What happens if I cannot attend every foster care training course session?

Missing a foster care training session does not automatically prevent you from continuing your fostering application, but the learning covered must still be completed. Training is part of assessing your readiness to foster, so the fostering team will need to be satisfied that you have understood and engaged with the required subjects.

The next step will depend on the session you missed, the reason for your absence and how much of the course you attended. Your fostering team may discuss:

• whether you can join the relevant topic during another course delivery;
• whether a member of the training team can go through the missed material with you;
• whether you need to complete an agreed reading, written exercise or reflective activity; and
• whether any questions or concerns need to be discussed before the learning is signed off.

Some sessions involve group discussion, practical exercises or consideration of fostering scenarios. In these cases, simply reading notes may not cover everything that was expected from attending. You may need to demonstrate your understanding in another way, particularly where the topic relates to safeguarding, safer caring, relationships with children or working with professionals.

If you only miss part of a session, the trainer may decide that the part you attended is sufficient, or may identify a specific section for you to complete. This is assessed individually rather than assumed. If the missed session was designed for several members of your household to attend together, the team may also consider whether everyone has received the same information and has had an opportunity to ask questions.

Outstanding training can affect the timing of the assessment process because the required learning may need to be completed before the next stage can be confirmed. This does not mean that one absence is treated as a failed application. It means the team must keep a clear record of what you have completed and resolve any gaps before your preparation is considered complete.

If attendance is difficult because of work, caring responsibilities, travel, health, disability or a learning need, explain this to the fostering team. They can consider the circumstances and discuss a suitable way for you to access the missed learning. Tell them as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the course, as this gives you a clearer plan and helps prevent outstanding work from being overlooked.

Keep any agreed tasks, notes or evidence of completed catch-up work, and ask which parts of the course remain outstanding. Before your assessment progresses, you should know whether your training record is complete and whether any further discussion or activity is required.