The children we look after deserve the best possible care and this is best achieved by having well supported and well trained foster carers.

The task of fostering can be very complex and demanding and the challenges faced when caring for children are ever changing.

Foster carer training and support

The training and development of foster carers is split into different phases:

• pre-approval - using the 'Skills to Foster' training pack during the assessment process - this happens before you are approved as a foster carer
• induction - this is the completion of the training and development standards workbook for first year foster carers
• continuous professional development (CPD) - this is ongoing training, provided throughout your time as a foster carer and defines which skills level you choose to foster at for the Fostering Skills Allowance scheme

Some of our training will not be relevant to everyone and training needs will change depending on the age and stage of development of the child cared for, and the type of fostering that you do.

Your supervising social worker will complete an annual training and development plan which will help identify the learning most appropriate to your own circumstances and skills level.

Following completion of the learning identified in the annual training and development plan or as detailed in the relevant band of the Fostering Skills Allowance scheme, you'll be eligible for a skills allowance payment.

Any training attended should be recorded in your training record and be presented at your annual review in your My Fostering Skills Portfolio.

Your supervising social worker will need to prepare a report on the training you have undertaken, so it's important you keep a record of any dates and certificates of attendance.

Where you have completed learning through forums where you are not issued with a certificate of attendance, a learning evaluation form, attached to this page, should be completed, signed off by your supervising social worker and added to your My Fostering Skills Portfolio.

There's a wide range of training opportunities available to new and experienced carers. You can find out more about the training on offer in the Derbyshire training brochure attached to this page.

Derbyshire Learning Pool - online learning

Online training and courses are available to all foster carers. View the document on Derbyshire learning pool, which is attached to the page, to find out how to log on. If you have any questions, email: bs.fosteringcontinuity@derbyshire.gov.uk.