Our enquiry team can discuss ways fostering can fit in with your own career and family. Call or email us today to learn more.
Short breaks for children with disabilities
Short breaks fostering changes children’s lives, while supporting their families too. Short breaks offer the children’s (0 to 18 years old) primary caregivers a break from their daily routine.
What is short breaks fostering?
Short breaks carers offer both the child and their family invaluable support. You will help the child grow their independence, as they try new activities and meet new people. Plus, families will have time to spend 1:1 with other children.
Short breaks fostering helps families continue providing excellent standards of care.
How much can you earn as a short breaks foster carer?
We know foster carers are not motivated by money, but everyone has living costs. Foster carers are paid professional fees plus allowances.
- Professional fees are paid to the foster carer, for their time and lifestyle changes
- Allowances are paid to contribute to the children's living costs (for example clothing, food, school trips)
Both fees, and allowances are paid depending on the children's ages.
Allowances (paid per week, per child)
(valid from 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026)
|
Children’s age |
Department for Education’s recommendations |
Essex County Council’s allowances |
|
0 to 2 years old |
£170 |
£193.13 |
|
3 to 4 years old |
£176 |
£193.13 |
|
5 to 10 years old |
£194 |
£220.08 |
|
11 to 15 years old |
£220 |
£273.77 |
|
16+ years old |
£258 |
£291.34 |
Professional weekly fees for short breaks foster carers
(valid from 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026)
- Five nights - £640
- Four nights - £510
- Three nights - £385
- Daily rate - £14.63 (between 7am and 7pm)
- Overnight rate -£115
Short breaks foster carers also receive:
- additional seasonal allowances
- access to paid expenses
- up to 28 days paid breaks (for long term and short term foster carers)
Finances are paid pro-rata for respite foster carers.
Learn more about how fostering finances work.