Member News: Team Fostering - Could you foster a teenager in need of a safe and loving home?12/7/2023
Teenagers are the largest growing cohort in foster care, and in recent BBC documentary Teens in Care, presenter Joe Swash, explored the stories of the increasing numbers of teenagers across the UK who live in residential care, with foster families or who have entered independence living at just 18. At Team Fostering, we see a range of children referred to us for a loving home, and this regularly includes teenage children. In 2015, research showed that 2 in 5 of fostered teenagers were already living with their 3rd fostering family, and 5% living with their 10th family in care. Moving from home to home can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of young people, lowering consistency and the likelihood that they will have a strong sense of being at home - a problem which has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. At Team Fostering we recruit a diverse range of foster carers, needed to look after children and young people of different ages and of different backgrounds. We have a renowned matching service, with our Placements Teams working hard to ensure that there is a strong match between a young person and a fostering family before speaking to the family about taking in the child. Matching young people, including teenagers, with a family that has the right skills to meet their needs will be of huge benefit, increasing the chances of the young person building relationships with the family through positive experiences. Teenagers in foster care have similar needs to children who live at home; loving, stable surroundings and support from a parental figure. They need people who have patience, kindness and humour helps too. Support for young people at this stage in their life is crucial, and as a foster carer you can feel rewarded for having such a positive impact on their lives. You can watch the Teens in Care programme on BBC iPlayer here. Team Fostering is a not-for-profit fostering agency covering the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands. To learn more about fostering teenagers with Team Fostering, and to learn more about the training, fees and support you'd receive, you can reach us in the following ways: Call us on 0800 292 2003 Email us via info@teamfostering.co.uk Submit an online enquiry form by clicking here Source: www.teamfostering.co.uk Family and community are themes that are embedded in the work we do here at Team Fostering. We know that we are stronger as a team, and one part of our work that really supports this is our extensive activity programme, coordinated by the Team Fostering Education and Support Service. Our Placements Officer in Yorkshire and East Midlands, Sally, explored how our activities bring staff, carers and young people together in fun and exciting ways. "Remember back to your childhood, what can you remember the most? Was it a family trip to the seaside? A trip to the zoo? Or maybe walk to the park with your school friends? These memories are special for us all but sadly, not all children are privileged to enjoy these experiences due to their upbringing and life at home. Team Fostering recognise this, which is why we have activities running throughout the year so that our foster children have the chance to experience various days out and events with their fostering family. My family and I started our fostering journey in 2013 as emergency carers, then once my dad retired we changed our approval to be short term carers for children. Throughout our fostering journey, we have attended different activities provided by our fostering provider and recognised the importance of attending these events for the foster children in our care. On my second day at Team Fostering, I attended my first ‘Team Activity Day’ which was at Ninja Warrior. If I am being completely honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Upon my arrival, I was amazed to hear that we had hired the whole venue for a couple of hours and the venue was closed to the public. The morning had such a lovely feeling to it, children were seeing their friends that they had made through other team days out and they went off onto the equipment together, they were incredibly supportive of one and other and most importantly had lots of fun! It was lovely to see the relationships between carers too, they all seemed to know each other and the children that they were fostering. Children were climbing up the warped wall and carers were videoing and cheering them on from the side lines. The whole morning had a ‘togetherness’ feeling about it and the children were sad to leave. The event was such a success, that we went back again this year for even more adventuring! A few weeks later I then attended our ‘Celebration of Achievements’ ceremony which was really rewarding. The children especially loved the surf machine and again were stood around, cheering one another on and laughing and joking together. I took a moment to stand back and look around and every child had a huge smile on their face. When giving out the certificates for all the achievements over the previous year, it was eye-opening to see the opportunities that our children have had and lovely to see how proud they were of their achievements. After the achievements had been handed out, children, carers and staff continued to enjoy the evening, some played games of badminton, some were creating glitter tattoos and others enjoying a game of connect 4. There was something for everyone to enjoy! Each year, Team Fostering arrange a together day for all staff, carers and children. Our theme last year was a ‘Zombie Apocalypse’, and although at first I was again unsure what to expect, the whole day was great fun and it was great to see all our children and families. The day was filled with team building activities and then a trip out on the lake on pedalo boats. The children were so excited to participate and showed huge enthusiasm in each activity. Some older children were asking all day when it would be time to go on the lake. Whilst on the lake, children were swapping seats, racing other boats and creating a ‘snake’ by tying boats together and pedalling around (obviously with the supervision of staff and carers!!) We sat together at lunch time with picnic blankets and camping chairs and chatted whilst eating lunch. The whole day emphasised the positive relationships that carers, children and staff all have as children played together and adults chatted amongst themselves. Every day at Team I am learning about the different activities and experiences that we provide for our children and young people and the positive impact this has for them. Our children within the agency receive opportunities to build relationships with children in similar situations to themselves whilst participating in fun filled activities. As the saying goes, ‘there is no I in Team’ and I feel Team Fostering advocate this as an agency." Find out more about our Education and Support Service here, and also our Activity Programme here. If you'd like to speak to one of our team to find out more about fostering, leave your details here. Source: www.teamfostering.co.uk Location: Middlesbrough Salary: £50,249.66 - £54,131.89 per annum Hours: Full time: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) Closing Date: Monday 17 April 2023 Team Fostering is an ethical, not-for-profit fostering agency with a strong reputation and proven track record for providing high-quality, value for money fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in our everyday work.
