General
Mileage and transport for foster carers
The care planning for each child or young person in foster care will cover the plan relating to their school or college…
Latest fostering panel and new fostering families join Beacon Fostering!
Following the agency’s Ofsted registration in May earlier this year, we are now really pleased to have held our second fostering panel….
Birth Family Contact in Fostering
The contact for the birth family, of child or young person in fostering, is an important area and should be supported. That…
Foster Carers Required to Support Teenagers in Stoke-On-Trent
There continues to be a shortage of foster carers across England and this includes locally in Stoke-on-Trent. Children in care numbers for…
What Is Foster Care? A Simple Guide for Everyone
Introduction Being a foster carer provides you with an amazing opportunity to support a child or young person in your own home….
5 Challenges Foster Carers Face in Bolton and How to Overcome Them
Background Being a foster carer presents an amazing opportunity to support a child or young person and make a difference to their…
From Corporate Strategy to Human Impact: Why I’m Starting a New Chapter in Purpose-Led Marketing at Beacon Fostering
Beacon Fostering are delighted to welcome our newest recruit, as Carolyn Williams joins the Beacon Fostering family! Carolyn has written a few…
Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Foster Care: Practical Approaches and Understanding
Fostering a neurodivergent child—such as one with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences—requires extra understanding, flexibility, and advocacy. But it’s also an…
Supporting Birth Family Contact: Navigating Visits, Emotions & Boundaries
Maintaining safe contact with birth families can be incredibly important for foster children, but also emotionally complex. Foster carers play a crucial…
Outdoor Play & Nature Time: Harnessing Local Green Spaces to Support Wellbeing
Being a foster carer in the North West offers you wonderful opportunities to connect foster children with inspiring green spaces close to…
What to Expect in Your First Week as a Foster Carer
Starting strong in your fostering journey The first week of fostering can feel overwhelming—but it’s also the foundation for a meaningful relationship….
Understanding Therapeutic Fostering: What It Is and Why It Matters
Therapeutic fostering is a specialist form of foster care that provides extra support for children who have experienced significant trauma, neglect, or…
Can I Foster If I Rent My Home?
Owning a home is not a requirement One of the most common myths about fostering is that you need to own your…
Fostering Excellence: Beacon Fostering Panels in 2025
Beacon Fostering held our most recent panel on 23rd June 2025, and we’re really pleased to report it was a resounding positive success…
Ofsted Registration
Beacon Fostering is successfully registered with Ofsted as an approved independent fostering agency. Our official Ofsted provider record (URN 2793200) confirms that we…
Digital Safety for Foster Children: A Guide for Foster Carers
In today’s world, many foster children arrive with smartphones, social media accounts, or access to gaming platforms. For carers, understanding digital safety…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 11: Reasons to Foster with Beacon Fostering
In the heart of the UK’s social care system, foster carers play a vital role in providing vulnerable children with the safety,…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 10: UK Celebrities Who Grew Up in Foster Care
At Beacon Fostering, we know that growing up in foster care can present enormous challenges – but we also know it can…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 9: Similarities and Differences Between Local Authorities and Fostering Agencies in the UK
In the UK, the fostering system comprises two primary types of providers: local authorities (LAs) and independent fostering agencies like ourselves (IFAs)….
Foster Care Fortnight Day 8: Apply to Become a Foster Carer with Beacon Fostering – Or Transfer to Join The Beacon Fostering Family Family
Are you passionate about making a difference in a child’s life? Whether you’re new to fostering or an experienced carer looking for…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 7: Types of Fostering
Fostering isn’t a one-size-fits-all arrangement. Children and young people in care come from diverse backgrounds and have different needs—emotional, physical, and practical….
Foster Care Fortnight Day 6: Everyday Fostering Plans: Creating Stability in a Fostering Household
Fostering isn’t just about big decisions—it’s about the daily routines, small wins, and consistent care that help children feel secure and valued….
Foster Care Fortnight Day 5: Q&A session
Ready for a Q&A Session? Join Us Today! Are you curious about fostering with Beacon Fostering? Well, today is your chance to…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 4: Why Foster?
