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 upcoming training we have on offer.
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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 your pre-approval training.
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.
Your brand new foster carer training plan is here! Your new plan includes packages of training with a choice of training options, including our brand new self-directed training to support you in your role! Take a look below at some of the training we have coming up over the next few months and which package of training they belong to.
Your Training Directory (PDF) [443KB] (opens new window)
November 2023
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of Training |
| 15 November 2023 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Let's Talk about Growing Up | LG4, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Clare Cavanagh | Adolescence |
| 21 November 2023 | 9.30am to 2pm | The Impact of Neglect | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Safeguarding |
| 22 November 2023 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Preparation for Adulthood | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Chris Hulme | Adolescence |
| 23 November 2023 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Managing Family Time | LG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Cathy Taylor | Your Role as a Foster Carer |
| 28 November 2023 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Mandatory Refresh (newly approved carers only) | LG4, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Natalie Thompson | Your First Year as a Foster Carer |
| 30 November 2023 | 9.30 to 11.30am | VR Headset Trauma Training | LG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle Sterricker | Attachment and Trauma |
| 30 November 2023 | 12.30 to 2.30pm | VR Headset Trauma Training | LG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle Sterricker | Attachment and Trauma |
December 2023
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of Training |
| 1 December 2023 | 9.30 to 11.30am | VR Headset Trauma Training | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle Sterricker | Attachment and Trauma |
| 1 December 2023 | 12.30 to 2.30pm | VR Headset Trauma Training- FULLY BOOKED | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle Sterricker | Attachment and Trauma |
| 4 December 2023 | 1 to 2.30pm | Foster Carer Induction Training (newly approved carers only) | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Your First Year as a Foster Carer |
| 6 December 2023 | 10am to 12.30pm | Your Role in the Adoption Process | LG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Michelle Sterricker and Mhairi Paterson | Your Role as a Foster Carer |
| 14 December 2023 | 9:30am to 11:30pm | Supporting Primary Numeracy | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Sarah Williams | Education |
January 2024
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of Training |
| 15 January 2024 | 9.30 to 11.30am | Supporting Primary Literacy | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Paula Thompson | Education |
| 17 January 2024 | 13.00 to 4pm | Relational Practice for Foster Carers | LG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Your Role as a Foster Carer | |
| 18 January 2024 | 9:30 to 2.30pm | Your Self Care | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Strengthening Parenting |
| 24 January 2024 | 9:30 to 14.30pm | Placement Stability | G2, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Liza Lomax | Attachment and Trauma |
| 25 January 2024 | 10:00am to 12:00pm | Healthy Care | LG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | NHS | Health and Safety |
| 30 January 2024 | 10:00am to 12:00pm | Parenting with PACE | LG4, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Trusting Hands | Attachment and Trauma |
| 31 January 2024 | 10:00 to 12:00pm | Healthy Relationships | G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Laura Moat | Adolescence |
Reflection Session days
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of Training |
| 7 December 2023 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Reflection Session | G2, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Various | N/A |
| 12 March 2023 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Reflection Session | G2, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Various | N/A |
Coffee breaks
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of Training |
| 14 December 2023 | 9:30-11:30am | Foster Carer Coffee Break (Christmas Coffee Break) | Glebe Cricket Club. Whickham, Rose Ave, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4NA | Fostering Team | Foster Carers |
Don't forget that we have a number of courses running throughout the year to support you and your wellbeing! Take a look at the Well-Being package of learning on your Learning Hub to find out more.
Access the Learning Hub (opens new window)
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)