Home/Training

Training that builds confidence

Placements go better when you understand what sits behind a child's behaviour. From your first day to many years on, our training keeps developing alongside you.

Skills To Foster

Pre-approval training

All applicants complete the mandatory Skills to Foster course, developed by the Fostering Network. Six introductory sessions cover everything you need to know before approval. Other household members complete Safe Care and My Family Fosters.

The six Skills to Foster sessions

Delivered over three days, as a group or 1-2-1, at a venue agreed with you. Both applicants attend.

What do foster carers do
Identity and life chances
Working with others
Understanding and caring for children
Safer caring
Transitions

Alongside the course itself, applicants also complete safeguarding, behaviour management, first aid and attachment training before approval.

Training on offer

Your training plan starts during assessment and is delivered through a range of mediums to suit your learning style. Some of what's on offer:

Attachment Theory
Behaviour Management
Safeguarding Training
Safe Care Training
First Aid Training
Leaving Care and Transitions
Health Promotion
Safe Handling of Medication
Record Keeping
Trauma and Attachments
ADHD and Autism
Learning Difficulties
Therapeutic Approaches
Contact
Therapeutic Communities
Risk Assessments
Sexually Harmful Behaviour

Ongoing mandatory training

For all carers

Safeguarding and Safer Care
Attachment and PACE
First Aid (face-to-face refresher)
Understanding and Managing Behaviour

Continuing Development

Ongoing training, all year round

Monthly area group sessions

Sessions throughout the year facilitated by social workers or our therapist. Available 10am-12pm and 6-8pm so every carer can attend. We expect carers to attend three a year minimum.

Vocational training hub

Online courses you choose from. Free wellbeing courses. Specialist subjects. Whatever's relevant to your placement or your own development.

ACS face-to-face training

We collaborate with ACS for face-to-face training delivered by outside trainers, giving access to specialist subjects throughout the year.

Career Structure

From Level 1 to Level 2

Foster carers are professionals. We treat you that way.

Level 1

You start here. New to fostering, or transitioning from another agency. Full support, training, and the chance to build skills before progressing.

Level 2

After two years (subject to positive annual reviews) you progress to Level 2. If you bring relevant prior experience, a discretionary route into Level 2 is also possible.

Mentor / Buddy carer

Experienced carers can become Embrace Each Other mentors, supporting newly approved carers through their first year. Or contribute to training, initial visits and enquiries.

Ready to take the first step?

Skills to Foster is the first formal training, but we'll have several conversations before that. Get in touch when you're ready.

Enquire Today See the Process