- In-person training: Connect with other local foster parents and make friends while you learn at your nearby office or training centre.
- Online training: Enjoy the same group learning experience without the travel and get the chance to meet foster parents from across our wider team too.
- E-learning: Complete training independently at your own pace, taking breaks when you need to and returning when you’re ready.
Foster care training tailored to your needs
You don’t need experience to foster. If you have the right qualities, we can provide you with the rest.
We offer a wide range of foster parent training designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need at every stage of your fostering journey.
From introductory topics like child development and safeguarding to more specialised subjects such as caring for children with autism and understanding gender identity, we’ll help you build on your expertise so you can provide the very best care for young people.
What's more, our training is designed to fit around your schedule, not the other way around. Through our blended approach to learning, which includes a mix of virtual (daytime and evening sessions), face-to-face, and e-learning options, you choose how and when you learn.
Our foster care training courses
Explore our range of training for foster parents below…
Prepare to Foster
This is a fun and informative course which you’ll complete during your fostering assessment over 2 or 3 days. Introducing you to important topics like attachment, trauma, and safeguarding, you’ll gain a solid understanding of what’s involved in caring for vulnerable young people.
As part of the course, you’ll also hear from foster parents who’ll share their experiences. The course is engaging and informative, and offers a real insight into what lies ahead, providing you with everything you need to know as you prepare to foster.
Mandatory Training
Once approved, there are several training courses that you’ll complete within your first year of fostering. These cover key aspects of foster care, including First Aid, Safeguarding, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and more. These are mandatory training for all foster parents in England.
You’ll complete these as part of your Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS), which ensures we’re compliant with fostering standards.
Advanced Training
To support your further development and ongoing learning, you’ll have access to an entire catalogue of additional training opportunities covering a wide range of specialist subjects. Some of our most popular advanced courses include:
- Understanding Autism
- Mental Health Awareness
- Caring for a Child from a Different Ethnicity, Race or Religion
- Wellbeing Toolkit
Tailored training programmes
Everyone comes into fostering with unique skills and experiences, so there really is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to training.
As you begin your journey, we’ll work with you to identify potential gaps in your knowledge and your areas of interest. This will allow us to create a personalised training programme that builds your confidence so you’re ready to welcome your first child.
Start your fostering journey here
Download our brochure and discover everything you need to know about fostering with Orange Grove.
Twilight training
We understand the value of connecting with other foster parents during training, but we also know that work commitments can make it difficult to attend daytime sessions.
That’s why we offer many training courses during the evening throughout the year. We’re dedicated to making training work for you and your schedule.
Training progress managed through Learnative
All your training is managed through the Learnative platform, simplifying the process of booking courses and tracking your completed and upcoming training sessions.
Additionally, you have access to our vast catalogue of e-learning courses, with new courses being introduced all the time based on your feedback. We’ll always support you in growing your skills and experience.
Frequently asked questions
What training do you need to be a foster parent?
You don’t need to complete any specific training before becoming a foster parent. However, there are some mandatory courses you’ll complete as you start your journey, and throughout your career.
During your fostering assessment, you’ll complete our ‘Prepare to Foster’ course, which covers important topics like attachment and trauma. Then, to comply with the fostering standards and regulations, you’ll need to complete the following training within your first year of fostering:
- Safeguarding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Recording and Reporting
- Medication and Health Care Health and Safety in the Home
- PRICE (Protecting Rights in a Caring Environment)
- Emergency First Aid
- Safer Caring and Allegations
Some of these training courses will need to be refreshed every 3 years, including First Aid, PRICE and Safer Caring and Allegations.
Who trains foster parents?
We have a talented team of in-house trainers covering a wide range of specialist topics. This may include someone from your local team or one of our experts from the broader Polaris Community, such as therapists, education specialists, and healthcare professionals.
We may also arrange for experts from other organisations to host training sessions on specific topics. For example, we have recently arranged for the West Mercier Police to host various training sessions on cyber awareness, security and crime. We also host sessions with care leavers on various subjects, so foster parents gain a deep understanding of the experiences and challenges facing young people in care.
How long is foster parent training?
This completely depends on the course and format – for example, in-person and online foster training courses are generally 2-4 hours. However, you may be able to complete the e-learning version in an hour.
Can friends and family attend training?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage anyone in your support network to come along to training when they can, including any older children. This helps them gain a better understanding of the work you do and how they can support you.
How will training help me complete my TSDS portfolio?
Attending training is a crucial part of completing your Training, Support, and Development Standards (TSDS) portfolio. Through these sessions, you’ll gain vital skills and knowledge, and be able to provide evidence of how you have put them into practice.
Incredible support for your entire family
In addition to expert training tailored to your needs, you’ll have the support of an experienced team around you and your family, enabling you to make a significant difference in the lives of the children in your care. This includes a dedicated social worker, extra support from a family support worker, and access to an education expert and therapist.
This incredible support begins the moment you get in touch and extends throughout your fostering career with us.
Find your local team
We have local teams supporting foster families across the country, all rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Read More
Fostering allowances
As an Orange Grove foster parent, you’ll receive a generous tax-free allowance, plus extra perks and benefits too.
Read More
Our story
We first opened our doors in 1996 and have been supporting hundreds of families to make a big difference ever since.
Read MorePlease make sure you read our terms and conditions because you're agreeing to them by submitting an enquiry. It's also worth reading our privacy policy and cookies policy so you understand how we collect and use your personal data.
Ready to start your fostering journey?
By phone
One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your fostering queries.
Enquire online
You can get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form with any queries that you may have.
Your local office
We have local teams covering most of England. Find your local office today.