Why Foster with South Gloucestershire Council?
Make a Difference. Stay Local. Be Supported.
Make a Difference. Stay Local. Be Supported.
At South Gloucestershire Council, fostering is more than just care, it’s community, connection, and commitment. As your local authority, we are proud to be a not-for-profit service that puts children and carers first. When you foster with us, you’re not just joining a service, you’re joining South Gloucestershire’s biggest family.
What sets us apart?
Fostering community, fostering connection
We know fostering can be challenging, which is why we work hard to build connection within our fostering community. We’re proud to offer our fostering families the award‑winning Mockingbird Family Model, as well as regular social opportunities for everyone in our fostering community.
Local placements, local support
We prioritise placing children with local carers. This means fewer disruptions for children and more consistent placements for you. Keeping children close to their schools, friends, and communities leads to better outcomes—and a more rewarding experience for you.
Fast-tracked transfers for experienced carers
Already fostering? We make transferring easy. Your application is fast-tracked, and we use your existing records to reduce paperwork and speed up the process. You don’t need to resign from your current agency until you’re ready, and in many cases, you can continue caring for the children already placed with you.
Comprehensive support every step of the way
- Dedicated Supervising Social Worker
Your main point of contact, offering expert guidance and support throughout your fostering journey. - In-House Therapeutic Team (WAYPOINT)
Trauma-informed support for carers and children, including one-to-one sessions, drop-ins, and reflective practice. - 24/7 Support Line
Help is always available—day or night. - Monthly Local Support Groups
Connect with other carers, share experiences, and find practical solutions together.
Unique benefits for you and your family
- Mockingbird Family Model
A peer-led support network offering sleepovers, social events, and shared care. - Training and Development
Access to specialist courses, Level 3 and 4 Diplomas, and therapeutic parenting programmes. - Friends of Fostering
A group of carers who shape services, organise events, and support each other. - Paid Holiday
14 nights of paid leave annually, with flexibility to use it how you choose. - Family Events All Year Round
From picnics and pantomimes to festivals and craft days—there’s something for everyone.
Financial support and recognition
- Weekly Fee + Child Maintenance Allowance
- Annual Allowance Package
- Clothing Grants and School Trip Support
- £500 Recommend-a-Friend Bonus
We also offer a banding scheme that recognises your skills and experience, ensuring you’re fairly rewarded for the care you provide.
Extra perks just for you
- Max Card – Discounts on family days out
- Blue Light Card – High street and holiday savings
- Free Memberships – The Fostering Network and New Family Social
- Activity Vouchers – For local leisure centres and sports
- Children’s Scrapstore Membership – Free access to creative materials
- Foster Carer ID Card – For everyday convenience
Why choose Local Authority fostering?
Local authority fostering puts you at the heart of your community, surrounded by joined‑up support. As a local authority foster carer, you are part of an integrated children’s services team working together in one place, focused on keeping children close to home and connected to what matters to them.
For many carers, fostering with their local authority offers strong relationships, practical local support and the reassurance of being part of the team caring for children in their own community.
| Feature | Local Authority Fostering | Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation & Standards | National fostering regulations and inspections | Same national regulations and inspections |
| Who employs your supervising social worker | Local authority children’s services | The fostering agency |
| Dedicated supervising social worker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Out‑of‑hours support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Location of placements | Usually local to the carer and child’s community | May be across wider regions or council boundaries |
| Working relationships | Joined‑up teams within one local organisation | Coordinated across different organisations |
| Mockingbird Family Model | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not available |
| Therapeutic support | ✅ In‑house service (e.g. WAYPOINT or equivalent) | Usually commissioned externally |
| Training & development | ✅ Comprehensive, ongoing local programme | Training often delivered regionally or online |
| Specialist placements | Some specialist fostering | Often commissioned for higher‑need or specialist placements |
| Allowances | Set by the local authority | Often higher for specialist placements (varies by agency) |
| Travel expectations | Generally minimal and local | Can involve longer travel |
Hear from our carers
“South Gloucestershire Council is fantastic—you’re never on your own. There’s training, a 24/7 helpline, other foster carers to connect with, and an entire support team behind you.– Becky, Foster Carer
“I have absolutely loved my first year of fostering. The quality of training and communication has been amazing” – Rachel, Foster Carer
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re new to fostering or thinking about transferring, we’re here to help.