We are looking to recruit a Team Manager who will be responsible for the day to day management of a small team of Supervising Social Workers in our Middlesbrough office. Working as an integral member of the management team, you will have a sound knowledge of current legislation including regulations, guidance and standards, and will work to promote our ethical not-for-profit status. Above all, you will have excellent leadership, strategic vision, communication and interpersonal skills and be hardworking, positive and motivated to improve outcomes for looked after children. This post is based in Middlesbrough, however there will be a requirement to travel to our other Team Fostering offices in the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands. There is a requirement to take part in our Out of Hours service as per the needs of the agency. What do we offer?
We offer hybrid working which includes a blend of home and office working with a minimum of one day per week in our offices. Full time: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) Salary banding: £50,249.66 - £54,131.89 per annum For an informal chat about the post, please contact: Rachael Johnson (Registered Manager) on rachael.johnson@teamfostering.co.uk or on 07717 762126. To apply, please complete an Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form (available below) and return to hr@teamfostering.co.uk no later than 9am on Monday 17 April 2023. Please note Team Fostering does not accept CV’s. Team Fostering strives to be diverse and inclusive - a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented within the agency. Full details and application documents here Member Job Opportunity: Team Fostering - Independent Reviewing Officer (Yorkshire and East Midlands)11/3/2023
Location: Yorkshire and East Midlands region Salary for the post is £33.86 per hour (each review and audit of carer’s file = 6 ½ hours) Team Fostering is an ethical not-for-profit fostering agency. We have a strong reputation and proven track record for providing high quality, value-for-money fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in their everyday work.
We are looking for Independent Reviewing Officers based in Yorkshire & East Midlands region. Our Independent Reviewing Officers contribute to the provision of a high quality fostering service for children by ensuring that every Team Fostering foster carer’s suitability to foster and terms of approval are reviewed at least once annually as required by the Fostering Regulations. Independent Reviewing Officers chair foster carer reviews and produce high quality reports for Team Fostering on a self-employed basis. As part of the preparation for a review they also conduct audits of the agency files to ensure a high standard of recording is maintained. Individuals will have the necessary social work and management skills and experience to undertake this task, to contribute to the maintenance of quality standards within the organisation. Team Fostering will provide regular supervision. Key Tasks:
This is a sessional role. Salary for the post is £33.86 per hour (each review and audit of carer’s file = 6 ½ hours) If you wish to discuss this role further please contact Sandra Kennedy on 07717 762125 Please note Team Fostering does not accept CV’s. Applicants are requested to complete an application form and equal opportunities form available above. To apply, please use the documentation on the website, sending a completed application form and equal opportunities form to hr@teamfostering.co.uk Full details and application documents here Location: Middlesbrough (Hybrid and Other Offices) Salary Banding: £47,138.52 - £50,780.38 per annum Hours: Full Time + Call Out Closing Date: Monday 13 March 2023 We offer hybrid working which includes a blend of home and office working with a minimum of one day per week in our offices.
