Training and Development

As a foster carer you will have already completed some basic training and induction.

It is important for you to continue to build on this training in order to be fully equipped to deal with the many situations you may face. The support and training you will be offered will help you to become more confident. There will be mandatory training that you will be expected to do.

Bracknell Forest provides a programme of training for the year, which includes the core training all foster carers are required to attend, and foster carers also have access to a range of training though an online training provider. We also have an incentive scheme for foster carers to complete at least 30 hours of training per year (1st July – 31st June). This can include individual reading and research provided you document your learning as evidence.

This support and development continues throughout your fostering career, making fostering a positive experience for both you and the child/young person.

All new foster carers must complete a workbook which shows evidence of their ability to meet the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care, Short Break Carers or for Family and Friends Foster Carers within 12 months of being approved (or within 18 months for Connected Persons foster carers (family and friends).

The Training, Support & Development Standards for Foster Care have been designed to support Foster Carers from approval through their first year of fostering. They provide employers with a framework to guide training and professional development for Foster Carers.

The Standards

Provide consistency and quality of training for Foster Carers across England.

Provide access to the most up-to-date information, advice and guidance for Foster Carers.

Allow opportunities for career progression and development by providing underpinning knowledge and skills.

Improve the status of Foster Carers as trained professionals and a valued part of the children's workforce.

Two foster carers in the same house can use the same workbook.

Training will be geared towards each carer's needs.

The standards cover the main areas of the foster care role and what you should know, understand and be able to do.

This evidence will begin to be gathered before you are approved, through the Skills to Foster course and will continue after you are approved. All evidence will be recorded in a training and development portfolio.

There will be some standard training (core) that you must attend. There will also be further training which may be identified by you or your Supervising Social Worker through your supervision meetings and through your annual appraisal.

Your personal development plan will set out how you will be supported with training and development. Your Supervising Social Worker will also discuss any help or support needed by your own children.

Training sessions are held during the day, evenings or sometimes at weekends in convenient places, childcare may be provided and reasonable expenses may be paid to enable you to attend.

The fostering service is committed to providing tailored training and support to all its foster carers that is based on equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

Training also comes in many forms, you may attend courses but there may also be some on-line resources/courses, books or workshops that may also be helpful.

Your Supervising Social Worker will provide you with a training programme. If you are interested in any courses, speak to them and complete the training form in order to attend.

If you move to another fostering service, your training portfolio will be transferred if requested.