what has been agreed for the placement.

There is no single national rule requiring every fostering service to pay a separate holiday allowance. Arrangements can differ between local authorities and independent fostering services. Some may expect carers to use part of the usual allowance towards a family holiday, while others may consider additional support where taking the child on holiday is important for their wellbeing, relationships or inclusion in family life.

Before booking a holiday, ask the fostering service to explain:

• whether a separate holiday payment is available;
• which costs may be considered, such as accommodation, travel, meals, activities or travel insurance;
• whether the payment is a fixed amount or assessed for the particular child;
• whether costs must be approved before booking;
• what evidence, such as receipts or booking details, is required; and
• how the arrangement applies if more than one foster child is travelling.

Additional help is more likely to need individual consideration where a child has specific needs. For example, a child may require specialist equipment, additional supervision, accessible accommodation or carefully planned travel arrangements. The child’s care plan and placement plan should clarify relevant needs and how agreed costs will be managed.

A holiday does not remove the responsibilities attached to fostering. The supervising social worker and the child’s social worker may need to discuss the proposed arrangements, including safeguarding, medical needs, contact with family members and any permissions required for travel. Taking a foster child abroad may involve additional consent and documentation, so this should be checked well in advance with the fostering service rather than assumed to be covered by the normal allowance.

It is also important to distinguish between a family holiday and other types of planned absence. A child may have approved short-break arrangements, contact travel or an activity connected with their care plan. These may be funded under different rules and should not automatically be treated as a holiday payment.

Keep records of any agreed expenditure and confirm whether reimbursement is made through the fostering payment system or separately. If a proposed holiday is not covered, the fostering service should explain this before commitments are made. A written discussion with the supervising social worker can help avoid uncertainty and make sure the child’s needs remain central to the arrangements.

When comparing fostering allowance rates, therefore, look beyond the headline weekly figure. Ask specifically how ordinary leisure costs, family holidays, additional needs and pre-approved expenses are treated. This gives a more accurate picture of the financial support available for a particular placement.