Become a Step Forward Foster Carer A Life-Changing Opportunity for Teaching Assistants and HLTAs
Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council
Are you a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) who is passionate about supporting young people? You already have the dedication, patience, and commitment needed to make a profound difference in a young person s life.
We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take the skills you ve developed in the classroom and make a lasting, personal impact.
This could be your most rewarding role yet offering not just care, but a future full of hope.
What is Step Forward Fostering?
Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability to transition from residential care into a caring family environment.
These young people aren t just looking for a place to stay they need someone like you: a supportive adult who understands their needs, builds trust, and provides the consistency they ve often lacked.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you ll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who are there to guide you every step of the way. You ll never be alone on this journey.
What You ll Receive:
We understand that caring for a young person with complex needs is a significant commitment. That s why we provide comprehensive support both emotionally and financially.
Specialist Support:
* Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
* A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and your foster child
* A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks every year
* 24/7 Out-of-Hours Support, ensuring you re never alone
* Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
* Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs
* Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing skills
Financial Package:
We recognise the commitment it takes to support a young person with complex needs and offer a generous financial package to help you focus fully on providing stability and care.
* £1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £54,704 a year)
* £408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 a year)
* Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
* Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?
We are looking for TAs and HLTAs who are:
* Passionate about making a difference beyond the classroom
* Skilled in building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
* Resilient, empathetic, and committed to providing stability
* Ready to transfer their professional skills to a family-based setting
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!
Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but we consider each family situation individually.
To Be Eligible, You ll Need:
* Experience working with children, young people, or families
* Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
* A willingness to complete our professional training
* The right to work in the UK
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