The Skills to Foster Course: What You Need to Know

The Skills to Foster course is a mandatory part of the fostering approval process, and one of the most valuable experiences you’ll have on your way to becoming a foster carer. This guide tells you everything you need to know about what the course involves and why it matters.

What Is the Skills to Foster Course?

Skills to Foster is a nationally recognised pre-approval preparation course designed specifically for people applying to become foster carers. It is compulsory and must be completed before you can be approved. The course gives you an honest, in-depth and realistic picture of what fostering involves, including the challenges, the rewards, and the practical skills you’ll need.

Who Attends Skills to Foster?

All prospective foster carers who have passed the initial stages of the application attend. If you live with a partner, both of you are expected to come. The course brings together a group of prospective carers, so you’ll meet others on the same journey — which many people find incredibly reassuring.

What Does the Skills to Foster Course Cover?

The course is made up of structured sessions, each covering a different topic relevant to fostering:

• Why children come into foster care and the backgrounds of looked-after children

• The impact of trauma, loss and attachment on children’s behaviour and development

• Understanding and managing challenging behaviours with patience and structure

• Building positive relationships and secure attachments with children in your care

• The foster carer’s role within the team around the child, including Social Workers, schools and health professionals

• Welcoming a child into your home and helping them settle

• Supporting contact between children and their birth families

• Looking after your own children or other household members throughout the fostering journey

How Long Does the Course Take?

The Skills to Foster course typically runs over three days. These may be delivered as consecutive days, a combination of weekday and weekend sessions, or spaced across several weeks — depending on your local team’s schedule. We aim to offer flexible options to accommodate different work and family commitments.

Is the Course Online or In Person?

Skills to Foster courses are typically run in person, as the group discussions and role-play exercises are most effective face-to-face. However, online or hybrid formats may be available in some circumstances. Speak to your Supervising Social Worker for the most up-to-date information on how the course is being delivered in your area.

Do I Get Paid to Attend the Course?

No payment is made for attending Skills to Foster, as you are not yet an approved foster carer at this stage. However, reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed. Please check with your Supervising Social Worker for details.

What Happens After the Course?

After completing the Skills to Foster course, your formal assessment (Form F) will begin or continue. Your Assessing Social Worker will use reflections from the course as part of the wider assessment. Completing the course is a positive step forward and demonstrates your commitment to learning and preparing thoroughly for the role.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a foster carer, get in touch with the team at Futures Group today. We’ll guide you through every stage of the process, from your first enquiry all the way to your first placement.