Full time: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) There is a requirement to take part in our call out system as per the needs of the agency. Please note we do not operate a performance related reward system of automatic incremental payments. Team Fostering is an ethical not-for-profit fostering agency with a strong reputation and proven track record for providing high quality, value-for-money fostering placements for Looked After Children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in their everyday work. We are looking for an outstanding and committed Team Manager to join us, managing the provision and development of our fostering service in the North East region and successfully supporting and promoting new opportunities to enhance our agency. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team of Supervising Social Workers in our Middlesbrough office. Working as an integral member of the management team, you will have a sound knowledge of current legislation including regulations, guidance and standards, and you will work to promote our ethical not-for-profit status. An understanding of the role of Independent Fostering Providers and their relationship with local authorities is essential. Above all, you will have excellent leadership, strategic vision, communication and interpersonal skills and be hardworking, positive and motivated to improve outcomes for Looked After Children. This post is based in Middlesbrough, however there will be a requirement to travel to our other Team Fostering offices in the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands. For an informal chat about the post, please contact Rachael Johnson, Assistant Director on 07717 762126. To apply, please complete an Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form (available below) and return to hr@teamfostering.co.uk no later than 9am on Monday 13 March 2022. Please note Team Fostering does not accept CV’s. Team Fostering strives to be diverse and inclusive - a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented within the agency. Full details and application documents here Location: Yorkshire and East Midlands Closing Date: Ongoing Team Fostering is an ethical not for profit fostering agency with a strong reputation and track record for providing high quality, value for money fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in their everyday work.
Our Form F Assessors contribute to the provision of a first-class fostering service for children by assessing prospective foster carers. Sessional Form F Assessors undertake assessments for Team Fostering on a self–employed basis. We require individuals with the necessary skills and experience to undertake detailed home studies of prospective foster carers and to write high quality assessment reports. Key Tasks:
For a discussion around rates of pay and conditions, along with other benefits, please contact Louise Thwaites (Recruitment Manager) on 07903 014723 Please note access to a car and the ability to drive is essential in this role. You will also be required to undertake some evening and weekend work. To apply, please complete an Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form (available below) and return to hr@teamfostering.co.uk Please note Team Fostering do not accept CV's. Full details and application documents here Location: Yorkshire & East Midlands region. Salary: £33.86 per hour (each review and audit of carer’s file = 6 ½ hours) Team Fostering is an ethical not-for-profit fostering agency. We have a strong reputation and proven track record for providing high quality, value-for-money fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in their everyday work.
We are looking for Independent Reviewing Officers based in Yorkshire & East Midlands region. Our Independent Reviewing Officers contribute to the provision of a high quality fostering service for children by ensuring that every Team Fostering foster carer’s suitability to foster and terms of approval are reviewed at least once annually as required by the Fostering Regulations. Independent Reviewing Officers chair foster carer reviews and produce high quality reports for Team Fostering on a self-employed basis. As part of the preparation for a review they also conduct audits of the agency files to ensure a high standard of recording is maintained. Individuals will have the necessary social work and management skills and experience to undertake this task, to contribute to the maintenance of quality standards within the organisation. Team Fostering will provide regular supervision. Key Tasks:
This is a sessional role. Salary for the post is £33.86 per hour (each review and audit of carer’s file = 6 ½ hours) If you wish to discuss this role further please contact Sandra Kennedy on 07717 762125 Please note Team Fostering does not accept CV’s. Applicants are requested to complete an application form and equal opportunities form available above. Full details and application documents here The brilliant young people that Team Fostering support consistently achieve well in educational outcomes. They do this with the help of their fantastic foster carers and the Education and Support Service team who operate across the agency in the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands. North East Education and Support Service Manager, Lisa explores how so many of the children at Team Fostering achieve their potential. "I taught in secondary schools for nearly 30 years and one of the things that really jumped out at me, was how important good quality support from home was in determining how well young people did in education. This is demonstrated over and over again by Team Fostering's carers. The success of our young people in education is outstanding. I have been with the agency for nearly nine years now and every year at least one of our young people has gone off to university. I know this is not the be-all and end-all but looking at the number of care-experienced young people going on to university nationally, this is an outstanding achievement. This year, one of our young men moved straight from graduating with his BSc onto a Master’s course; you can imagine how his carers looked in the graduation photographs (and how quickly these same photographs were shared proudly around our staff team). The Education and Support Service across the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands support children who have just started school right up to helping young people find the right employment, apprenticeship or Higher Education course. We are in the fabulous position of being able to directly see the outcomes of the work we do with young people and foster carers. An example of this is the young person who achieved the magic 5 in English Language GCSE this year, who we had previously supported through his Key Stage 2 Reading SAT. Our 16-year-olds regularly exceed the national GCSE figures for looked after children and this year, over half of our young people achieved at least a 4 in English and Maths, and together they achieved passes in over 100 GCSEs. We were over the moon. The picture is the same at Key Stage 2; our young people are supported by their carers to achieve the absolute best they can. Across the agency this year, 50% of our young people achieved the expected level in Reading and 50% achieved the expected outcome in Maths. All have moved positively to secondary school. This sort of achievement is only possible if you are in school being prepared for your exams. The attendance of our children is always extremely high and even with some impact of Covid-19 in schools this year was no different. Over 91% of our young people achieved at least 90% attendance. The Education and Support Service supports our young people and foster carers in any way it can, but getting children into school and college every day, and the success which grows from this, is very much down to the efforts of our foster carers." To find out more about our Education and Support Service, click here. Source: www.teamfostering.co.uk Member Job Opportunity: Team Fostering - Family Support Worker - Part Time (East Midlands)21/11/2022
Location: Alfreton, Derbyshire (Hybrid Working) Salary: £13,341.90 - £15.162.27 per annum (£26,683.81 to £30,324.54 per annum FTE) Hours: Part-time worker to work 18 hours and 45 minutes per week Contract: 12-month fixed term contract This role will involve working flexibility (as when needed) between 8am and 8pm and occasional weekend working.
