Foster carer training
We resumed face to face delivery for mandatory training from 17 May 2021, ensuring all Government guidelines were being adhered to. Until we receive confirmation that all social distancing measures can be lifted, face to face training may run with limited places. Please do not turn up to a course without confirmation of booking as we can not exceed room capacity. If you have any queries please email wdsupport@gateshead.gov.uk
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 see below for both face to face and virtual training up until the end of March 2022 available to book via iTrent.*
(*iTrent is used by many organisations, each having their own link (in other words a front door) to get into the site. If you try to access the wrong link, your login won't be recognised. Therefore it's important that you only use the above link.)
| Date | Time | Room | Course | Trainer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 November | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 1 | 
Recording & Disclosure [834.39KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 4 November | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 2 |
Safer Caring [888.59KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 10 November | 9.30am to 2pm | WD 2 |
The Impact of Neglect [843.19KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 11 November | 9.30am to 11am | WD 2 |
Personal Education Plans [766.09KB] | Rezina Chowdhury and Jean Thompson |
| 16 November | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 1 |
Drug & Alcohol Awareness [767.55KB] | Nicola Portis - Platform |
| 18 November | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 3 |
The dynamics of siblings in care [172.74KB] | Liza Lomax |
| 18 November | 1.30pm to 4.30pm | WD 1 | First Aid Awareness | Ian Black |
| 24 November | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 1 |
Autism Awareness [878.47KB] | North East Autism Society |
| 26 November | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 2 |
Challenging Behaviours [771.5KB] * | David Young and Rachel Green - NEST |
| 2 December | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 1 |
Practical Strategies 21_22 [894.63KB] * | Lisa Lannen |
| 7 December | 9.30am to 12:30pm | GE |
Understanding Eating Disorders [160.46KB] | Maria Lavelle |
| 7 December | 9.30am to 12:30pm | Virtual |
Attachment & Trauma [194.84KB] | Liza Lomax (Clare supporting) |
| 8 December | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 2 |
Who's home? Exploring Placement Breakdown/Stability [160.07KB] ** | David Young and Rachel Green - NEST |
| 14 December | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 1 |
Safer Caring [888.59KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 16 December | 9.30am to 2.00pm | WD 1 |
The Impact of Neglect [843.19KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 11 January | 9.30am to 12:30pm | WD 1 |
Recording & Disclosure [834.39KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 12 January | 9.30am to 12:30pm | Gladys Evans |
Surviving and Thriving: Secondary traumatic stress [766.25KB] | Liza Lomax |
| 13 January | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 2 |
Safer Caring [888.59KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 19 January | 9.30am to 2.00pm | WD 2 |
Attachment Strategies [1.03MB] # | John Sands |
| 15 January | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 2 |
The Impact of Neglect [843.19KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 1 February | 9.30am to 12.30pm | WD 1 |
Recording & Disclosure [834.39KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 8 February | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 1 |
Safer Caring [888.59KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 10 February | 9.30am to 2.00pm | WD 2 |
The Impact of Neglect [843.19KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 10 February | 1.45pm - 4.45pm | WD 2 | First Aid Awareness | Christine Beattie |
| 15 February | 9.30am to 1.30pm | WD 2 |
Promoting Positive Behaviour [837.93KB] * | Lisa Lannen |
| 17 February | 9.30am to 12.30pm | WD 2 |
Learning and Attachment [837.85KB] # | Joanne Hoyle |
| 1 March | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 1 |
Practical Strategies [894.63KB] * | Lisa Lannen |
| 2 March | 9.30am to 12.30pm | WD 1 |
Autism Awareness [878.47KB] | North East Autism Awareness |
| 7 March | 9.30am to 12.30pm | WD 1 |
Drug & Alcohol Awareness [767.55KB] | Platform |
| 9 March | 9.30am to 2.30pm | WD 1 |
Safer Caring [888.59KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 15 March | 9.30am to 2.00pm | WD 1 |
The Impact of Neglect [843.19KB] | Lisa Lannen |
| 21 March | 9.30am to 11.00am | WD 2 |
Personal Education Plans [766.09KB] | Rezina Chowdhury & Jean Thompson |
| 30 March | 9:30am to 12:30pm | WD 2 |
Challenging Behaviours [771.5KB] * | David Young & Rachel Green - NEST |
* any of these courses cover the Behaviour Training mandatory requirement
# either of these courses cover the Attachment Strategies core requirement
** this course covers the Placement Stability Core requirement for Level 2 and above carers
First Aid Awareness is a mandatory requirement only for secondary carers - this can also be undertaken via e-learning. Emergency First Aid Courses are currently being planned for Primary Carers. It is not a mandatory requirement for Respite and Short Break Carers to complete either.
The
The foster caring training requirements document [418.36KB] will remind you of the mandatory and core training requirements and the number of training courses, support groups and briefings 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.
Once social distancing restrictions are lifted there will be a number of TSD support groups 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.