Fostering in Slough: Allowances, Agencies and How to Apply

Thinking about fostering in Slough? You’re in a good place to start. Slough has a high and ongoing need for foster carers across all ages—particularly for teenagers, siblings, and short-term and emergency placements. Below you’ll find the current allowances, how local authority fostering works in Slough (and how it sits within the new South-East regional hub), what to consider when comparing independent fostering agencies (IFAs), and a clear, step-by-step application guide with practical tips and links to official information.

What fostering looks like in Slough right now

Slough Borough Council signposts prospective carers to Foster with Slough, which works with the Local Authority Fostering South East regional programme (“Foster with Us”) to coordinate enquiries and recruitment. You can enquire online, email the regional hub, or text/call to get an initial chat and invitation to a preparation session.

Alongside the local authority route, a number of Ofsted-registered IFAs operate in and around Slough and Berkshire. Checking Ofsted reports and recent inspection outcomes before you choose is smart—this lets you compare support, training, and outcomes locally.

Fostering allowances in Slough (2025/26)

England’s national minimum fostering allowance is reviewed each April and varies by the child’s age and where you live. Slough is in the South East band. For 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, the government sets the following minimum weekly rates (per child):

• Age 0–2: £189
• Age 3–4: £196
• Age 5–10: £216
• Age 11–15: £247
• Age 16–17: £288

Foster with Slough lists the same from 1 April 2025 weekly payments by age, aligning with the South East minimums. Local authorities and agencies can top up these minimums, and additional payments are common for birthdays, holidays, clothing, and mileage—ask for the full schedule when you enquire.

Tip: “Allowance” is intended for the child’s day-to-day costs. Some providers pay an additional fee linked to your skills/experience or the placement’s complexity. Clarify what’s guaranteed and what’s discretionary before approval.

Tax and benefits: what to know

Most carers pay little or no tax on fostering income because of Qualifying Care Relief (QCR). HMRC updates QCR annually; it provides a large tax-free amount plus a weekly “reward” element per child, making self-assessment simpler for carers. Read the current 2025 helpsheet before your first return and keep basic records of placements and payments.

You can also check trusted sector explainers if you want worked examples, but the HMRC page is the definitive reference.

Routes to foster in Slough

1) Local authority fostering (via Local Authority Fostering South East)

• Who it suits: People who want to work directly with the council’s service, often with strong links to local schools, health, and social work teams.
• How to start: Make an initial enquiry through Foster with Slough/LA Fostering South East. You’ll be invited to an information session and the Skills to Foster preparation course before progressing to assessment.

2) Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

• Who they are: Independent, Ofsted-regulated organisations that recruit and support foster carers for local authority placements.
• How to shortlist: Search Ofsted’s database for agencies within ~10–20 miles of Slough, look at recent inspection outcomes, compare support packages (24/7 out-of-hours, education/therapeutic services), fees, respite, and training.
• Examples nearby: Several national IFAs actively recruit in Slough/Berkshire—compare their allowances, support, and training promises against the local authority offer.

How to choose: Speak to at least one LA and two IFAs. Ask about supervision frequency, education/therapeutic input, how matching works, respite availability, and the exact make-up of your payments (allowance vs fee vs extras). Check the Ofsted report for stability and safeguarding culture.

Who can foster in Slough?

You don’t need special qualifications to start—carers come from all backgrounds. Typical requirements include:

• Age 21+, right to live in the UK.
• A spare bedroom suitable for a child/young person.
• Sufficient time and flexibility to meet the child’s needs (some carers also work; talk through what’s realistic).
• Willingness to undergo DBS, medicals, references, and a home assessment.
• Openness to training (Skills to Foster) and ongoing supervision.

The Slough application process (step-by-step)

While exact steps and timescales vary a little by provider, the core England process is consistent:

1) Enquiry and home conversation

A quick call and/or home/virtual visit to discuss your circumstances, the types of fostering you’re open to (short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent & child), and the support on offer.

2) “Skills to Foster” pre-approval training

A short, practical course that covers trauma, behaviour, safer caring, education, contact with family, and working with the team around the child. It helps you decide if fostering is right for you and prepares you for the assessment.

3) Form F assessment (home study)

A qualified social worker visits you (and your household) over several sessions to build a full picture of your experience, values, support network, and home environment. They’ll arrange DBS checks, references, and medicals. The completed Form F goes to an independent fostering panel with a recommendation. Typical timescale: 4–6 months, though it can be faster or slower depending on checks and your availability.

4) Panel and approval

You meet the panel (in person or online). If you’re approved, your agency/LA confirms your approval terms—age range, number of children, and any specialisms (e.g., siblings, teenagers, parent & child).

5) Matching and first placement

You’ll be considered for referrals that meet your approval terms. Always feel free to ask questions and say no to matches that don’t feel right; a good match is foundational for stability.

What support will you get?

• Supervision & out-of-hours: Regular visits from your supervising social worker plus 24/7 phone support.
• Training & CPD: Core and specialist courses (therapeutic parenting, PACE, de-escalation, online safety, education advocacy).
• Financial support: Weekly allowance (and any fee), plus common extras for birthdays, holidays and mileage—confirm what’s included.
• Education and health help: Support from Virtual School (education) and access to health assessments and CAMHS pathways via the local authority.
• Peer support: Support groups and events; ask about schemes running in the South East region (some areas also use hub-and-constellation models for peer support).

Slough-specific contacts and next steps

• Local authority route: Start with Foster with Slough—they’ll triage your enquiry and link you into Local Authority Fostering South East. You can enquire online, email, text FOSTER to the dedicated number, or call the hub directly for an informal chat.
• Compare IFAs: Use the Ofsted search to list independent fostering agencies within 5–10 miles of Slough; note inspection grades and read the narrative for culture and support. Then speak to your top two for a like-for-like comparison of fees/allowances and specialist support.

FAQs (quick answers)

How much do foster carers get paid in Slough?
At minimum, South East national rates for 2025/26 are £189–£288 per week depending on age, with extras for birthdays/holidays and potential top-ups/fees depending on your provider and the child’s needs. Confirm the full package in writing.

Can I foster if I work?
Often yes—many carers do. The key is whether your schedule can consistently meet the child’s needs (school runs, contact, meetings). Discuss your working pattern at enquiry.

How long does approval take?
Allow 4–6 months for Form F assessment and panel, though checks or availability can make it shorter or longer.

Is fostering income tax-free?
Most carers pay no tax due to Qualifying Care Relief; read the current HMRC helpsheet for details and record-keeping.

A simple action plan (today → first placement)

1. Enquire with Foster with Slough (regional hub) and one or two IFAs to compare support and payments.
2. Attend “Skills to Foster”—use it to sense-check your readiness and ask tough questions.
3. Start your Form F—gather ID, references, GP details, pet vaccinations/insurance, and sketch a safer-caring plan for your home.
4. Panel—request your approval terms in writing and clarify call-out support, respite, and recording expectations.
5. Matching—say yes when the support is clear, education/health plans are realistic, and the placement fits your family’s strengths.

Final word

Fostering in Slough needs people like you—steady, curious, and ready to learn. Whether you choose the local authority route or an IFA, focus on the fit: the support culture, training depth, out-of-hours help, and open communication around matching. If you build on those foundations, the allowances and fees will follow, but—more importantly—so will stability for a child who needs it.