Foster Care Training
Learn about foster parent training opportunities, the Skills to Foster course, our ethos toward training.
Foster Parent Training Opportunities
At Family Fostering Partners, we believe confident, well-supported carers create the strongest foundations for children to thrive. That’s why our foster parent training is designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and ongoing guidance you need, no matter where you are on your fostering journey.
Every foster carer is different, and so is every child. That’s why our foster parent training courses are tailored to the specific needs of each family, ensuring you receive the right support at the right time. Whether you’re new to fostering or bring years of experience, our flexible foster care training programme keeps you up to date with the latest legislation and best practice, while building the practical skills that truly matter day to day.
The journey begins with the nationally recognised Skills to Foster training course, a vital introduction to the world of fostering. From there, we provide core training on essential topics like safeguarding, attachment, and trauma-informed care, alongside more specialised workshops shaped around your needs and the needs of the children in your care.
All of our training takes place in a supportive, inclusive environment where your voice matters, your questions are welcomed, and your confidence grows every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the first step, learn more about how to become a foster parent and what the process involves.
Skills to Foster Training Course
The Skills to Foster training course is the first step in your journey as a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners. This introductory three-day course is required for all prospective foster carers and is delivered by our experienced team, with valuable input and real-life insight from foster parents already part of our agency.
During the course, you’ll explore essential topics including safeguarding, attachment, trauma, sibling relationships, and what fostering with Family Fostering Partners really looks like. It’s a welcoming, informative space designed to give you a realistic understanding of the role and prepare you with the knowledge and confidence to begin your fostering journey.
This training isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about building a strong foundation so you feel supported, informed, and ready to make a difference in a child’s life.
At Family Fostering Partners, we understand that starting foster care training can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to fostering. That’s why every course we run, from the initial Skills to Foster training to ongoing foster parent training, is delivered in a warm, welcoming environment where you’ll always feel supported.
To make things as easy as possible for you and your family, our foster parent training sessions are usually held during school term times, between 10am and 2pm. This helps reduce disruption to your daily routine and allows plenty of time for reflection and discussion.
We also try to organise foster care training locally, so you can attend sessions close to home and start building valuable connections with other foster carers in your area. And because we want you to feel comfortable throughout the day, we always provide refreshments and lunch to keep you fuelled and focused.
Our foster care training is designed to prepare, support, and empower you at every stage of your fostering journey. From the moment you begin the Skills to Foster training course, you’ll receive practical guidance on what it means to become a foster parent—alongside honest insight into the everyday realities of supporting a child who may have experienced trauma, loss, or instability.
Your foster parent training will cover key areas such as:
- Safeguarding – understanding how to protect and advocate for children in your care
- Attachment and trauma – exploring how early experiences affect behaviour and emotional needs
- Child development – recognising how children grow, learn, and adapt
- Managing behaviour – building strategies that promote stability and trust
- Identity and diversity – encouraging inclusion and respecting each child’s background
- Working with professionals – collaborating with the team around a child
- Fostering as a family – preparing your household for the role fostering plays in daily life
In addition to these core topics, we also provide a wide range of ongoing and specialist foster parent training to meet your individual needs. Whether you’re caring for teenagers, children with complex needs, or supporting transitions between placements, we’ll make sure the training you receive is relevant, practical, and truly supportive.
Our experienced training manager, link workers, and support staff lead our foster parent training sessions, providing guidance and practical examples relevant to the children in your care. Additionally, we collaborate with experts in the field to offer diverse learning experiences, ensuring we stay up to date with evolving fostering practices, and that our foster care training programme remains relevant and insightful.
Your Link Worker and the Training Manager will work alongside you to develop a personalised foster parent training plan tailored to your needs as a foster parent, and the needs of the children in your care. They will guide you through our training programs, identifying which courses are mandatory, and which would be well suited for your continued foster parent training and development. Additionally, they offer one-on-one instruction and guidance to complement your training and support your professional development as a foster parent.
