Foster carers provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and young people who often have experienced trauma and adverse experiences. We recognise their CPD with Skills Levels.Â
While compassion and commitment are essential in this rewarding and demanding role, ongoing learning is just as important. We are often asked how we support this learning and development. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ensures foster carers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to meet the evolving needs of the children in their care.
What is Continuing Professional Development?
Continuing Professional Development is the ongoing process of learning and improving skills throughout a professional career. For foster carers, this can include training courses, self-directed learning, support groups and reflective practice.
CPD is not just about meeting requirements—it’s about growing in confidence and capability to provide the best possible care.
CPD supports carers to:
- Keep up with Best Practice
- Build Confidence and Resilience
- Improve outcomes for children and young people
Progressing Through Skills Levels
At Carolina House Trust, we offer a structured progression pathway, where carers can develop through three defined Skills Levels. These levels recognise increasing experience, knowledge and capability, and provide a clear framework for professional growth. When carers progress Skills Level, their carer’s fee will also increase as recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment to learning.
Foster carers begin at Skills Level One, building foundation skills in areas such as safeguarding and attachment. As they gain experience and skills in therapeutic parenting, develop a deeper understanding of trauma and become skilled at reflecting in practice, they can progress to higher levels. These are assessed annually when foster carers meet with the Fostering Panel for Annual Review.
This progression is important because it:
- Recognises and rewards development – Carers can see how their learning translates into professional growth
- Encourages continuous learning – Having clear goals motivates carers to engage in CPD
- Improves matching – Children can be matched with carers whose skills best meet their needs
- Builds a stronger fostering community – Experienced carers can share knowledge and support others
With a clear progression through Skills Levels, carers are supported to grow, develop, and take on new challenges throughout their fostering journey. 87% of CHT foster carers have achieved Skills Level Three with the remaining carers early in their fostering career.
As a Growth Mindset organisation, we value learning opportunities for our community. Every new skill learned has the potential to improve the support we offer and so change a young person’s life. It is important to facilitate, recognise and reward the development of our carers’ skills.
Who can I speak to if I have more questions?
If you are interested in learning more about how we support foster carers with Skills Levels, please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss in more detail.
You can also read our full list of Frequently Asked Questions, including ‘Transfer from another fostering provider’.