Learning & Skills Darlington will launch a new fostering pathway course from 4 November, designed to prepare people for roles supporting foster carers. The course is free for Darlington residents.
The programme combines practical training with recognised qualifications. Learners will gain a Level 1 award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings, alongside specialist knowledge tailored to fostering roles.
What the course covers
Content includes fostering standards and the role of foster carers, child development and wellbeing, safeguarding training, keeping children safe online, and managing allegations. Participants will also receive training in communication skills for working with children, families and professionals, awareness of autism and learning disabilities, GDPR and confidentiality, healthy eating and wellbeing, and Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training.
The course features experienced guest speakers, peer mentors and industry experts.
Who can apply
The pathway is open to people interested in becoming a foster carer now or in the future. Anyone who completes the course and wishes to become a foster carer must still apply to Foster with North East and undergo a fostering assessment with associated checks and references.
For course information and to sign up, visit Darlington BC's courses for employment page. More details about fostering as a career are available at www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk