Private fostering

Education

If your child is of school age, you will need to discuss plans for their education with the private foster carer before the placement starts.

It is best if both you and the private foster carer can arrange to visit the relevant school before the placement starts, so that you can:

• Give the name and address of your child's previous school(s) so that school records can be transferred, and the new school will be aware of your child's progress and of any difficulties they have had.
• Discuss directly with the school your child's background and educational needs. Racial, cultural and linguistic needs should also be considered.
• Discuss how long your child will be at school, admission dates etc.

Health

You need to inform the carer of:

• Your child's GP, dentist etc
• Any medication or treatment they are receiving
• Any allergies or intolerances to certain foods etc

Making the private fostering arrangement work

It is important that you work together with the private foster carers, Children and Young People's Services, and all other childcare professionals involved, in order to ensure that the arrangement is as successful as possible for your child.

The needs of Black and Minority Ethnic children

Current research clearly suggests that it is best for children to live in a family who have the same racial, ethnic, cultural and religious background. Carers with a similar background to your child are better placed to help your child understand their racial history, provide for their particular needs and help them to develop a positive sense of themselves.

You will need to think very carefully before placing your child with a private foster carer whose ethnic origin is different from that of your child. Our Children and Young People's Services have to consider if your child's religious, racial, cultural and language needs are being met. This will be an important part of the assessment.