If you have read our blog you will probably be aware that you don’t need any formal qualifications or previous experience working with children to become a foster carer.
‘But Linda, you say fostering is a demanding and challenging career…how can you do it without any qualifications?’ Good question!
As a foster carer you will receive comprehensive training. This begins once you formally apply to become a foster carer, with the ‘Skills to Foster’ training. This is an introductory training course that will familiarise you with the world of fostering and give you an idea of what you may expect once you are approved as a carer.

Anyone becoming a foster carer in England will be required to complete the national training and development standards work book devised by the Children’s Development Workforce Council (CWDC). This is quite an in depth project and you would usually take some months to complete this as you will need to reflect on the experiences and knowledge you have gained as a foster carer.
In addition to these learning opportunities foster carers will be required to attend a number of compulsory training courses provided by their chosen agency. In order to ensure that foster carers are equipped to manage the demand of the fostering role, and to provide vulnerable children and young people with a high standard of care, the National Minimum standards require foster carers to receive training in areas such as first aid, safeguarding, child sexual exploitation and managing allegations.

Many Fostering Agencies offer their foster carers the opportunity to complete the Level 3 Diploma or NVQ3 in Caring for Children and Young People. This evidence based non- compulsory qualification is offered to those Foster Carers interested in professional development.  Many agencies see this qualification as an opportunity to cement the learning and development of their cares and to validate their status as a professional foster carer.

Whether you are academic or learn better through experience, there is a qualification that will suit you and the most important qualification you will possess as a foster carer is life experience! Formal qualifications may make some foster carers feel more confident in their skills but there are many very experienced foster carers who make a valuable contribution without additional qualifications.

If you are interested in fostering contact us now and we will answer any questions you may have.