What is the difference between Fostering Agencies and Local Authorities?

All children in the care system are legally the responsibility of local authorities (councils). Initially, local authorities seek placements with their own foster carers. When a suitable match isn't found, they turn to private fostering agencies like Skylark Fostering. This is often because the child has complex needs or the local authority lacks carers in the right area.

What’s the difference between Fostering and Adoption?

Both fostering and adoption provide vulnerable children with safe, nurturing environments. However, they have fundamental differences. Fostering is usually temporary, with the goal of reunification with birth families, while adoption is a permanent legal transfer of parental rights. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide whether fostering or adoption is right for you.

What is the age range for becoming a foster carer?

There is no upper age limit for fostering; as long as you have the energy, dedication, time, and space to welcome a child, you could be a great foster carer. The minimum age requirement is 21 years. We welcome applications from individuals in their 20s and 30s, provided there is evidence of stability and security in their living arrangements.

What is the employment status of foster carers?

All foster carers must be registered as self-employed and are responsible for their taxes. Registering is straightforward and can be done online through HMRC. Foster carers can also qualify for the Qualifying Care Relief Scheme, which allows some payments to be tax free, potentially reducing annual tax liability. Skylark can offer further financial advice and guidance regarding all aspects of this.

Can I work full time and foster?

Children in foster care require stability due to their previous experiences. At Skylark Fostering, we stress the importance of a nurturing and stable environment. We expect our foster carers to be available to offer full-time, personalised care, which includes avoiding full-time daycare for young children and reducing dependency on before or after-school care for school-aged children. It's also worth noting that fostering can be a viable career choice; for instance, fostering two children with us can equate to an annual salary of around £60,000.

Can foster children share a bedroom?

Foster carers must have a spare room for fostering. Siblings of the same gender can share a room if it's large enough, but as children grow, they will need their own space. This consideration is discussed during initial planning and matching stages. Fostered children should not share a bedroom with your own child unless matched to you on a long-term basis and all parties (including the children!) are in agreement.

How will Skylark Fostering match a child to my family?

Our matching process ensures that potential foster families can meet the specific needs of children taken into care. We consider the preferences, lifestyles, and interests of the foster family, as well as their ability to meet the child’s needs. Through a thoughtful approach, we aim to create successful and resilient fostering arrangements.

Shortlisted for Community Champion Award — Skylark Fostering

**Skylark Fostering Shortlisted for Community Champion Award at Lincolnshire Business Awards**.

On Friday 14th March, our co-founders Trish Kelly and Tim Clayton were honoured to attend the **Lincolnshire Business Awards 2025**, after being shortlisted for the **Community Champion Award**.

We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised for this award at such an early stage of Skylark Fostering’s journey. Since launching, we’ve poured our hearts into building a fostering agency that puts children, carers, and community at its centre – so to be considered for such a meaningful award truly means the world to us.

While we didn’t take home the trophy this time, we send a huge congratulations to The Railway Inn, who won this category. We know how much hard work goes into making a difference in the community, and they are very deserving winners. For us, simply being shortlisted felt like a win. It was a proud moment that validated all the effort we’ve put in so far.

The evening itself was a fantastic experience, held at the beautiful Lincolnshire Showground venue. We had a brilliant night networking with other incredible businesses across the county and celebrating the passion and innovation that makes our local business community so special.

We were joined by our wonderful partners –with Tim, Sandra Clayton, and with Trish, Paul Kelly – and it was great to share the evening together, reflecting on just how far Skylark has come.

Thank you to the Lincolnshire Business Awards team and everyone who made the night so memorable – including Chris Vaughan Photography for capturing the event so perfectly (check out some of the photos below!).

Congratulations once again to all the finalists and winners – and thank you for inspiring us. We’re so proud of this achievement and more motivated than ever to keep growing Skylark Fostering and making a positive impact.

Here’s to many more milestones ahead! 💙

Shortlisted for Community Champion Award

Skylark Fostering Shortlisted for Community Champion Award at Lincolnshire Business Awards.

Skylark Fostering and CHARMS

Introducing Nadeem; our Vice Panel Chair