Understanding the training requirements to become a foster carer is one of the most important early steps for anyone considering fostering in the UK. Although the process may appear detailed, each stage is designed to prepare you for the realities of caring for a child who may have experienced instability or trauma. This guide explains the mandatory learning, the Skills to Foster course, the ongoing professional development, and how each element supports you throughout your fostering journey.
Why training requirements to become a foster carer matter
The training requirements to become a foster carer existed long before today’s system, but in recent years they have become more structured, consistent, and trauma-informed. Training ensures that every new carer enters the role with a clear understanding of the task, the support network available, and the skills needed to create a safe environment for a child.
We know how daunting all of this can be, so feel free to fill out the application form and we’ll aim to get in touch with you as soon as possible!
Mandatory training requirements to become a foster carer
Before approval, several government mandated training requirements to become a foster carer must be completed. Although different fostering services may vary slightly, the core expectations remain the same across the UK.
Core safeguarding training requirements to become a foster carer
Safeguarding is the foundation of foster care practice. Applicants are required to complete safeguarding and child protection training early in the process. Many common misconceptions relate to safeguarding responsibilities. Learn more about common fostering myths to better understand what sis expected of you.
First-aid training requirements to become a foster carer
A paediatric first-aid qualification is mandatory. This ensures you can respond confidently to accidents or health concerns. The training is practical, easy to follow, and usually completed over one or two days. It forms part of the essential foster care qualifications expected of all carers.
Online safety and digital awareness
As children spend more time online, digital safety has become a standard part of foster carer training UK. This includes understanding online risks, using parental controls, and setting healthy boundaries around technology.
Skills to foster: The key fostering preparation course
Foundations to Foster training (also known as Skills to Foster) is the first mandatory preparation course for prospective foster carers in the UK, completed during the approval process to provide essential skills, insights, and a network for caring for vulnerable children. This typically 3-day course, offered online or in-person, covers child development, trauma, attachment, safeguarding, therapeutic parenting, and working with the fostering team, giving carers a realistic introduction to fostering and connecting them with other carers.
During these courses, applicants explore the following in detail:
- The day-to-day realities of fostering
- Building routines and boundaries
- Helping children manage change
- Working with schools and social workers
- Understanding trauma and behaviour
- Supporting contact with birth families
The Skills to Foster course is delivered in an interactive, realistic way, allowing applicants to reflect on their own strengths and areas where support may be needed.
If you are wondering Who can foster? Take a few minutes to read about requirements and eligibility for foster caring in the UK.
Fostering assessment training and the role of form
After completing the early training requirements to become a foster carer, applicants move into the assessment stage. Although the Form F assessment is detailed, it is not a test. Instead, it is a reflective process supported by a qualified social worker.
How fostering assessment training helps applicants
Throughout this stage, you may complete additional fostering assessment training sessions, including trauma-informed practice, safer caring principles, and working collaboratively with professionals. These sessions help prepare you for the responsibilities outlined in the Form F report.
Foster care qualifications and training after approval
The training requirements to become a foster carer do not end at approval. Instead, fostering services provide ongoing professional development to support your growth over time.
Post-approval foster carer training UK
Carers continue to complete essential courses every year, including refresher safeguarding and health-and-safety training. More advanced sessions are offered depending on the types of placements you may take, such as:
- Caring for teenagers
- Understanding attachment
- Therapeutic parenting
- Trauma and loss
- Autism awareness
- Managing challenging behaviour
Meeting foster carer requirements through annual development
Every fostering household creates a Personal Development Plan (PDP). The PDP outlines the training to be completed each year and ensures you continue meeting foster carer requirements and national standards.
There are a lot of common misconceptions about fostering but luckily for you we’ve got on article on the top 5 common fostering myths to help guide you.
Becoming a foster parent training for specialist placements
Some carers choose to progress into specialist roles such as caring for children with disabilities, therapeutic fostering, or parent-and-child placements. Each role comes with additional becoming a foster parent training designed to build confidence and expertise.
Specialist training may include:
- Therapeutic models of care
- Enhanced safeguarding
- Medical needs and personal care
- Record-keeping and communication
- Supporting child development
These pathways are optional but can be rewarding. We can assist you with finding the right fostering path for you in a few simple steps – Start by filling out our application form and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.
How training requirements to become a foster carer support you long-term
The training requirements to become a foster carer exist not to overwhelm applicants but to ensure that every child receives consistent, stable, and emotionally attuned care. Training equips carers with practical tools, realistic expectations, and a strong support network.
As your experience grows, training becomes less about meeting minimum standards and more about strengthening your skills and confidence. Many carers say that ongoing learning helps them feel prepared for unexpected challenges and more connected to the children in their care.
Taking the first step
Ready to take your first step? Apply now
You may still want to explore topics such as who can foster, fostering pay scales, or top fostering myths before applying.