We offer blended/office working arrangements to allow for a good work life balance for all staff. This will be a minimum of one day per week working within your agreed office base, although staff are actively encouraged to attend the workplace more frequently. Please note we do not operate a performance related reward system or automatic incremental payments Team Fostering is an ethical not for profit fostering agency with a strong reputation and track record for providing high quality, value for money fostering placements for looked after children. We pride ourselves on our values and we expect our staff to commit to and demonstrate these values in their everyday work. As part of our continued growth, and as an agency committed to putting children’s futures first, we are seeking to enhance our support offer to foster carers so they can positively support the needs of children and young people. We would welcome applications from skilled professionals who have experience of working directly with carers, children and/or young people who will be able to directly support carers with individual support packages that help to maintain and promote fostering family stability. The work will require the successful applicant to work closely with foster carers on solution focused theoretical and practical intervention strategies, that will strengthen the skills, knowledge and ability of the carers around parenting and understanding the developmental needs of children and young people in foster care. The successful applicant will have:
PLEASE NOTE: In order to fulfil the travel requirements of the post we can only consider applications from individuals who hold a valid driving licence and have access to a car. In return we offer an exceptional range of employee benefits including:
For an informal chat about the post please contact Sandra Kennedy (Assistant Director) on 07717 762125 or Jubilee Chikosi (Team Manager) on 07983225302. To apply, please complete an Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form and return to hr@teamfostering.co.uk no later than 9am on Tuesday 29th November 2022. Team Fostering strives to be diverse and inclusive - a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented within the agency. Please note Team Fostering does not accept CV’s. Full details and application documents here Member News: Team Fostering - Stepping out of your comfort zone - John Lewis' Christmas Ad17/11/2022
Since the new John Lewis Retail advert came out last week, it has been a hot topic of conversation throughout the world of fostering. It’s always a positive thing when foster care is in the news for the right reasons, and John Lewis’ thoughtful, compassionate way of spotlighting both foster carers and young people in the care system has certainly got people talking. Some of our foster carers shared stories of going the extra mile to make Looked After Children feel comfortable with them; from learning to roller-skate, with all the bumps and falls associated with it, to carers like Neil who watched countless youtube videos to learn how to French Braid hair – it was very clear that our Team Fostering carers were fully prepared to leave their comfort zone behind to support the children that come to stay with them. Carer Di told us how she overcame one of her biggest fears to support L’s love of horses: “L came to me in late 2018 as an emergency. In those early days, she spoke of her love of horse riding, although I now know she’d never been. For Christmas that year I bought her a voucher for six horse-riding hacks. She loved her gift and when the time came to go, she asked if I would go with her, and I readily agreed. However, I have a phobia of horses and the prospect of getting close enough to even touch one of these beautiful creatures terrified me. But, we managed to go on several hacks together and I later thanked her for helping me to conquer my fear.” On the other hand, sometimes the smallest things you can do are the most meaningful, as carer Kate explained: “It was a very different way of fostering for us when we looked after three sisters whose mother was terminally ill. We effectively merged the families to ensure the mother and her girls made the most of every moment, from regular “carpet picnics” in the hospice with board games, to evenings there having fun and making memories. My own son was part of this and often could be found laid at the foot of the hospice bed chatting about his day. When their mum was well enough to leave the hospital, I would pick her up and she would be at my house when the girls got in from school for tea and a movie. We adapted and made a potentially tragic time a little easier, with many positive memories.” Team Fostering are grateful to all of our foster carers who go out of their way to support and accept children at some of the most vulnerable times of their young lives. If you think you too could go the extra mile to make a young person feel safe and supported, give us a call on 0800 292 2003 or leave your details here to find out more about becoming a foster carer with Team Fostering. Source: www.teamfostering.co.uk |
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