Foster Carer Training & Development
Become confident, capable and supported from day one. At Abacus, training isn’t a tick-box – it’s how we help you change lives and feel secure doing it.
Before Approval: Abacus Preparation to Foster (4 days)
Our pre-approval course runs alongside your assessment and meets current guidance. You’ll explore:
- Understanding children in foster care
- Equality, diversity & inclusion
- The foster carer role and working as part of a professional team
- Safe caring & safeguarding
- Supporting education, health and contact
- Transitions for children and for your family
We also offer dedicated foster classes for birth children, family and friends, so everyone at home feels prepared.
Induction Training: Your First 12 Months
Once approved, you join our structured induction with core modules such as:
- Health for looked-after children and first aid
- Attachment-informed care and PACE parenting
- Child protection (Level 3) and safe caring
- Education and attainment for looked-after children
- Missing episodes and child exploitation awareness
- Administering medication and home safety
- Supporting contact with birth family
You’ll build an evidence portfolio against the Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards, which is the national benchmark new foster carers are expected to meet within the first 12 months (18 months for family & friends/connected carers). We guide you through the workbook step-by-step.
Ongoing CPD (continuous professional development)
Learning continues throughout your fostering journey:
- Flexible delivery – online, school-time weekday sessions, some evenings and occasional weekends
- In-house and external specialists tailored to your needs
- Personal Development Plan reviewed in supervision
- Peer learning and reflective practice with other carers
- Optional advanced topics (therapeutic approaches, complex needs, transitions to independence)
Our training aligns with Ofsted’s focus on the impact of care on children’s experiences and progress (SCCIF), not just policies – so what you learn translates directly into better outcomes at home.
“Training made everything click for us – especially PACE. We felt ready from the first placement.”
Abacus Foster Carer
Our Approach: PACE-Led Fostering
We’re a PACE-led service – Playful, Accepting, Curious, Empathic – an attachment-informed approach developed by Dr Dan Hughes. It helps children feel safe, seen, and understood, so healing and growth can happen.
What You’ll Get From Training with Abacus
- Confidence to handle real-world situations calmly and safely
- Practical tools for communication, behaviour and de-escalation
- A community of carers to learn with and lean on
- Clear progression via TSD and ongoing CPD
FAQs
Yes – new carers are expected to evidence the training, support and development (TSD) standards within the required timeframe; we’ll support you throughout.
Yes. We offer online options, school-time sessions, some evenings and occasional weekends.
Yes – where relevant, we include birth children and close family so the whole household feels prepared.
Use the form below or call 0800 002 9512 and ask about upcoming courses.