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.

Skylark Fostering Continues Support for Nettleham Sunday Football Team

8 Mar

Written By Trish Kelly

At Skylark Fostering, we are proud to continue our support for Nettleham Sunday Football Team.

Following our earlier announcement about sponsoring Nettleham Football Club Men’s Team, we are delighted to share this latest reminder of our ongoing commitment to local grassroots sport and the wider community. As a locally founded fostering agency, we believe strong communities are built through connection, encouragement, and shared opportunities, and we are pleased to play a small part in supporting the team.
Grassroots football brings people together and promotes values that strongly reflect our own at Skylark Fostering, including teamwork, resilience, commitment, and community spirit. These are qualities that matter both on and off the pitch, and it is wonderful to see them represented so positively through Nettleham Sunday Football Team.

Tom Jenkinson, Manager of Nettleham Sunday Football Team, shared:

“We are incredibly proud to have Skylark Fostering as the sponsor of our Nettleham Sunday Football Team. Their support goes well beyond providing us with our fantastic new football shirts; it truly demonstrates their dedication to making a positive impact in our local community. Skylark Fostering, a locally founded agency, places foster families and children at the heart of everything they do, and it’s inspiring to see them extend that same commitment to supporting grassroots sports like ours.

Their values of teamwork, resilience, and community align perfectly with our club's ethos, and their sponsorship has greatly enhanced our confidence and pride as a team. We hope that our partnership encourages young children to take part in more team sports and to keep healthy and active lifestyles. Skylark's dedication to helping local organisations thrive highlights their genuine care to create a stronger, more connected community. We couldn’t ask for a more supportive partner, and we’re proud to wear their name on our shirts.”

We are very grateful for Tom’s generous words and proud to continue standing alongside the team.

It was a pleasure for Tim to meet the players for their team photographs at the start of the season. Seeing the team together in their Skylark-sponsored shirts was a great reminder of the value of local partnerships and the positive difference they can make.

At Skylark Fostering, we remain committed to supporting our local community in meaningful ways. We are proud to continue backing Nettleham Sunday Football Team and wish them every success for the season ahead

Trish Kelly

Skylark Fostering Continues Support for Nettleham Sunday Football Team

At Skylark Fostering, we are proud to continue our support for Nettleham Sunday Football Team.

Real Feedback. Real Support.