You don’t need any formal qualifications or previous foster care training to apply to become a foster parent. At Family Fostering Partners, we believe that with the right guidance and support, anyone with the passion to make a difference can become a confident, capable foster parent.
Our Foster Parent Training Manager, Hannah, explains:
“Whilst qualifications and experience are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your abilities through our training, guidance, and ongoing support.”
Core and Specialist Foster Care Training Courses
Our foster care training programme includes a combination of mandatory and optional courses designed to support your growth as a foster parent. Some of the training topics we offer include:
Core Training (Required for All Foster Parents)
- Skills to Foster training
- Safeguarding children
- First aid
- Health and safety
- Recording and reporting
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
Attachment and trauma - Child development
- Safe care and risk management
- Managing allegations and complaints
In addition to our mandatory training, you will also have access to Foster Talk. Foster Talk is an independent service that provides free information talks and training to foster parents.
Specialist & Ongoing Development Courses
- Therapeutic parenting
- Caring for children with additional needs
- Supporting teenagers and adolescents
- Promoting positive behaviour
- CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) awareness
- Internet safety and social media
- Education and supporting learning
- Transitions and preparing for independence
- Mental health awareness
- Parent and child fostering
- Understanding the impact of neglect
Our foster parent training is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and the evolving needs of the children in our care. Additional training is always available based on your placement type and personal learning goals.
Why Choose Family Fostering Partners?
Choosing to foster is a life-changing decision, and choosing the right agency matters just as much. At Family Fostering Partners, we’re a family-run agency with a genuinely family-first approach. We take the time to get to know you, understand your strengths, and support you in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and consistent.
Our foster care training is an important part of that journey, but it’s not just about attending sessions. It’s about building confidence, learning in a way that works for you, and always having someone to turn to if you need help. From your very first course to the more advanced training offered later on, we’ll make sure you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
If you’d like to learn more about what makes us different, visit our Why Choose Us page.
What to Expect from Our Foster Parent Training
Training with Family Fostering Partners isn’t about sitting through dry sessions or ticking boxes, it’s about creating a supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to learn at your own pace.
You can expect small, friendly groups led by people who understand fostering inside and out. Our sessions are interactive and relaxed, with room for open discussion, real-life examples, and questions that reflect your individual concerns. We understand that everyone comes to fostering with different experiences, so we never assume prior knowledge, just a willingness to learn and a commitment to making a difference.
You’ll be guided through each part of the training by our experienced team and encouraged to connect with other foster parents along the way. For many, it becomes a space not just for learning, but for building confidence and forming lasting support networks.
Most importantly, our foster care training is designed to grow with you. It’s not a one-off process, it’s an ongoing journey of development, with training that adapts to the children you care for and the challenges you may face.
Start Your Fostering Journey with Family Fostering Partners
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, we’re here to guide you through every part of the journey. Our training is designed to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident from the very beginning. If you’d like to find out more about fostering with Family Fostering Partners, we’d be happy to talk things through with you. Get in touch by filling out the contact form today and to learn how we can support you on your fostering journey.
Foster Care Training FAQ's
What training is required for foster carers?
All foster carers must complete the Skills to Foster training course before approval, followed by ongoing core training in areas like safeguarding, child development, and trauma-informed care.
What is mandatory training for foster carers?
Mandatory training for foster carers includes the Skills to Foster course during the application process and, upon approval, core courses such as safeguarding, first aid, health and safety, and child development. These trainings provide essential skills and knowledge to ensure the safety and well-being of children in care.
Do you have to pay for foster care training?
No, foster care training is provided free of charge by fostering agencies. This includes both initial training, such as the Skills to Foster course, and ongoing development sessions. The training is designed to equip foster carers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the children in their care.
How long is foster parent training?
The initial Skills to Foster training typically lasts between two to three days, depending on the fostering agency. This foundational course is followed by ongoing training sessions throughout your fostering career to enhance your skills and knowledge.