Potential missed bin collections due to poor weather - Friday 1 December
Due to the poor weather, we may not be able to collect all bins in the Birtley, Lobley Hill, Wardley and Leam Lane areas on Friday 1 December. We will collect any missed bins as soon as possible. Sorry for any inconvenience.
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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. 

Access the Learning Hub (opens new window)

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

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of Training
15 November 20239.30am to 12.30pmLet's Talk about Growing UpLG4, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Clare CavanaghAdolescence
21 November 20239.30am to 2pmThe Impact of NeglectG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty MusgraveSafeguarding
22 November 20239.30am to 2.30pmPreparation for AdulthoodG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Chris HulmeAdolescence
23 November 20239.30am to 12.30pmManaging Family TimeLG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty Musgrave and Cathy TaylorYour Role as a Foster Carer
28 November 20239.30am to 2.30pmMandatory Refresh (newly approved carers only)LG4, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty Musgrave and Natalie ThompsonYour First Year as a Foster Carer
30 November 20239.30 to 11.30amVR Headset Trauma TrainingLG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle SterrickerAttachment and Trauma
30 November 202312.30 to 2.30pmVR Headset Trauma TrainingLG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle SterrickerAttachment and Trauma

 

December 2023

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of Training
1 December 20239.30 to 11.30amVR Headset Trauma TrainingG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle SterrickerAttachment and Trauma
1 December 202312.30 to 2.30pmVR Headset Trauma Training- FULLY BOOKEDG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty Musgrave and Michelle SterrickerAttachment and Trauma
4 December 20231 to 2.30pmFoster Carer Induction Training (newly approved carers only)G1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty MusgraveYour First Year as a Foster Carer
6 December 202310am to 12.30pmYour Role in the Adoption ProcessLG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Michelle Sterricker and Mhairi PatersonYour Role as a Foster Carer
14 December 20239:30am to 11:30pmSupporting Primary NumeracyG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Sarah WilliamsEducation

 

January 2024

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of Training
15 January 20249.30 to 11.30amSupporting Primary LiteracyG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Paula ThompsonEducation
17 January 202413.00 to 4pmRelational Practice for Foster CarersLG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Your Role as a Foster Carer
18 January 20249:30 to 2.30pmYour Self CareG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Kirsty MusgraveStrengthening Parenting
24 January 20249:30 to 14.30pmPlacement StabilityG2, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Liza LomaxAttachment and Trauma
25 January 202410:00am to 12:00pmHealthy CareLG6, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)NHSHealth and Safety
30 January 202410:00am to 12:00pmParenting with PACELG4, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Trusting HandsAttachment and Trauma
31 January 202410:00 to 12:00pmHealthy RelationshipsG1, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)Laura MoatAdolescence

 

Reflection Session days

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of Training
7 December 20239.30am to 2.30pmReflection SessionG2, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)VariousN/A
12 March 20239.30am to 2.30pmReflection SessionG2, Gateshead Lifelong Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site)VariousN/A

 

Coffee breaks

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of Training
14 December 2023 9:30-11:30amFoster Carer Coffee Break (Christmas Coffee Break)

Glebe Cricket Club. Whickham,  Rose Ave, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 4NA

Fostering TeamFoster 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)

TSD Short Break (PDF) [855KB] (opens new window)

TSD Workbook (PDF) [1MB] (opens new window)