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.

What Are TSDS? — Skylark Fostering

🌟 What Are TSDS? — and How Do We Support Our Foster Carers Through Them? 🌟

If you’re new to fostering, you may have heard the term TSDS and wondered what it actually means. Don’t worry - you’re not alone! Here’s a simple breakdown of what TSDS are, why they matter, and how we support you every step of the way.

✨ What Are TSDS?

TSDS stands for Training, Support and Development Standards. They’re a set of seven national standards created by the UK government to make sure every foster carer has the essential knowledge, skills and confidence to care safely and effectively for children and young people.

Think of TSDS as a learning journey rather than a test. There’s no pass or fail — you simply build a portfolio of your real-life fostering experiences, reflections and examples of your practice.

Completing your TSDS helps you to:

Understand your fostering role more clearly
Build confidence in your skills
Strengthen your understanding of safeguarding, communication and child development
Reflect on your learning and celebrate your progress
Receive a certificate on completion 🎉

✨ The Seven TSDS Standards Cover:

Principles and values in fostering
Understanding your role
Health, safety and safer care
Communication
Child development
Keeping children safe from harm
Developing yourself as a foster carer

Each standard links directly to your day-to-day life as a foster carer - everything from bedtime routines to school meetings to building emotional connections.

💬 How We Support You Through Your TSDS

We know TSDS can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing the demands of fostering. That’s why we offer lots of flexible, personalised support so you never feel like you're doing it alone.

🗓️ Monthly Group Sessions

Every month, we run friendly, relaxed group sessions - each one focusing on a different TSD standard. It’s a great chance to ask questions, share ideas, and learn alongside other carers.

💻 Teams Check-In Calls

Between sessions, we offer short, informal check-ins on Teams. These are perfect if you're feeling stuck, unsure, or just need a little extra encouragement.

📞 Contact Us Anytime

You never need to wait for a meeting - you can message or call us whenever you need help or reassurance. We're always here.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring TSDS to Supervision

Your portfolio is always welcome in supervision. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on your practice with your supervising social worker and gather evidence without even realising you’re doing it!

🎨 Creative & Individual Support

We know everyone learns differently. If you struggle with writing or organising your portfolio, we’ll work with you in ways that suit your style, including:

Talking through reflections
Helping turn conversations into written evidence
Using voice notes or video reflections
One-to-one support sessions

There is no one way to complete TSDS — we adapt it to you.

🌈 You’re Not Alone

TSDS is not a hoop to jump through — it’s a chance to reflect on your journey, recognise your strengths, and celebrate everything you already do for the children in your care. And we’ll be right beside you through the whole process.

What Are TSDS?

Quilts of Comfort and Hope from Project Linus