Training and Professional Development Home Fostering in Warwickshire Training and Professional Development Training is delivered in person around the county within the school day and at weekends. We also offer virtual and self-led online programmes. Our courses are developed and delivered by trainers who understand fostering or have specialist knowledge in their field of expertise. During your assessment and with your supervising social worker following approval, you will be guided to attend courses that are the most suitable for you. All approved foster carers must also complete their Training, Support, and Development Standards (TSD’s) within 12 months of approval. Core training Core courses to be completed in the first two years of approval are: Child Protection Safeguarding - it is expected that this course will be completed within the first year of fostering and refreshed every three years Paediatric First Aid - it is expected that this course will be completed within the first year of fostering and renewed every three years Attachments A Child’s Journey Through Care Recording Skills Training for Foster Carers Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - There is a shortened refresher course available every three years. Continuing professional development training Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses provide foster carers with a range of training opportunities to keep them up to date with current best practice and provide skills to nurture, support, and care for children they are looking after. Each foster carer should attend two trainings a year. Examples of courses on offer include: Therapeutic Reparenting Adoption Transition Caring for Teens Managing Challenging Behaviour Positively Sapling Scheme Becoming a foster carer can be a very daunting experience and we know that there are lots of different things to learn. It can feel overwhelming, and we know that sometimes new carers can feel unsure about reaching out to their social workers with what might feel like a silly question. The ‘Sapling Scheme’ is designed to provide new applicants with a chance to connect with experienced foster carers who can offer informal help and support. We have a huge wealth of skills and knowledge amongst our community of foster carers and are lucky that many of them are willing to share their experiences and support others. The Sapling Scheme seeks to pair newer foster carers with experienced carers from a similar area of fostering to support them on their journey for as long as they need, to overcome challenges and provide a listening ear. We provide training and support for experienced foster carers to extend opportunities for professional development and to build on their own fostering community. Read our Sapling Scheme Handbook (PDF, 1.4 MB)