Training

Our foster carers have the opportunity to attend a variety of training courses. These are very informal and take place in small groups. They enable foster carers to learn about good practice, discuss issues they may have and build skills and confidence, while having the opportunity to meet with other carers and professionals. The courses are free, and we are able to help with child minding and transport, where needed.

Please select the link below to view the dates of our Skills to Foster courses.

Skills to Foster courses (pdf 60k)

All potential foster carers undergo some training as part of the assessment process. After approval as a foster carer there are a number of core training courses that all carers are encouraged to attend. These include: -

  • First aid
  • Child protection
  • Developing positive relationships (Managing Behaviour 1)
  • Care Planning
  • Health Promotion
  • Promoting Education Managing Information

Career Care Training

Some mainstream carers may choose to work towards the career carer level, to develop new and existing skills. They would work on the following courses:-

  • Mentoring skills
  • Managing Behaviour 2
  • Presentations and Effective Speaking
  • Promoting Independence
  • Managing Emergency Placements

NVQ Training

All foster carers are encouraged to take the NVQ Caring for Children and Young People Level 3, although it is not compulsory. This is an excellent opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification as well as increasing your confidence and skills as a foster carer, with no charge to yourself. The NVQ covers topics such as: -

  • Promoting the rights of individuals
  • Child Protection
  • Managing good relationships
  • Health and safety
  • Promoting Children’s health and leisure
  • Managing Children’s Behaviour

Additional Training

There are also many other different additional training courses available. Training may be linked to your approval status (eg. early years, working towards independence) or to a specific issue (eg. substance misuse) or to meet specific need (eg. caring for a child from an ethnic minority).