Foster Carers

Enhanced payment rates may also be considered depending on the needs of the child

Do you have a spare room and live in or near Reading?

Would you like to make a life-changing difference for a child or young person?

If so, you could become a foster carer with Reading Fostering Service and provide a safe, loving and stable home for children who need it most.

About the Role

As a foster carer, you will be offering a nurturing home to children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families. You’ll help them build stability, confidence and a sense of belonging all while receiving full training, guidance and financial support throughout your fostering journey.

Reading Fostering Service is part of Reading Borough Council and works to provide high quality support for carers and children.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care and emotional support to the child or young person.

• Work closely with social workers and other professionals to meet the child’s needs.

• Attend training sessions, support groups and development activities.

• Maintain records and participate in meetings related to the child’s welfare.

Benefits of Fostering with Reading Fostering Service

• Generous Financial Support – Competitive weekly allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child.

• Extensive Training & Development – Access to highquality training, including specialist courses, designed to help you confidently support children in your care.

• A dedicated Supervising Social Worker

• Out of Hours Support

• Mockingbird Support Hub

• Part of a Regional Network – As part of the Local Authority Fostering South East hub, you’ll join a wider community. https://www.readingfostering.co.uk/

• Community & Peer Support – Connections with other local carers, support group and social events.

Requirements

To foster with Reading Fostering Service, you must:

• To foster children aged 3 years old and over, you will need a spare bedroom available. If you are interested in caring for a baby or young child aged 0 to 2 years, they may be able to share your bedroom subject to an individual assessment of the child's needs, available space and safety considerations

• Be over 21 years old.

• Live within 20 miles of Reading.

• Provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment.

• Be willing to undergo assessment, training and background checks.

• You can foster whether you own or rent your home (written permission may be required if renting).

Reading Fostering Team is proud to be an inclusive and diverse service. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds to reflect the diversity of the children and young people we support.

Ready to Make a Difference?
Complete our enquiry form for a call back:
https://contact.lafosteringse.org.uk/lareferral/brighter-futures