What training should I complete before my first foster placement?

Before your first foster placement, you need to complete the pre-approval training set by your fostering agency and show that you can apply what you have learned in day-to-day caring situations. The main course is commonly known as Skills to Foster . Completing it is an important part of preparation, but it does not by itself mean that you are approved or guaranteed a placement.

The training is designed to help you understand what fostering involves in practice. It normally explores:

• how children may be affected by neglect, abuse, trauma, separation and disrupted relationships;
• how attachment, identity and previous experiences can influence behaviour;
• safer caring, safeguarding responsibilities and responding to concerns;
• setting appropriate boundaries and managing behaviour without using unsuitable punishments;
• supporting education, health, contact with family members and cultural or religious identity;
• confidentiality, recording events accurately and sharing information appropriately; and
• working with social workers, teachers, health professionals, birth families and other members of the professional network.

Some subjects will be particularly relevant to the type of fostering you are considering. For example, training may look at caring for siblings, teenagers, children with disabilities, children who have experienced exploitation, or children whose behaviour presents additional challenges. Your agency should explain which learning is relevant to your proposed approval category and whether further preparation is needed before a particular placement.

Training is also part of your assessment. You may be asked to take part in discussions, consider realistic scenarios, complete preparation work or reflect on how you would respond to a child’s needs. This is not simply a test of facts. The agency is considering your judgement, understanding, willingness to learn and ability to work safely with others. It is important to be open about areas where you need more explanation rather than trying to give answers you think the trainer expects.

If you are applying as a couple, both applicants should take an active part. Other people in your household may also need age-appropriate information about fostering, particularly if they will regularly share the home with a fostered child. Ask your agency who needs to attend each part of the preparation and how the learning will be recorded.

The course may be delivered through a mixture of group learning, online material, practical exercises and conversations with fostering professionals. The exact format and sequence vary between agencies. Before starting, check whether you need to complete any reading or forms, how attendance is recorded, and what happens if you need additional help with a topic.

Before a child is placed with you, you should also receive information specific to that child. This may include known health needs, routines, education, family contact arrangements, communication needs, risks and strategies that have helped previously. Child-specific information is different from general pre-approval training: training gives you a foundation, while the placement information helps you care for that particular child safely.

Learning does not stop when you complete the initial course. Approved foster carers normally continue with development activities that reflect their placements and identify areas for improvement. You may also receive guidance through supervision, reviews and discussions with your fostering team. Useful questions to raise before approval include:

• Which training must be completed before approval and which must be completed before a first placement?
• What subjects are covered in the initial course, and are there additional modules for the age group or needs you are considering?
• How will the agency assess your understanding and identify any further preparation?
• What training will be available once you are approved?
• Who should you contact if you are unsure how to respond to a safeguarding, behaviour or recording issue?

Keep copies of your training records and any guidance provided. These will help you revisit important information when preparing for a placement and identify questions to discuss with your supervising social worker.