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Foster carer training

Our Learning Hub allows you to book onto your training and complete any e-learning where applicable. Please see the list of upcoming training we have on offer. 

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Caring for children can be a demanding role. The opportunity to receive regular, high quality training is very important in supporting carers to undertake the tasks required in caring for children, some of whom may be exhibiting difficult and challenging behaviour. Workforce Development have a strong commitment to providing several training opportunities each year which build on the skills first discussed during your pre-approval training.

Over the year the training programme will be developed, as priorities change, or demand increases. It is recommended that you regularly check this page for updates.

Your brand new foster carer training plan is here! Your new plan includes packages of learning with a choice of options to complete, including our brand new self-directed learning to support you in your role!  All dates for learning are available until March 2025 and are viewable on Learning Hub. Take a look below at some of the training we have coming up over the next few months and which package of learning they belong to.

Your training directory (PDF, 443 KB)(opens new window)

April 2025

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of training
9 April 202510:00 - 11:30 Foster Carer Induction LG6 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Workforce Development and SSW Your First Year as a Foster Carer
30 April 2025 9:30 - 11:30 Teenage Relationship Abuse LG6 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Laura Moat Safeguarding for Foster Carers

 

May 2025

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of training
6 May 202510 am - 14:30 pm Your Self CareLG4 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Workforce Development Strenthening Parenting 
7 May 202510 am - 12 pm Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Foster CarersLG7, Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Positive Futures Extra Familial Harm for Foster Carers
21 May 2025 10:00 - 11:00The Role of the LADO  **BRAND NEW**LG6 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Michelle Farry Safeguarding for Foster Carers
27 May 202510:00 - 11:00Voice of Experience (Young Ambassadors)  **BRAND NEW**LG4 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Young Ambassadors Adolescence for Foster Carers

 

June 2025

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of training
5 June 20259:30 - 12:30     
Equality and Diversity Awareness for Foster Carers
LG6 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Lesley Rance Equality and Diversity for Foster Carers
9 June 202513:00 - 14:30 Foster Carer Induction LG6 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Workforce Development and SSW Your First Year as a Foster Carer
10 June 20259:30 - 14:30 Mandatory Refresh LG4,  Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Workforce Development Your First Year as a Foster Carer 

 

July 2025

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of training
7 July 2025 10 - 11 

Voice of Experience (Young Ambassadors)  **BRAND NEW**

LG4 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Young AmbassadorsAdolesence
15 July 2025 9:30 - 12:30 Supporting Children and Young People in Care with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)LG6 , Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Trusting Hands SEND 

Learning Reflection Session days

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of training
24 June 2025 9:30 - 14:30 Learning Reflection Session Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Various Learning Reflection Days 
11 November 20259:30 - 14:30 Learning Reflection Session Gateshead Council Learning Centre (Kingsmeadow School Site) Various Learning Reflection Days

 

Coffee breaks

DateTimeCourseLocationTrainerPackage of training
      

 

Dates for First Aid, further Safeguarding Training and much more are viewable on your Learning Hub.

Foundations for Attachment

Our 6 week Foundations for Attachment course is currently only available to carers via referral and cohorts will be running throughout the year. Those referred will be contacted in advance to confirm your place with information of dates, times and venue. You will be booked onto this via Learning Hub once your place is confirmed. 

Don't forget that we have a number of courses running throughout the year to support you and your wellbeing! Take a look at the well-being package of learning on your Learning Hub to find out more.

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Additional Safeguarding courses can be found on our Safeguarding and Community Safety training page

In addition to face to face and virtual training, foster carers can undertake e-learning courses or Flexible Learning

Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards

All new foster carers are required to complete their Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards for Foster Carers portfolio prior to their first review approximately 10 months.

These Standards are a national benchmark and give foster carers the recognition they deserve for the role they play. We know you will want to demonstrate your professionalism and achieve these standards and we believe in supporting you to achieve them. Where applicable, courses will indicate which TSD Standards are covered within the training.

There will be Foster Carer Induction Sessions running throughout the year to provide guidance on completing your work book. In addition, your Supervising Social Worker will be able to provide guidance and support whilst you are completing it. Please look at dates on the Learning Hub to book your place. 

TSD Family and Friends Connected Carers (PDF, 706 KB)(opens new window)

TSD Short Break (PDF, 855 KB)(opens new window)

TSD Workbook (PDF, 1 MB)(opens new window)