What should I bring to pre-service foster care training?
Bring any documents your fostering service has requested, together with a notebook and pen for recording key information. It is also helpful to bring questions about fostering, your household and the assessment process so you can discuss them during the training.
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You do not usually need specialist equipment for pre-service foster care training. Bring comfortable clothing, any personal items you need to take part fully, and follow the joining instructions from your fostering service, as arrangements can differ between courses and venues.
Useful items may include:
- Personal accessibility aids , such as glasses, hearing devices or prescribed medication. Tell the training team about any access, communication or dietary needs beforehand so suitable arrangements can be considered.
- A charged mobile phone for essential contact, kept on silent during activities unless the trainer asks you to use it.
- A laptop, tablet or charger only where the provider has said that a device is needed. For online sessions, use a private space with a reliable internet connection and check that your camera and microphone work in advance.
- Water and any personal refreshments you may need during the session, particularly if you have dietary or medical requirements.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for sitting, group discussion and any practical or role-play exercises included in the course.
It is also important to make practical arrangements before the session. If you have children or caring responsibilities, organise suitable care so that you can participate without interruptions. If a partner or another household member is expected to attend, make sure they have the relevant joining details and can take part for the required sessions.
Training can involve discussion of safeguarding, children’s experiences, attachment, behaviour, identity, loss and the responsibilities of foster carers. You do not need to bring specialist knowledge or experience, but being ready to listen, reflect and contribute will help you get more from the course.
Avoid bringing confidential information about children or other people, and do not record discussions or activities unless the trainer has given permission. If you are unsure whether an item, device or arrangement is appropriate, check with your fostering service before the training date. The provider can confirm what will be supplied at the venue and whether anything additional is required for your particular course.
The joining instructions from your fostering service should be your final checklist before pre-service training. They will tell you whether any forms need completing in advance, whether printed materials will be provided and what arrangements apply to the particular course. Check these details rather than assuming that every session follows the same format.
If you receive handouts or preparation tasks before the course, read them beforehand and bring any completed work as requested. This helps the trainer focus on the parts that need discussion and ensures that important information is available during the relevant activities.
Find out more about pre-service foster care training
If you are considering fostering and would like to understand the pre-service training process, contact Become A Foster Family to discuss your circumstances and next steps.