Foster carer training
Mandatory Training for Foster Carers
Foster carers need clear, practical knowledge to keep children safe and meet the responsibilities of the role. Mandatory training covers essential areas such as safeguarding, safer caring, health, first aid and responding to concerns. Requirements begin during preparation and continue after approval. Some subjects are completed once, while others must be refreshed so knowledge and practice stay current.
Why it matters
Why mandatory training matters
Foster carers make important decisions in everyday family life and work with sensitive information, professional plans and children who may have experienced significant adversity. Essential training gives carers a shared foundation for safe, consistent practice.
It should help you understand not only what a policy says, but what to do in a real situation: who to contact, what to record, how to preserve evidence, how to listen to a child and how to act when something does not feel right.
Core learning
Core subjects
The exact programme is set by the fostering service and may change. Common mandatory subjects include those listed here.
TSD Standards
Training, Support and Development Standards
Approved foster carers in England are expected to complete the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care evidence workbook within 12 months of approval. The standards cover seven areas.
The seven standards
What the standards cover
- 1
Principles and values
Understanding the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people.
- 2
Your role as a foster carer
Understanding your role as a foster carer.
- 3
Health, safety and healthy care
Understanding health and safety, and healthy care.
- 4
Communicating effectively
Knowing how to communicate effectively.
- 5
Development of children and young people
Understanding the development of children and young people.
- 6
Keeping children safe from harm
Keeping children and young people safe from harm.
- 7
Developing yourself
Developing yourself.
The workbook
Evidencing the standards in practice
Courses can support the evidence, but the workbook is also about showing how you understand and apply the standards in practice. Your supervising social worker should guide you through the process.
Staying up to date
Refreshers and keeping knowledge current
Safeguarding practice, first-aid knowledge and service procedures need regular review. A training matrix should show which learning is in date, what is due next and whether a new requirement applies to your approval or a particular placement.
If you miss required training or feel unsure about a procedure, raise it promptly. The aim is to address gaps and make sure you can practise safely.
Specialist placements
Role-specific mandatory learning
Additional training may become compulsory before you accept a specialist placement. Caring for a child with particular medical needs, for example, can involve responsibilities not covered fully in core training.
Matching decisions should confirm that required knowledge, equipment and professional support are in place. No carer should feel pressured to accept a placement outside their approval, experience or current competence.
Delivery and records
How training may be delivered and recorded
Training can combine online modules with live, discussion-based or practical sessions. Attendance and completion should be recorded in your learning file and considered during supervision and annual review.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
What training must I complete before approval?
Applicants normally complete preparation training during assessment. Other essential courses may be required before approval or before a child is placed. Your assessing social worker can confirm which courses apply in your case.
How quickly must I complete the TSD Standards?
In England, approved foster carers are expected to complete the Training, Support and Development Standards evidence workbook within 12 months of approval. Different timescales can apply to family-and-friends carers.
Does my partner need to complete mandatory training?
Requirements depend on whether your partner is applying as a joint or secondary carer and on the service’s policy. Other household members may also need relevant preparation. Ask us what applies to your household.
What happens if a certificate expires?
Tell your supervising social worker and arrange the required refresher. The service should explain whether this affects your approval, availability or ability to accept particular placements.
Is mandatory training paid?
Arrangements for course fees and any related expenses are set by the fostering service. Ask us about the current arrangements before you book, and your supervising social worker can confirm what applies to a particular course.
Next step
Start with the right preparation
You do not need to know everything before you enquire. You do need to be ready to learn and take your safeguarding responsibilities seriously. We can explain the training pathway from your first conversation onwards.
Take the first step
Your fostering questions can start with one conversation
Tell us what you are thinking and ask what matters to you. A member of our Manchester team will explain the next step without pressure or obligation.