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.
Your Training Programme with Orchard Care
Pre - Approval Preparation Training
​Our Skills to Foster training is designed as a preparatory training package for prospective foster carers. 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 the Initial Home Visit. It is often provided before the assessment begins and is crucial for helping you fully understand the fostering role, including what it means for you and your family.​
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 care, as well as your role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people in your care. Additionally, we will discuss the 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, as well as techniques for de-escalating situations and containing anxiety within the household.
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
All the above training is provided by us with no cost to you. 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.
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The frequency of training varies depending upon your learning needs and the needs of the child in your care. 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."
Orchard Care Foster Carer
​"As a foster carer, every day brings new challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. Knowing that I’m making a difference in a child's life is the most fulfilling part of this career."
Orchard Care Foster Carer
