Fostering in Harrow: Allowances, Agencies and How to Apply

Thinking about becoming a foster carer in Harrow? You’re in a great place to make a difference. Harrow is part of a West London partnership that’s actively recruiting new carers and offering joined-up support. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what you’ll be paid, who you can apply with, and a step-by-step route from first enquiry to approval—plus practical tips for getting matched with the right agency and placement.

What fostering in Harrow looks like right now

Harrow is one of eight West London councils working together under a single “Foster with West London” collaboration. The idea is simple: a unified front door for enquiries, shared training resources and events, and a stronger local network of carers so more children can stay close to their schools and communities. Harrow’s own pages confirm the partnership and that the hub is backed by the Department for Education (DfE).

As an applicant, the essential criteria are straightforward: be 21+, have a suitable home environment and—if you’re fostering children aged 2+—a spare bedroom; you’ll also need to pass standard checks (e.g., DBS) and show you can meet children’s needs. Harrow sets out these baseline requirements clearly.

Short-term fostering is often the first step for many carers, covering anything from days to months while longer-term plans are made for a child. Harrow’s information explains how short-term care works in practice, including the reasons children may come into care and the role carers play during assessments.

Fostering allowances in Harrow (London rates, 2025/26)

All approved foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child (food, clothing, transport, activities, etc.). The national minimum fostering allowance is set each April and varies by the child’s age and your region. Harrow counts as London, so these are the 2025/26 minimum weekly rates (6 April 2025–5 April 2026):

• Age 0–2: £198
• Age 3–4: £201
• Age 5–10: £225
• Age 11–15: £257
• Age 16–17: £299

Those figures are the minimums. Local authorities and independent fostering agencies (IFAs) can top up with additional fees (sometimes called skills payments) that recognise your time, experience, and the complexity of a placement. The Fostering Network explains how allowances (to meet the child’s costs) and fees (your payment for the role) are distinct.

It’s also worth noting that GOV.UK’s general guidance highlights why real-world payments differ: they depend on where you live, which service you use, the child’s age and needs, and your skills/experience. That’s why London carers frequently see packages above the minimums, particularly for specialist types like therapeutic or parent-and-child fostering.

Tip: When you speak to Harrow or a local IFA, ask for a written breakdown of (1) weekly allowance by age band, (2) any additional fee/skills payment, and (3) what’s covered (mileage, birthdays, holidays, equipment, school trips). This helps you compare like for like.

Local authority vs independent fostering agency (IFA): which should you choose?

In Harrow you can apply either to the council (via the West London hub) or to an Ofsted-regulated IFA. Each route can be right depending on your circumstances.

Local authority (Harrow via Foster with West London)

• Keeps children within the local community where possible; strong links with Harrow schools and services.
• Shared recruitment, training and early-stage support through the regional hub.

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs)

• Also recruit across London; tend to offer enhanced fees for specialist placements and wrap-around support.
• You should always verify inspection history on Ofsted’s portal before choosing any provider.

There’s also a national push via Recruitment Support Hubs (“Foster with Us/Foster with…”) designed to simplify the early part of your journey before you’re matched to the right service. That programme is funded by the DfE and is expanding across regions.

How to apply to foster in Harrow (step-by-step)

1) Make an initial enquiry

Start with the West London hub—Harrow’s site directs enquirers to a shared phone line and web form so you can ask questions and book information sessions. (Harrow’s page includes a hub contact number to register your interest.)

2) Telephone screen & home visit

A social worker or recruitment officer will talk through your circumstances (home, work, support network) and arrange an initial home visit to check basic suitability (including the spare room requirement for children 2+).

3) Skills to Foster training

You’ll be invited to a pre-approval training course that introduces safeguarding, trauma and attachment, safer caring, education and working with professionals. This is a great time to ask practical questions (transport to school, contact schedules, how allowances are paid and what’s reimbursed).

4) Form F assessment (full assessment)

Your assessing social worker will complete Form F, which looks at your background, health and references, finances, relationships, home environment and the strengths you bring. It includes DBS checks, medicals, personal references, and a written safer caring policy for your household. You’ll compile a simple portfolio with examples from your life and work that show you can meet children’s needs. (These are standard elements across England.)

5) Panel & decision

Your assessment report goes to a fostering panel of independent professionals who ask questions and make a recommendation. The agency decision maker then confirms approval. You’ll receive your terms (including allowance/fee structure), your supervising social worker (SSW), and access to ongoing training.

