A little space to be yourself.

Foster with Fostering Hearts

Your everyday
could
change a childhood.

For a child, belonging can begin with the ordinary: being included, feeling listened to, knowing someone will be there tomorrow.

Or start with a chat with our team

Another place at the table.

You bring your life experience.
We help you put it into fostering.

Ofsted, November 2024Good care. Outstanding leadership.

Let’s begin with you

What’s brought
you here?

A first thought about fostering?
A practical question?
A fresh start with another agency?

I’m wondering if I could foster.

Your home, family, work and the things you think might rule you out.

I need to understand the money.

Published payments, what they cover and what to plan for.

I want to know who’ll support me.

The people and practical help around you, from the very beginning.

I already foster. I’m considering a move.

A conversation about your experience and what you need next.

A home for a child. A team for you.

You won’t be
doing this
on your own.

Fostering changes life for everyone in a household. Having people who know you—and who you can be honest with—matters.

Meet the support around you

A listening ear. A little perspective.

Your own social worker

Someone to reflect with, ask questions and plan ahead.

Help beyond 9–5

Out-of-hours support for existing foster carers, every day.

Learning along the way

Preparation before approval. Training as you grow into the role.

Let’s talk practicalities

A caring role.
A clear picture
of the payments.

Knowing how the finances work helps you make a thoughtful decision for your household.

See what the payments cover

Our published weekly rates

Fostering Hearts

Child aged 0–10

£479.50

per child, per week

Young person aged 11+

£507.50

per child, per week

Parent and child

£987

per arrangement, per week

Paid while a child or parent-and-child arrangement is with you. Payments include the costs of care, not just your fee. A council-tax contribution is also available; ask about the terms.

Rates checked 7 September 2026.

There’s no one kind of foster carer

Real lives.
Real questions.

Let’s look at what fostering could mean for yours.

I rent my home. Can I foster?

Yes, renting does not rule you out. What matters is a stable home, suitable space and permission to use the property for fostering where needed. We’ll talk through your tenancy with you.

Can I foster on my own?

Yes. Single people can foster. We’ll explore the time and support you have available, just as we would with any household.

Am I too old to foster?

There is no fixed upper age limit. Your health, energy, circumstances and ability to meet a child’s needs matter more than a number.

Can I keep working?

It may be possible. It depends on your hours, flexibility, support network and the needs of the child. School holidays, appointments and unexpected changes all need thinking through.

What about pets or my own children?

Neither automatically rules you out. We get to know everyone in your household—including pets—and consider how fostering could work safely for the whole family.

Do I need a spare bedroom?

Usually, yes. A child normally needs their own bedroom. Any exception for a baby depends on individual assessment and safe-care arrangements, so please talk to us before ruling yourself in or out.

Ask about your own situation

A beginning,
at your pace.

You can ask questions before deciding whether to apply. If you continue, we’ll explain each stage.

Explore the full process

A conversation

Tell us what you’re thinking and ask what you need to know.

Getting to know you

A home visit helps us explore what fostering could look like for your household.

Preparation & approval

Training, checks and assessment, then a panel recommendation and the agency’s decision.

The right match

After approval, we consider a child’s needs and the care you can offer, together.

Where you live

Close to the people
and places that matter.

From north of the M25 and M4, through the Midlands and up to Manchester and York. Explore fostering in your community.

Find your county, town or city

A small first step

Curious?
That’s enough to start.

Ask us the question that’s been on your mind.
You don’t have to be ready to apply.

Your everyday could change a childhood.

What’s brought you here?