cropped cropped Sunbeam Fostering Northwest Official Logo 2 768x736
Call Now
cropped cropped Sunbeam Fostering Northwest Official Logo 2 768x736
Call Now

Fostering Support and Training

Training and Support – from Sunbeam Fostering Northwest

At Sunbeam Fostering Northwest, your support is one of our highest priorities. We are committed to equipping every foster carer with the skills, confidence, and guidance needed to provide safe, nurturing, and stable homes for children and young people.

We focus on helping all our foster carers continue to grow in their knowledge, experience, and practice. This not only empowers you as individuals but also strengthens the quality of care you provide. Safeguarding remains central to everything we do.

Our training and support programmes are tailored to your needs, your experience, and your learning style. We ensure all fostering regulations are fully met, and wherever possible, exceeded, so that you feel supported, prepared, and confident throughout your fostering journey.

pexels ivan s 5799132
kenny eliason AvcBDbR LWc unsplash

Your fostering support package

Regular supervision visits to your home from your dedicated social worker
Support groups and meet‑ups held throughout the year to build peer support networks
Activities and events for children and young people
24‑hour out‑of‑hours support
FosterTalk membership
Comprehensive foster carer payments
Respite breaks provided during the year
Direct contact and support from the Senior Management Team, including Registered Manager Shams Zaidi and Responsible Individual Samiya Zaidi
Careful and effective matching for new placements to ensure the right child or young person is supported by you
Regular events for foster carers, including awards celebrations and year‑end gatherings
Secure online login access for your recordings and documentation
Additional one‑off payments (subject to approval and available funding), such as support towards holidays or other exceptional costs

Training Courses and Development

We provide comprehensive, high quality training to all foster carers, delivered through a blend of online courses, video learning, and face to face sessions. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to provide safe, supportive, and nurturing homes.

Skills to Foster – For New Carers

As part of your approval and assessment process, new foster carers complete our Skills to Foster programme, a two day course delivered by experienced and skilled trainers. This training provides essential preparation and insight into the realities of fostering.

Your First 12 Months of Training

During your first year as an approved foster carer, you will complete your Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards. This ensures you have the core knowledge and understanding required for your role. Your TSD learning will include key topics such as:

  • Record keeping
  • Child protection
  • Managing challenging behaviour
  • Contact arrangements
  • Preparing young people for adulthood
  • Supporting self-esteem and identity
  • Understanding and responding to abuse and neglect
  • Safer caring and safeguarding
  • First aid
  • Education support
  • Health and safety
computer 4484283 1280
kids 894787 1280

Extended Courses

After completing your TSD Standards, you will have access to a wide range of additional training opportunities designed to further develop your skills and deepen your understanding of the needs of children and young people. These courses cover a variety of specialist topics, including:
  • Placement interventions and managing placement breakdowns
  • Supporting sibling groups
  • CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation)
  • Self-harm awareness and response
  • Understanding gang culture and associated risks
  • Drug use, substance awareness, and safety

These are just a few examples of the extended training available.

You can request a full copy of the Training Guide, which outlines all courses in detail. Your supervising social worker will also work with you to create a personalised training plan to support your ongoing development.