Foster carer training
Our Learning Hub allows you to book onto your training and complete any E-Learning where applicable. Please see the list of training we have available below for the remainder of 2022/2023. Further training dates are available on the Learning Hub for you to be able to book in advance. If you would like to book onto any of the below training, Support Groups or Coffee Mornings, either look for the course name on your Learning Hub home page or search for the course title in the Learning Hub search bar and click on show dates.
Caring for children can be a demanding role. The opportunity to receive regular, high quality training is very important in supporting carers to undertake the tasks required in caring for children, some of whom may be exhibiting difficult and challenging behaviour. Workforce Development have a strong commitment to providing several training opportunities each year which build on the skills first discussed during the Skills to Foster preparation course.
Over the year the training programme will be developed, as priorities change, or demand increases. It is recommended that you regularly check this page for updates.
Please note we are currently working on your training plan for 2023-2024. We will release this in the upcoming weeks!
Training schedule
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer |
| 8 February 2023 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Managing and Working Constructively with Impulsive Behaviour | Council Chambers, Civic Centre | Liza Lomax |
| 9 February 2023 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Equality and Diversity Awareness for Foster Carers | WD2, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 28 February 2023 | 10am to 12noon | Coping with Anxiety | WD2, Dryden | Maria Lavelle |
| 2 March 2023 | 9.30am to 11am | PEP- Personal Education Plans (FULLY BOOKED) | John Abbot, Dryden | Rezina Chowdhury |
| 7 March 2023 | 9.30am to 12.30am | Learning and Attachment | WD2, Dryden | Joanne Hoyle |
| 9 March 2023 | 9.30am to 2pm | The Impact of Neglect | WD2, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 13 March 2023 | 10am to 12noon | Foster Carer Induction session (This is for any NEW carers who have recently been approved through panel) | WD1, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 14 March 2023 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Connections before Corrections (Previously known as Practical Strategies) | WD1, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 15 March 2023 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Attachment & trauma: understanding attachment, the impact of unmet attachment needs, and planning a programme for recovery | Microsoft Teams | Liza Lomax |
| 16 March 2023 | 9.30am to 2pm | Your Self Care (Previously known as Promoting Positive Behaviour) | WD1, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 28 March 2023 | 9:30am to 12noon | LAC Be Healthy | WD2, Dryden | NHS Foundation Trust |
Upcoming support groups and coffee mornings
| Date | Time | Topic | Location |
| 7 February 2023 | 1:00 to 2:00pm | Foster Carer Support Group- Blue Cabin | WD2, Dryden |
| 1 March 2023 | 10am to 11:30am | Trauma Informed Discussions | WD3, Dryden |
| 8 March 2023 | 1.30pm to 3pm | Foster Carer Coffee Afternoon | Bewicks B, Civic Centre |
The The foster caring training requirements document (PDF) [418KB] (opens new window) will remind you of the mandatory and core training requirements and the number of training courses and support groups you are expected to participate in annually.
Additional Safeguarding courses can be found on our Safeguarding and Community Safety training page
In addition to face to face and virtual training, foster carers can undertake e-learning courses or Flexible Learning
Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards
All new foster carers are required to complete their Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards for Foster Carers portfolio prior to their first review approximately 10 months.
These Standards are a national benchmark and give foster carers the recognition they deserve for the role they play. We know you will want to demonstrate your professionalism and achieve these standards and we believe in supporting you to achieve them. Where applicable, courses will indicate which TSD Standards are covered within the training.
There will be Foster Carer Induction Sessions running throughout the year to provide guidance on completing your work book. In addition, your Supervising Social Worker will be able to provide guidance and support whilst you are completing it. Please look at dates on the Learning Hub to book your place.
TSD Family and Friends Connected Carers (PDF) [706KB] (opens new window)