
Skylark Fostering and CHARMS
From day one, Skylark Fostering used CHARMS to lay the foundations of our agency. With its secure, user-friendly platform and outstanding support, CHARMS helps our foster carers, staff, and independent professionals manage records with confidence. Discover how CHARMS continues to shape our growth and commitment to quality care…

Shortlisted for Community Champion Award
Skylark Fostering is proud to have been shortlisted for the Community Champion Award at the Lincolnshire Business Awards 2025.
Co-founders Trish Kelly and Tim Clayton attended the event on Friday 14th March, celebrating this milestone alongside fellow finalists and the wider Lincolnshire business community. While we didn’t take home the trophy, the recognition at such an early stage of our journey means the world to us. Read more about the evening, our reflections, and what's next for Skylark Fostering.

Introducing Nadeem; our Vice Panel Chair
Celebrating World Social Work Day: Introducing Our Vice Panel Chair – Nadeem Salim.
On 18th March 2025, we join social workers around the world in celebrating World Social Work Day, a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of social work professionals who advocate for positive change in communities.
At Skylark Fostering, we are proud to introduce our Vice Panel Chair, an independent Panel Member representing a Social Work background. With extensive experience in the field, Nadeem brings a deep understanding of fostering, safeguarding, and best practices that support children, young people, and foster carers. Nadeem’s expertise helps ensure our fostering panel upholds the highest standards in decision-making, always prioritising the well-being and future of children in care.
World Social Work Day is a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and resilience of social workers globally. It is a day to stand together, acknowledge their impact, and continue striving for a fairer, more inclusive society.
We are honoured to have such a dedicated professional as part of our panel and celebrate Nadeem’s role in shaping the future of fostering at Skylark.

I Want to Foster, but My Partner Doesn’t!
“I really want to foster, but my partner isn’t on board.” – If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Deciding to become a foster carer is a life-changing decision, and it’s completely normal for one partner to feel more ready than the other. Concerns about change, emotional challenges, and lifestyle adjustments are all valid—but they don’t have to be deal-breakers.
At Skylark Fostering, we understand that fostering works best when both partners feel confident and supported. In this blog, we explore why one partner might be hesitant, the benefits of fostering as a couple, and practical steps to have an open, positive conversation that could bring you both closer to saying “yes” to fostering. ❤️
🔗 Read more to discover how to navigate this important decision together!

Celebrating LGBT+ History Month: Fostering Inclusivity
February is LGBT+ History Month, a time to honour the resilience, achievements, and contributions of LGBT+ people. At Skylark Fostering, we are proud to welcome foster carers from all backgrounds, ensuring that every child in our care feels safe, valued, and celebrated. Join us in embracing inclusion, diversity, and love this month and beyond.

Fostering Medical Assessments
🤔Thinking about fostering and wondering why a medical assessment is needed?
Dr. Matt Orr (Orr Medical) has written an insightful blog for Skylark Fostering, answering key questions such as:
✅ Why do I need a medical assessment?
✅ How does the process work?
✅ What does a GP medical assessment involve?
read on to discover more…

Introducing Sophie; our Social Media Coordinator
Meet Sophie, Skylark’s Social Media Coordinator! She manages our Facebook page, raising awareness of fostering and building community connections…

Maureen Parnaby Talks Fostering on LCR FM
Maureen Parnaby, Chair of Skylark Fostering's panel, recently spoke on LCR FM about the urgent need for foster carers. Discover how you can make a difference in a child's life through fostering…

Skylark Shortlisted for Community Champion Award!
Skylark Fostering is honoured to be shortlisted for the Community Champion Award at the Lincolnshire Business Awards. This nomination recognises our dedication to fostering and our impact within the community…

Introducing Paul; volunteer IT support
Meet Paul Kelly, our dedicated volunteer IT Support at Skylark Fostering. With nearly three decades in IT and a passion for solving tech problems, Paul ensures our systems run seamlessly—empowering us to focus solely on supporting children and families. Discover how Paul’s expertise and personal commitment to fostering make a difference at Skylark…

Introducing Charlotte; our Business Support Officer
🌟 Meet Charlotte, Our New Business Support Officer! 🌟
We're excited to welcome Charlotte to the Skylark Fostering team! With a rich background in childcare, family legal systems, and safeguarding, Charlotte brings invaluable experience to her role.
Welcome to the team, Charlotte! 🎉

Introducing Maureen Parnaby: Chairing Skylark Fostering’s Panel with Expertise and Empathy
Maureen Parnaby joins Skylark Fostering as the independent chair of our fostering panel, bringing a wealth of experience from her extensive career in child protection and social work. Maureen's approach combines deep professional knowledge with a commitment to making the panel process as accessible and supportive as possible for prospective foster carers.

Skylark Fostering Sponsors Nettleham Football Club Men’s Team!
Discover how Skylark Fostering is boosting community and youth development through sponsoring Nettleham FC Men’s Team. Join us in supporting local sports.

Start Your Journey Today!
Start your fostering journey now, not in the New Year. Make a real difference for children needing care…

Skylark’s Assessment Process
Discover the 7 Steps of the Assessment Process with Skylark Fostering. Are you considering becoming a foster carer? Understanding the journey ahead is an essential first step. On our blog, we break down the 7 steps of Skylark Fostering’s assessment process. From the initial enquiry to becoming an approved foster carer, we ensure every step is transparent, supportive, and tailored to you…

Skylark Fostering – A Year in the Making!
Delving into the creation of Skylark Fostering, we've dedicated more than a year to meticulously building our Independent Fostering Agency from scratch. It's been a year of significant achievements. Each step underlines our commitment to enhancing service delivery and safeguarding vulnerable children…

The Impact Booster Programme at Harlaxton Manor
Join us on an enriching journey through the Impact Booster Programme, a unique initiative enhancing our strategies and community connections at Skylark Fostering. Discover how we're refining our operations and measuring our impact to better serve and uplift our community.

Paws for Thought: Fostering with Pets
Explore how pets can enhance the fostering journey! Learn how these companions can offer unconditional love, teach trust, and contribute positively to foster homes, proving that pets are not just allowed but can be incredibly beneficial...read on to learn more of Tim's own family pet, Miley, and play spot the difference!

Becoming a Foster Carer
Considering fostering? Skylark Fostering sets clear criteria to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children. With rigorous checks and comprehensive training, we prepare you to make a profound difference. Read on to learn more...

Lincoln Jobs Fair
Skylark Fostering made its debut at the Lincoln Jobs Fair today, where co-founders Trish and Tim shared the impactful world of fostering with enthusiastic attendees. This event was a fantastic platform for us to connect with potential foster carers and team members eager to contribute to the nurturing and development of children in need...