Foster Care Training with Orchard Care
Empowering Foster Carers with Confidence
We are dedicated to helping our foster carers enhance their knowledge and skills by offering a thorough and diverse training programme along with access to regular local workshops and support groups.
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​All training is provided by us with no cost to you.
Your Training Programme with Orchard Care
What is Skills to Foster?
It is the UK's leading preparation training course for prospective foster carers produced by The Fostering Network. It is attended by thousands of prospective carers since the first edition was published in 2003. Designed to equip people considering fostering with the knowledge and skills they need to care for children who need foster care.
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The training explores what children need from their carers and provides the information needed for participants to decide whether fostering is right for them and if they are right for fostering. It includes reflective activities and prepares participants for their fostering assessment.​
The Approach
Child
centred
Relationship
based
Trauma
informed
Reflective
skills
Pre - Approval Preparation Training
​Our Skills to Foster training is designed as a preparatory training package. It includes four days of mandatory training, delivered both before and during the assessment process. This programme comprehensively covers all aspects of the foster carer role, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills required for your responsibilities.
Day 1 of Training:
The first day introduces you to fostering and to Orchard Care. This session occurs after a successful telephone conversation and the completion of your Initial Home Visit.
Days 2 and 3 of Training:
These sessions cover a range of topics designed to deepen your understanding of fostering. You will explore the challenges faced by children in foster care, as well as your role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Additionally, we will discuss the extensive support Orchard Care offers throughout your fostering journey.
Day 4 of Training:
The final training day focuses on understanding the behaviours of children and young people, and techniques for de-escalating situations and containment within the household as well as transitions and endings.
Post-Approval Training
Once you are approved as a foster carer, you will complete a core training programme covering key areas such as:
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Safeguarding and Child Protection
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Cultural Awareness, Diversity, and Equality
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Understanding Attachment
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Managing Behaviour
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Safer Care and Risk Management
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Managing Allegations
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First Aid
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Child Development
The post-approval training is aligned with the TSD Standards for Foster Carers. All foster carers are required to complete the TSD Standards Workbook issued by the DfE https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-for-foster-carers within their first year.
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The frequency of training varies depending upon your learning needs and the needs of the child in your care, but the core training programme is typically delivered through 1 session per month with the exception of August and school holidays. Furthermore, some courses are required annually, while others are only required every three years.
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In addition, specialised training is available when required to support foster carers, such as those involving children with health needs, disabilities, or parent-and-child placements.
"The application process with Orchard Care was thorough and incredibly supportive. From the initial enquiry to the training days, I felt well-prepared and guided every step of the way. The team was always there to answer any questions, and the training sessions gave me a clear understanding of what fostering involves, both the challenges and the rewards. It really helped me feel confident that I was making the right decision for my family and for the children we would care for."
