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.
June 2026
| Course | Details | Description | Trainer | Catalogue |
| PACE Approach | 18 June 12 - 2pm Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | A look at how the principles of relational practice through playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy can help us understand how best to support our children in both moments of dysregulation and calm. This training session will look at how to apply the principles in practice, how to maintain curiosity about what the child's behaviour is telling us, and be self aware and reflective to enable us to stay steady in those challenging moments. This session is ran by Adele Brown, Virtual Schools Head Teacher. | Virtual Schools | Education |
| Family Time - Nick Barwick | 23 June 10am to 1pm Teams | Connection, identity, and emotional safety - Family Time explores the emotional impact of contact for children and young people in care, focusing on identity, attachment, loss, and belonging. This session helps professionals understand why family time can be both deeply important and emotionally dysregulating for children, and how behaviour before, during, and after contact is often communication rather than "challenging behaviour." Participants will gain practical, trauma-informed strategies to support children emotionally around family time, work relationally with carers and families, and ensure the child's voice, safety, and emotional wellbeing remain central. | Nick Barwick | Your Role as a Foster Carer |
| Sensory Attachment | 24 June 10am to 12.30pm Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | This session explores how adversity and trauma impact sensory processing and emotional regulation, recognising that we learn through sensory experiences like play, exploration, and connection with others. When these early experiences are disrupted, our nervous system adapts for survival—often leading to behaviours that can seem confusing or challenging—so this training focuses on strategies to support body modulation, emotional regulation, routine building, and adapting environments to meet individual needs | Trusting Hands | Attachment and Trauma |
| Post 16+ Options | 24 June 10am to 12noon Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | This training session, delivered by the Virtual School, provides an overview of post‑16 and higher education pathways for young people. It covers the range of education and training options available, including further education, apprenticeships, and higher education, alongside information on funding, bursaries, and financial support. The session aims to build confidence in supporting foster carers and young people to make informed choices, plan next steps, and access the help th | Virtual School | Education |
July 2026
| Course | Details | Description | Trainer | Catalogue |
| Staying Put | 6 July 2026 10:00 - 13:00 LG4, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Staying Put is a practical and informative course designed for foster carers who support young people beyond the age of 18, helping them make a smooth and stable transition into adulthood. The course provides a clear overview of Staying Put arrangements, including key definitions, aims, and procedures, while outlining the roles of carers and local authorities. It also highlights the support available to carers, including guidance and financial arrangements, ensuring carers feel confident and well-equipped during Stating Put arrangements. | ATM / PA | Your Role as a Foster Carer |
| Raising Aspirations - Supporting Higher Education | 8 July 2026 10:00 - 11:30 G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | This course supports foster carers to better understand higher education and how they can help care-experienced young people consider, apply to and succeed at university. It explores the university application process, the support available to care-experienced students, and the role carers play in encouraging aspirations, overcoming barriers and working with partners to support positive outcomes. | Raising Aspirations - Partnership with North East Universties | Education |
| Voice of Experience | 9th July 2026 11:00 - 13:00 LG7, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Voice of Experience is a session led by our Young Ambassadors, sharing their lived experiences to give an authentic insight into the challenges young people face. Through real stories and honest conversation, the session highlights how your role and approach can positively support, engage, and empower young people. | Young Ambassadors | Adolescence |
| Virtual Reality Headset | 13th July 2026 10:00 - 11:30 AM Session 13:00 - 14:30 PM Session G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | This immersive virtual reality training offers you an opportunity to step directly into the lived experience of children and young people. The morning session will focus on the impact of trauma on a child's life, allowing carers to experience situations from a child's perspective. The afternoon session explores the child's digital world, placing carers inside online environments that young people regularly navigate. | L&OD Advisor | Attachment and Trauma |
Reflective Practice - Foundations for Attachment Reflection Group
The Reflective Practice - Foundations for Attachment Reflection Group provides a supportive environment where foster carers can come together to explore their experiences, share insights, and enhance their skills in fostering secure attachments with children in their care.
Dates are:
- Thursday 9 July 2026, 1 to 2pm (LG4, Gateshead Council Learning Centre)
This session is ran by Trusting Hands. You can book your space on Learning Hub
You can attend as many sessions as you like, however you can only book one at a time on Learning Hub. If you wish to book onto multiple sessions, please email [email protected].
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, 706 KB)(opens new window)
