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.

Buckets of Fun, Bags of Support — Skylark Fostering

Sunshine and Support: Making Summer Holidays Meaningful for Children in Fostering Arrangements.

Summer holidays can be a season of joy, discovery, and adventure, but for foster carers and the children they care for, this time of year can also bring unique challenges. The long break from school routines, changes in childcare needs, and the weight of unspoken memories or trauma can all have an impact.

At Skylark Fostering, we believe summer offers a precious opportunity: to build trust, create lasting memories, and support the emotional wellbeing and development of every child. Here’s how foster carers can make the most of it.

Understanding the Emotional Needs of Foster Children in Summer

While many children see summer as a time of freedom and fun, for some in foster care it can stir up difficult emotions, particularly if holidays in the past were unsettled or marked by loss. The absence of school routines may heighten anxiety, especially for those who thrive on structure.

Foster Carers can make a big difference by offering gentle consistency: clear routines, reassurance, and space to talk. Something as simple as a predictable daily schedule, shared mealtimes, or a countdown calendar to special days out can help children feel grounded and safe.

Low-Cost, High-Impact Summer Activities

Summer doesn’t have to be expensive to be exciting. Often, the best memories are built from simple moments shared together. Here are some low-cost ideas to try:

Nature walks or scavenger hunts in local parks or woodlands
Summer reading challenges at your local library
Craft days at home, try making friendship bracelets, tie-dye t-shirts, or holiday postcards
Baking sessions, letting children lead on choosing and preparing recipes
Outdoor movie nights with a bedsheet projector and popcorn
Start a summer memory book or memory jar filled with tickets, photos, or drawings

Each of these activities is a chance to bond, nurture creativity, and build confidence.

Encouraging Independence and Life Skills

Summer offers valuable time to gently build children’s independence. Depending on their age and needs, this could include:

Planning and budgeting for a picnic or a family meal
Helping with shopping lists and cooking
Setting small daily tasks, like watering plants or feeding pets
Using public transport together to build confidence

These small steps help children feel capable and trusted, and set them up for greater independence in the future.

Making Room for Connection and Reflection

Strong relationships are built in the everyday moments. Try setting aside time each day to talk or reflect together, whether it’s during a bedtime chat, a shared game, or journaling.

Consider introducing a "Summer Journal", where children can write, draw, or stick in photos to capture their holiday experiences. This can also provide a safe outlet for emotions and a sense of ownership over their own story.

Planning with Sensitivity

Some children may have difficult associations with the summer, perhaps it reminds them of times they were moved between homes or missed out on family holidays. It’s important to plan with empathy:

Give children choices but avoid overwhelming them with too many options.
Be mindful of triggers and offer reassurance if plans change.
Focus on building new, positive experiences rather than recreating traditional ideas of the “perfect” holiday.

Involving Children in the Community

Feeling part of something bigger is powerful for children in care. Consider:

Local summer clubs or sports camps
Volunteering opportunities suitable for young people
Community events like festivals, fairs, or family fun days

These can help children build friendships, learn new skills, and feel valued in their community.

Don’t Forget your own Wellbeing

Caring through the holidays can be tiring. It’s vital that foster carers look after themselves too.

Build in breaks where possible, don’t hesitate to ask for support.
Stay connected with your supervising social worker and other carers
Take time for your own hobbies, rest, and support networks

Remember, looking after yourself helps you be fully present and positive for the children in your care.

A Summer to Grow

Summer may only last a few weeks, but the impact of your care can last a lifetime. Whether it’s through laughter in the garden, a picnic in the park, or a heartfelt conversation over ice cream, every moment you invest matters.

At Skylark Fostering, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Together, let’s make this summer one filled with healing, connection, and joy.

Buckets of Fun, Bags of Support

Fostered and Flourishing