Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Early Years Practitioners & Managers Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council Please Note: This role requires you to be Self Employed Are you an Early Years Practitioner or Early Years Manager who creates safe, nurturing spaces where children grow, feel secure, and thrive? You already have the empathy, patience, and safeguarding knowledge needed to make a life-changing difference in a young person’s life. We’re looking for caring, emotionally resilient professionals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, stable home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take your child development experience beyond the nursery setting and offer a young person the consistent care and emotional security they’ve been missing. This could be your most fulfilling 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’ve faced trauma, instability, and loss move from residential care into a stable family environment. These young people don’t just need a roof over their head — they need someone like you: a consistent, supportive adult who understands emotional and developmental needs and provides the calm, trusting environment they’ve often lacked. As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll receive full wraparound support. 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 — and we provide the tools, guidance, and financial support to help you succeed. Specialist Support: Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular supervision and guidance A Family Wellbeing Worker to support both 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 Access to a peer network of Step Forward Carers Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs Therapeutic and psychological support to complement your early years expertise Financial Package: We provide generous financial support so you can focus on creating a stable, loving home. £1,052 per week while a child is placed with you (around £54,704 per year) £408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 annually) Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers Is This You? We are looking for Early Years Practitioners and Managers who are: Passionate about supporting children beyond the early years setting Experienced in safeguarding, emotional development, and behavioural support Calm, nurturing, and emotionally resilient Ready to bring their childcare experience into a family-based environment Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as a Early Years Practitioner/Early Years Manager could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role