Training and Development

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

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).

Two foster carers in the same house can use the same workbook. 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 support and development workbook – this will be given to you during the assessment process.
As a foster carer you will receive effective training and supervision in respect of the specific and complex needs of children, to ensure your placements are more effective and stable as a result.

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.

Derby City fostering service operates a Payment for Skills Scheme (PFS policy). Foster carers have 4 mandatory pathways of learning at 4 levels A-D, each level is attached to a payment. Payment for skills panel make decisions if carers have met the requirements to move to the next level.

Carers who can offer care to children/young people 0-18 can move through the levels to level D, Baby carers can move through to Level B.

Training programme is sent out twice a year and there is mandatory training as well as optional courses.

Training is a mixture of virtual and face-face. Some courses run in the evening and on a Saturday. We have some online courses that are ringfenced for working and out of town carers.

Self-directed learning - This includes reading, research programmes on the radio, TV or articles in newspapers you have listened to or read. This must be evidenced through discussion with your Social worker on how you implement the knowledged gained into practice.

This support and development continues throughout your fostering career, making fostering a positive experience and enables you to achieve the best outcomes for the children/young people in your care.

Your Social Worker through supervision meetings and annual appraisal will support you to book on to appropriate training.

Your Social Worker will also discuss any help or support needed by your own children.

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

Support groups - Support groups for foster carers provide a valuable opportunity for you to meet with other foster carers, share concerns and ideas and develop your learning;

Specialist training - the Fostering Service will endeavour to offer training for foster carers looking after children with specific needs where this is required to care for the child or is beneficial to the child.