How long it takes: Timelines vary, but the journey is usually four to six months from enquiry to approval, depending on how quickly checks, training and forms are completed. (Ask your worker for the local average when you apply.)

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Types of fostering in demand locally

• Short-term – from days to months while longer-term plans are made (very common, ideal for new carers).
• Long-term – a stable home through to adulthood where adoption isn’t appropriate.
• Emergency – same day/overnight placements when a child needs immediate safety.
• Respite – planned breaks supporting other fostering households or birth families.
• Parent & child (P&C) – specialist assessment placements where you support a parent and their baby; packages are typically higher because of the responsibility and recording required (ask any provider for their current rates and training pathway).
• Therapeutic/complex – for children who need trauma-informed parenting, higher supervision and multi-agency work; comes with enhanced support and fees.

Payments, tax and extras to budget for

Beyond the weekly allowance, you may receive additional payments for birthdays, religious festivals, holidays and mileage (school runs, contact, training), depending on your provider’s policy. The Fostering Network’s guidance on fees vs allowances is a good reference when you compare offers.

On the tax side, foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief, which can make your fostering income largely or fully tax-free depending on the number of placements and days. Always check the latest HMRC guidance when you register for self-assessment.

Pro tip: Keep simple records from day one—placement dates, mileage, receipts for agreed items, and copies of any approval letters about allowances or one-off payments. It makes self-assessment and reviews much easier.

How to choose the right fostering service in or around Harrow

1. Check Ofsted
   Use Ofsted’s “Find an inspection report” tool to look up any local authority fostering service or IFA you’re considering. Read the overall judgement, leadership and management sections, and what inspectors say about support for carers and placement stability.
2. Compare what matters day-to-day
   Ask each provider:

• Support: supervising social worker caseloads, out-of-hours cover, respite availability, local support groups.
• Training: trauma, PACE, de-escalation, safer internet, education advocacy.
• Money: exact allowance + fee by age/placement type, what’s reimbursed, retainer policies between placements.
• Schools & health: links to Harrow schools, Virtual School, CAMHS and local therapies.

3. Think about matching
   You can say no to a referral that doesn’t fit your family. Be clear about age range, behaviours you can safely support, pets, stairs/space considerations, and transport to school. Strong matches set everyone up to succeed.

The “Foster with West London” hub: where to start

Harrow’s fostering pages point you to the West London hub for enquiries and information events so you can speak to recruiters, ask finance and training questions, and book your first visit. The page lists a contact phone number and a short “register your interest” route to get the ball rolling.

More broadly, the government-funded recruitment hub model is expanding to make the early stages easier—so if you’re unsure where to begin, using the hub is a sensible first step.

Frequently asked questions (Harrow-specific)

Do I really need a spare bedroom?
For children aged 2+, yes—a private bedroom is a standard requirement in Harrow and across West London. Infants under two may have different arrangements, but the team will advise on what’s suitable.

How much will I get paid?
At minimum, you’ll receive the national London rates listed above for 2025/26; actual packages may be higher depending on the placement and provider. Always ask for a written schedule of allowance + any fee.

How long does approval take?
Plan for 4–6 months on average, though it can be shorter or longer depending on checks, training dates and your availability.

Can I apply if I rent or work full-time?
Yes—many carers rent and/or work. You’ll discuss practicalities (spare room, contact schedules, school runs) during screening and assessment so the support plan is realistic for your situation.

Is there demand in Harrow?
Yes, West London—like the rest of England—needs more carers, particularly for teens, siblings, and complex/therapeutic placements. (National data and policy changes continue to focus on recruitment and stability.)

Your next steps (quick checklist)

1. Make an enquiry with the Foster with West London hub via Harrow’s page to ask initial questions and register for an information event.
2. Book a home visit and complete the pre-approval Skills to Foster training.
3. Start Form F: gather ID, references, medical and DBS details; draft your safer caring policy with your assessor.
4. Attend panel, then begin matching—set clear parameters (age range, behaviours, distance to school) so your first placement fits.
5. Keep records (mileage, receipts, training), and plan your support network for school holidays and emergencies.

Final word

Fostering in Harrow blends the best of both worlds: local, community-based care through your council and the scale and support of a West London collaboration. With clear allowances, flexible training, and strong demand for carers, there’s never been a better time to start—especially if you can offer stability to siblings, teens, or take on therapeutic or parent-and-child placements. Your first step is simply an enquiry call and an open conversation about your home, your strengths, and the kind of difference you want to make.