Our enquiry team can discuss ways fostering can fit in with your own career and family. Call or email us today to learn more.
You do not need any qualifications to start fostering. We will help you grow into the role, offering opportunities to learn more along the way.
Skills to Foster training course
Before you become a foster carer, you'll attend a Skills to foster training course. This takes one day and discusses exactly what fostering involves.
It's a chance for your family to prepare and ask any questions. Anyone in your family can join this course, including your sons and daughters.
Training courses for foster carers
After you're approved as a foster carer, Essex County Council are still with you every step of the way. During your first year, there are six courses to complete, including first-aid.
Your dedicated social worker creates your learning plan with you and explains which training to complete.
In-person and online training
Our training courses for foster carers are a mix of online e-learning and in-person.
Compared to independent agencies, Essex County Council offer more in-person training. This is a chance to meet other foster carers and join our community.
In-person training courses are around Essex, so you don't have to travel too far. Plus, courses are during school hours, so they are convenient too.
What our foster carers say
The support has been lovely. They advocate the right thing for the children. I have always felt confident to talk things through with them. Karen, Essex foster carer
Ofsted rated our training "Outstanding"
Essex County Council were rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted (2023), who said:
Foster carers and adopters feel well supported in their journeys. They receive high levels of support from social workers and benefit from an extensive training package.
You’re never alone if you foster with Essex County Council
There’s a whole network of passionate, dedicated foster carers in Essex ready to welcome you. You’ll have networks you can tap into to learn from people who’ve been there before. Make friends, share experiences, and grow your confidence. Learn more about support networks.