What training is required before foster care approval?

Before approval, applicants normally complete structured preparation training arranged by their fostering service. There is no single course or qualification that applies identically to every applicant across the UK; the required content and timing depend on the service, the type of fostering considered and what the assessment identifies. The preparation must be completed to the fostering service’s satisfaction before it recommends you for approval.

What the preparation usually covers

• How fostering differs from birth parenting, including the importance of working within an agreed care plan.
• Children’s development, attachment, separation and the possible effects of neglect, abuse, trauma and instability.
• Safeguarding responsibilities, recognising concerns and reporting them through the correct procedures.
• Safer caring, household boundaries, privacy, supervision, online safety and managing risks in the home.
• Responding to behaviour that may be linked to a child’s past experiences, while using consistent and appropriate strategies.
• Working with birth families, social workers, schools, health professionals and the wider fostering team.
• Maintaining accurate records, respecting confidentiality and sharing information appropriately.
• The practical responsibilities of fostering, including appointments, meetings, transport, routines and contributing to reviews.
• Equality, identity, culture, religion and how carers can help children maintain important relationships and develop a positive sense of self.
• The possible impact of fostering on relationships, other children in the household, employment and everyday family life.

How the training is delivered

Preparation may involve group sessions, guided activities, discussions, case studies, online learning or a combination of these. Some services include prospective carers’ partners or other household members where their understanding will be important to safe care. You may be asked to consider how you would respond to realistic situations rather than simply recall information. This helps the service understand your judgement, communication and ability to reflect on the needs of a child.

Attendance alone is not the only consideration. Trainers may identify subjects that need further discussion, clarification or individual support. If you miss part of a course, the fostering service will explain whether you need to complete that section before the assessment can continue.

Does previous experience replace the training?

Experience in childcare, education, health, social care or parenting can be relevant and should be discussed during your assessment. It does not automatically remove the requirement to complete the fostering service’s preparation programme. The service still needs to confirm that you understand fostering specifically, including safeguarding, safer caring and the professional responsibilities involved.

Similarly, a childcare qualification may provide useful evidence of knowledge, but it is not normally treated as approval to foster. Training needs are considered alongside your interviews, references, household circumstances, checks and health information.

Further training during assessment

The assessment may highlight additional preparation relevant to your proposed role. For example, this could relate to caring for older children, sibling groups, children with particular health or developmental needs, or managing contact with family members. Any such requirement should be explained by the fostering service, together with how it will be completed and whether it is needed before a recommendation is made.

Some subjects are also developed after approval. Foster carers continue learning through induction and ongoing training, and may work towards the Training, Support and Development Standards for foster carers. Pre-approval preparation therefore gives you the foundation for fostering; it is not intended to cover every situation you may encounter throughout your fostering career.

What to ask your fostering service

• Which preparation course or equivalent programme do applicants complete?
• Which parts must be finished before the assessment can be presented for a decision?
• Can relevant work, caring or volunteering experience be taken into account?
• Will other members of the household be expected to attend any sessions?
• What additional training may be needed for the type of fostering being considered?
• How will missed sessions, accessibility needs or language requirements be handled?

Good preparation should leave you able to explain the responsibilities clearly, recognise when a child may be at risk and understand where to seek advice. It should also give you an opportunity to decide whether fostering fits your household before the approval process reaches its final decision.