At Brighton and Hove City Council Fostering Team we always want to hear directly from our carers about their experiences. This week we chatted to some of our carers about the training they've attended. We believe continuous training and development helps our carers feel confident in their fostering roles and ensures they are equipped with a variety of tools and techniques to better support the children they look after. Here's what they had to say:
Liz
What do you think of the fostering training at Brighton and Hove City Council?
I have enjoyed the training and learnt lots. The sessions are interactive, informative and combine a good amount of theory with sharing of experiences.
What has been your favourite course and why?
The ‘Skills for Fostering’ training was a lovely group training experience. We journeyed into fostering together and were introduced to a wide range of theory which we were encouraged to reflect on and relate to our own personal experiences.
Have you felt supported fostering with us?
A Big Yes.
Natasa
The training has been hugely helpful in informing my practice as a carer, particularly in understanding behaviour and developing my knowledge around tools and strategies to support children.
There has been an excellent variety of training available and it is all usually held within school hours, so it doesn’t interfere with school pick ups and drop offs.
It has been a really positive experience meeting people from across the council and in different services as they always have interesting perspectives and experience to draw on. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with other carers.
Mandy
The fostering training is invaluable. It really helps with the understanding of the challenges we face and it helps the children we care for.
Michelle
What do you think of the fostering training at Brighton and Hove City Council?
The training is of very good content and always good from a social aspect to get together with other carers.
What has been your favourite course and why?
Attachment training was my favourite as you get a real insight into the ‘whys’ behind certain behavioural challenges.
Have you felt supported fostering with Brighton and Hove.
Yes I have felt supported by staff as well as by the connections made between carers.
Karen
What do you think of the fostering training at Brighton and Hove City Council?
I always enjoy training it is great to have an opportunity to meet others while learning.
What has been your favourite course and why?
My favourite course is Positive Interventions , because it helps with practical skills practice and reminds you that behaviour which may be deemed negative is a young persons way of communicating something.
***
If you think you have what it takes to foster, we'd love to hear from you. By joining our fostering community, you can make a huge difference to a child’s life. Call 01273 295444 to speak with a member of our friendly team Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, complete an online enquiry or e-mail us at fosteringrecruitment@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Alternatively, please join us at one of our upcoming information events. These informal sessions are a chance to meet experienced foster carers, understand the role of fostering and learn about the support you will receive.
Find out more about fostering by downloading our information booklet
Please do like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram – you will be able to keep up to date with our news, training events, school holiday activities and wonderful community spirit.