Priory Fostering

General information

Comprehensive training and ongoing support

Our knowledge and experience has shown that high levels of effective support and comprehensive training for foster
carers provides stability and positive outcomes for the children and young people in our care.

Our comprehensive training includes:

• Ongoing and regular professional development
• Face-to-face, group and online training
• External training opportunities including NVQ
and CWDC accreditation
• Access to medical training
• Access to the Priory Group’s training and
development

We also offer high levels of support, which includes:

• Access to a 24/7 out of hours service
• Psychological services and support
• Your own Priory Fostering Services social worker
whose role is to provide you with support and
guidance at all times
• Foster children are allocated their own support
worker who works in partnership with carers and
other professionals
• Representation at all childcare reviews
• Monthly surgeries provided by an experienced
child psychologist
• Access to a family contact suite
• Regular support group meetings
• Mentoring of new carers by experienced carers

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a foster carer, but there are certain skills and experience that will enable you to meet the needs of the children and young people you care for, including:

• The time and energy to invest in a child or young person
• The ability to communicate effectively, not only with children and young people but also with social
workers, the child's birth families and others concerned with the wellbeing of the children
• The ability to be flexible and non-judgmental, as well as patient and understanding
• You will need a spare bedroom or bedrooms for foster children
• Have a valid driving licence and access to a car
• Access to a computer and the internet
• A sense of humour is also important!

You can apply to be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality or residential status. Foster carers come from diverse backgrounds which reflect the children and young people who are in the care system.

Can I become a Priory foster carer?

• Please complete an application form and return it to us
• We will arrange a home visit to find out a little more about you and give you the opportunity to ask any
questions you may have
• Enhanced criminal records checks and medical checks will be undertaken
• Your home study assessment (Form F) will begin and references