Job Description
Make a Difference. Become a Foster Carer.
Are you someone with time, patience, and a big heart? Could you offer a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child or young person? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
We're looking for compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individuals to become foster carers. Our Ofsted-rated Outstanding fostering service supports children and young people from all walks of life—and we need people like you to help them thrive.
Who can foster?
You can become a foster carer whether you are:
* Male or female
* Young or older (21+)
* Single, married, or in a partnership
* LGBTQIA+
* From any cultural or ethnic background
* Renting or owning your home
What do you need to foster?
You don’t need to be a parenting expert—just someone who cares. We ask that you have:
* Some experience with children or young people (parenting, family care, volunteering, etc.)
* Time and flexibility in your work or daily routine
* A spare room for fostering children aged 2 or over
* The ability to work as part of a wider team (social workers, teachers, health professionals)
We also consider:
* Your ability to travel
* Your health and financial security
* Any criminal history (certain offences may affect eligibility)
* The temperament of any pets in your home
What qualities do foster carers need?
* A genuine love for working with children and young people
* Patience, resilience, and the ability to stay calm during challenges
* A sense of humour and a flexible, positive attitude
* Strong communication and listening skills
* An ability to provide consistency, stability, and trust
* An open mind, and a willingness to keep learning
What we offer you:
* Competitive salary – up to £2,279 per child, per month (depending on the child’s age and needs)
* Ongoing training and support
* The Mockingbird Programme – our support model which creates an extended family network of foster carers. Enjoy monthly social events, peer support, sleepovers (respite), and a true sense of community and belonging.
Want to know more? Visit Mockingbird
Our foster carers tell us that being part of the Mockingbird family has made them feel more supported, less isolated, and better equipped to provide outstanding care.
Fostering changes lives. Not just for the children—but for the carers, too.
If you’re ready to open your home and heart, apply to become a foster carer today.
0208 753 1057
Could I be a Foster Carer? | Fostering Shared Services