Do foster carers get paid for attending training?

Training is generally part of the fostering approval and development process, rather than a separately paid working shift. Whether a provider offers a payment for attending depends on its own terms, the stage of your fostering journey and the specific course involved.

Before approval, prospective foster carers usually complete preparatory training as part of the assessment process. This helps you understand the responsibilities involved, including safeguarding, safer caring, child development, managing behaviour and working with the wider professional network. Attendance at this stage does not normally create an entitlement to a fostering allowance, because you are not yet approved and do not have a child placed with you.

After approval, foster carers are expected to continue developing their knowledge and skills. Some training may be required for all carers, while other courses may relate to a particular child’s needs or the type of fostering being provided. A provider may have arrangements for certain sessions, but these should not be assumed to apply to every course. The written fostering agreement, payment information and training policy should explain the relevant terms.

It is also important to distinguish between different types of financial support:

• Training attendance payment: a specific amount a provider may offer for taking part in an eligible session.
• Fostering allowance: money intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for a child and supporting their day-to-day needs. This is not automatically a payment for attending training.
• Expenses: some providers may have rules about travel, meals, childcare or other costs connected with attending a course. Eligibility and approval requirements vary.

Training can take place in different formats, including group sessions, online learning, workshops and individual discussions. The format may affect whether a payment or expense reimbursement applies. For example, a policy might cover attendance at a specified course but exclude optional learning, missed sessions, repeat attendance or time spent completing online modules.

Before enrolling or attending, ask the fostering provider to confirm:

• which training is compulsory at each stage;
• whether any attendance payment is available;
• which expenses can be claimed and what evidence is required;
• when any approved payment is made;
• what happens if a session is cancelled, rearranged or completed online; and
• whether payment arrangements change once you are approved or have a placement.

Keep copies of the relevant policy, attendance confirmations and expense receipts. These records can help resolve queries about what was agreed and whether a payment is due. If you receive money specifically for training, ask the provider how it is classified for their records and obtain independent tax advice if you are unsure how it should be declared.

Training is an ongoing responsibility, so the financial arrangement should be considered alongside the wider support package, supervision and allowances offered by the provider. Your fostering team can explain the terms that apply to your circumstances before you commit to a course.