Fostering Devon Newsletter 13/08/2018

Gala Dinner Special Guest

We are very excited to announce that Rachel Waddilove, author, broadcaster and nanny to the stars and royalty, will be our special guest and after dinner speaker for a night of our celebration! 

The Gala Dinner is fast approaching for 23rd August 2018 from 7pm at the Great Hall, Exeter University. All foster carers are invited to this event which will include a three course meal, a live band and dancing. 

Free Childcare To Be Extended To Foster Carers For The First Time

The Department for Education has announced that free childcare will be extended to foster carers that also work outside the role of foster parent for the first time from September 2018. 
 
FosterTalk members provided feedback on this during discussions organised by us and the DfE. If you’d like to be involved in any future focus groups on important issues relating to fostering, contact marketing@fostertalk.org.

If the foster parent and their partner (if any) hold additional employment outside the role of fostering, they’ll be able to apply for the additional 15 hours free childcare, providing the provision of these hours is consistent with the child’s care plan and would have to be authorised by the local authority. The local authority will determine whether 30 hours childcare is appropriate for the child and confirm that foster parents meet the eligibility criteria. You can read more here

(from July edition of SmallTalk, FosterTalk's e-newsletter)

Refer A Friend Scheme - up to £500 when you refer a friend to foster

As you are a foster carer you will know how personally rewarding it is to help shape a child’s future. So if you are passionate about what you do, and can think of a friend or family member who would be a great foster carer, why don’t you tell them about our Refer a Friend Scheme? 

You could receive up to £500 for every person you refer if they become an approved foster carer for Fostering Devon – click here to read more.