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 learning with a choice of options to complete, including our brand new self-directed learning to support you in your role! All dates for learning are available until March 2025 and are viewable on Learning Hub. Take a look below at some of the training we have coming up over the next few months and which package of learning they belong to.
Your training directory (PDF, 443 KB)(opens new window)
September 2024
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of training |
| 24 September 2024 | 10am to 11.30am | Foster Carer Induction *For newly approved Foster Carers only* | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Your First Year as a Foster Carer |
| 25 September 2024 | 9.30am to 12:30pm | Supporting Children and Young People in Care with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Trusting Hands | SEND |
| 25 September 2024 | 10am to 12:00pm | Healthy Care | LG4, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | NHS | Health and Safety |
| 26 September 2024 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Attachment Strategies | LG6, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | John Sands | Attachment and Trauma |
October 2024
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of training |
| 9 October 2024 | 10am to 12noon | VR Headset Attachment and Trauma - County Lines | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Attachment and Trauma |
| 16th October 2024 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Mandatory Refresh | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave and Natalie Thompson | Your First Year as a Foster Carer |
| 17 October 2024 | 10am to 12noon | Staying Put | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Mark Wilson | Adolescents |
| 23 October 2024 | 10:00am to 12:00pm | Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Foster Carers | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Extra-Familial Harm | |
| 24 October 2024 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Equality and Diversity Awareness for Foster Carers | LG4, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Lesley Rance | Equality and Diversity |
November 2024
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of training |
| 12 November 2024 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Let's Talk about Growing Up | LG4, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Adolescence |
| 13 November 2024 | 9.30am to 12noon | Learning and Attachment | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Joanne Hoyle | Attachment and Trauma |
| 14 November 2024 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Surviving and thriving: increasing foster carers' self-awareness and in particular increasing awareness of secondary traumatic stress disorders | G2, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Liza Lomax | Attachment and Trauma |
| 28 November 2024 | 9:30am to 12.30pm | Polyvagul | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Trusting Hands | Brain Development and Child Mental Health |
December 2024
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of training |
| 11 December 2024 | 9:30 to 2pm | The Impact of Neglect | G1, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Kirsty Musgrave | Safeguarding |
Learning Reflection Session days
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of training |
| 6 November 2024 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Learning Reflection Session | G2, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Various | N/A |
| 11 March 2025 | 9.30am to 2.30pm | Learning Reflection Session | G2, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) | Various | N/A |
Coffee breaks
| Date | Time | Course | Location | Trainer | Package of training |
| 7 October 2024 | 9.30am to 11am | Coffee Morning | Bewicks B, Civic Centre |
Dates for First Aid, further Safeguarding Training and much more are viewable on your Learning Hub!
Foundations for Attachment
Our 6 week Foundations for Attachment course is currently only available to carers via referral and cohorts will be running throughout the year. Those referred will be contacted in advance to confirm your place with information of dates, times and venue. You will be booked onto this via Learning Hub once your place is confirmed.
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, 706 KB)(opens new window)