Sufficiency Strategy for Cared for Children 2026-2030
Care workforce
It is a strategic priority to increase the number of in-house foster carers in Gateshead. Currently we have:
- 69 long term carers
- 50 short term carers
- 13 respite carers
- 4 home from home carers
- 5 community foster carers
We have residential staff (RCCO) who offer care and support to our children and young people. RCCO's are all either qualified or working towards their level 4 and Registered Managers holding level 5 qualifications.
With the introduction of supported lodgings, our hosts will go through a training offer that is equivalent to that of a foster carer. Our recruitment identifies those hosts that have transferable skills from other sectors of the workforce.