7 Powerful Reasons to Foster Children Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, loved, and supported. Yet thousands of children across…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 3: Inclusivity in Fostering
On Foster Care Fortnight Day 3, we are focusing on inclusivity in Fostering! At Beacon Fostering, we’re proud to work with foster…
Foster Care Fortnight Day 2: Fostering Myths vs Facts
Fostering is a vital component of the UK’s child welfare system, providing care and stability to thousands of children in need. However,…
Foster Care Fortnight 2025!
It’s Foster Care Fortnight – the UK’s biggest awareness raising campaign for fostering! Over the next two weeks from the 12-25th May,…
Beacon Fostering Are Recruiting Foster Carers in Stoke-on-Trent
On Wednesday 14th May, members of Beacon Fostering’s recruitment team will be attending a job’s fair, led by The Bridge, held at…
Representing Beacon Fostering At Liverpool Jobs Fair
Our foster carer recruitment team, led by Jack Gill, recently attended Liverpool Job Fair on Friday 2 May. This was held at…
Increased Fostering Minimum Allowances
With the new tax year having started recently from 6 April 2025, the new increased minimum fostering allowances for children and young…
Siblings in foster care – keeping children together
When children come into care, this is a challenging time and can be difficult for many. This is why the family bonds…
Supporting a Foster Child’s Education: A Guide for Beacon Fostering Families
Education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s future, and as a foster parent, you are a key part of that…
Embracing Faith in Fostering: Respecting Beliefs and Creating a Supportive Home
Faith can be a deeply personal and powerful source of strength—especially during life’s more challenging moments. For many people entering the world…
Celebrating Easter With Your Foster Child!
Easter is a special time of year for many families—an uplifting celebration filled with faith, tradition, and togetherness. Church services, Easter egg…
Helping Your Foster Child With Their Homework
In your role as a foster parent, you can actively support homework, which will benefit your child’s academic trajectory. Giving homework advice…
What Should My Foster Child Call Me?
It’s best to introduce yourself using the name you want the youngster to call you when they first arrive at your house….
Beacon Fostering Secure Sponsorship With Local Football Club
We are delighted to announce that we have agreed to sponsor local grassroots football team in Manchester, Withington Wanderers F.C. Withington Wanderers…
Horse Therapy Benefits for Children and Young People in Foster Care
Today is Gold Cup day at Cheltenham Races! Horses can have a great impact on children and young people living in foster…
When is Foster Care Fortnight 2025?
The Fostering Network’s annual Foster Care Fortnight campaign aims to increase awareness of foster care and demonstrate the positive life-changing effects of…
Lloyd Kelly: Foster Care Story
From Foster Care to playing Champions League Football for Juventus in Turin. This is Lloyd Kelly’s story. Many people will know Lloyd…
Honouring Foster Carers on International Women’s Day
The 8th March 2025 is International Women’s Day. Today, it is important to recognise the great contributions that women have made to…
Understanding DBS Checks for Foster Parents
Fostering is essential because it offers a secure, caring home to children who are unable to remain with their biological relatives. A…
Support Networks for Foster Carers
Numerous foster carers have access to their own support systems, which are composed of friends, family, and contacts in the local community….
Can I Foster if I’m Single?
Depending on your unique situation, including if you work, the age of your children and their level of need on you, and…
Can You Foster With a Criminal Record?
Having a criminal past does not automatically make you unable to work as a foster carer. Your application process takes into account…
Can You Foster a Child if You Have a Dog?
Many people have misconceptions about pets and fostering, particularly regarding the kinds of animals that are acceptable in homes. However, what is…
Why Should You Foster?
With the current national shortage of foster carers, it is a necessity for more foster carers across the country in order to…
Transferring Fostering Agency – FAQ’s
Can I switch foster agencies? Yes, you can move from your local authority to Beacon Fostering or another fostering organisation. Overall, this…
Do Foster Carers Have To Pay Council Tax?
A frequently asked question in fostering is whether or not foster carers have to pay certain taxes. Within this blog, we will…
LGBTQ+ History Month and Fostering in the LGBTQ+ Community
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, an annual observance that celebrates the rich history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Within this blog…