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 November and December. 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.
Training schedule
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer |
| 9 November 2022 | 10am to 12.30pm | Drug and Alcohol Awareness - CANCELLED DUE TO STAFF AVAILABILITY | Platform | |
| 10 November 2022 | 9.30am to 1.30pm | Level 3 Emergency First Aid (Day 1) - FULLY BOOKED | Brockett, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 11 November 2022 | 9.30am to 1.30pm | Level 3 Emergency First Aid (Day 2) - FULLY BOOKED | Brockett, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 15 November 2022 | 1 to 2.30pm | Foster Carer Induction/TSD Session (For Carers who have recently been approved through panel) | WD3, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 16 November 2022 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Recording and Disclosure Skills- A Comprehensive Look | WD2, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 22 November 2022 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | The impact of Bereavement and Loss on Traumatised Children | Council Chambers | Liza Lomax |
| 23 November 2022 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Learning and Attachment | WD1, Dryden | Joanne Hoyle |
| 29 November 2022 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Safer Caring and Recording and Disclosure Skills Pre-Approval Training (For Foster Carers going through the approval process or who have recently been approved) | WD1, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 1 December 2022 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Connections before Corrections (Previously known as Practical Strategies) | WD1, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 6 December 2022 | 10 to 11am | Philomena Missing Child Protocol | WD2, Dryden | Northumbria Police |
| 13 December 2022 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | The Impact of Neglect FULLY BOOKED | WD1, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
| 14 December 2022 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Equality and Diversity for Foster Carers - FULLY BOOKED | Gladys Evans, Dryden | Kirsty Musgrave |
Upcoming Payment for Skills Consultation Event
You all should have received an email regarding a consultation on the Payment for Skills policy and framework. Please book your place onto this event via the Learning Hub.
| 15 November 2022 | 12.30 to 2pm | Payment for Skills Consultation Event | Conference Hall, Dryden | Gill Little |
Upcoming support groups and coffee mornings
| Date | Time | Topic | Location |
| 8 November 2022 | 10 to 11:30am | Foster Carer Coffee Morning | Bewicks B, Civic Centre |
| 30 November 2022 | 12noon to 1.30pm | Support Group- Gender Identity | WD1, Dryden |
| 2 December 2022 | 11:30am to 3pm | Mockingbird Launch Event | VENUE TBC |
| 15 December 2022 | 9.30 to 11am | Foster Carer Coffee Morning | Conference Hall, Dryden |
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)