Fostering in Canterbury: Allowances, Agencies and How to Apply

Canterbury isn’t just a cathedral city—it’s a community that needs more safe, stable homes for children and young people. If you’re based in Canterbury or the surrounding villages (Whitstable, Herne Bay, Littlebourne, Sturry and beyond) and you’re thinking about fostering, this guide brings together the essentials: how much you’ll be paid, who to foster with, and exactly how the application process works from first enquiry to first placement. Everything below reflects the most recent national guidance and Kent County Council (KCC) information at the time of writing, with source links for easy checking.

Why Canterbury needs more foster carers

The local picture

Kent’s fostering service is consistently recruiting because children come into care for many reasons and at all ages. KCC is clear: most people can foster—what matters most is your ability to offer safety, consistency and time. You’ll need to be over 18, live in Kent or Medway, have a spare bedroom (with an exception for some under-2s), and be willing to complete safeguarding checks.

Who’s most in demand

Across Kent, there’s steady demand for carers for teens, siblings who need to stay together, short-term and long-term placements, and carers able to take emergency or respite placements. If you’re unsure which type might suit you, your assessing social worker will guide you during the assessment.

Fostering allowances in Canterbury (2025/26)

The national minimum weekly allowance

In England, all fostering services must at least meet the national minimum allowance (NMA), which varies by a child’s age and geography. For 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, the government’s weekly guidance is:

• 0–2: London £198, South East £189, Rest of England £170
• 3–4: London £201, South East £196, Rest of England £176
• 5–10: London £225, South East £216, Rest of England £194
• 11–15: London £257, South East £247, Rest of England £220
• 16–17: London £299, South East £288, Rest of England £258.

These figures rise most Aprils; for 2025/26, the uplift was announced nationally for England earlier in the year.

Kent County Council payments and “fee + allowance”

Local authorities and independent fostering agencies (IFAs) in practice pay more than the minimum by adding a “fee” (sometimes called a reward or skill payment) on top of the child’s maintenance allowance. KCC confirms a fee + allowance model and publishes examples of higher packages (for instance, specialist schemes like parent & child can reach around £1,191/week for one arrangement). Your exact amount depends on the child’s age and needs, plus your Payment for Skills level.

Mileage and extras

KCC’s policies also set practical rates such as mileage at 45p per mile (in line with KCC staff), which helps with school runs, contact, health appointments and activities. Always check the latest KCC handbook/policy for birthday/holiday contributions and any scheme-specific enhancements.

Tip: Use your agency’s guidance to keep clear logs and receipts; it makes claiming mileage, equipment or activity costs straightforward later.

Which agencies cover Canterbury?

Your local authority route: Kent Fostering

For Canterbury residents, the local authority route is Kent Fostering (KCC). You’ll be supported by supervising social workers, the Virtual School for education, and Kent’s in-house training and support. You can enquire and apply directly through Kent Fostering’s site.

Regional “Foster with Us” hub (South East)

Kent also participates in the Local Authority Fostering South East hub—a regional “single front door” making it easy to start with your council. If you prefer to enquire via the hub, you’ll be routed to the right local authority team.

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) operating locally

IFAs also recruit across East Kent and list Canterbury specifically. For example, ISP Fostering advertises coverage across Canterbury and nearby towns and provides therapeutic training. Before choosing an IFA, always check the Ofsted register/reports to see their latest inspection outcome and read what inspectors say about support for carers and outcomes for children.

LA or IFA? Pay, support and placement types can differ. Talk to both before deciding, and ask about respite, out-of-hours support, therapeutic input, and what’s typical for Canterbury (school distances, contact travel, etc.).

How to apply: step-by-step

1) Enquiry and information call

Start with a short online enquiry or phone call. The team will discuss your situation, explain the process and arrange an initial visit if you want to proceed.

2) Initial visit and pre-assessment checks

A worker visits your home to talk through the role, look at the spare bedroom and discuss your support network, work patterns and motivations. They’ll outline the checks (DBS, medical, references) and the training you’ll complete before panel.

3) Form F assessment and training

Your Form F is a detailed assessment of your experience, relationships, home life, and capacity to care. It includes interviews, references, safety checks, pet and financial assessments, plus the “Skills to Foster” course. Most agencies target 4–6 months for the assessment; KCC says it aims to complete the process within 6 months for new applicants.

DBS and household checks. Expect Enhanced with barred-lists DBS checks for adults in your household (and renewals on a cycle), employer and personal references, and a GP/medical.

4) Panel and approval

When the Form F is complete, you’ll meet an independent fostering panel that considers the assessment and makes a recommendation. The Agency Decision Maker then confirms your approval and the terms (for instance, ages/number of children, placement types).

5) Matching and first placement

After approval, your supervising social worker will talk through referrals and matching criteria. For Canterbury placements, they’ll factor in school locations, contact plans and community links to keep life as local and stable as possible.

Training, support and progression

“Skills to Foster” and beyond

New carers complete Skills to Foster before panel and then continue with CPD tailored to the children they support (e.g., therapeutic parenting, PACE, safeguarding, digital safety). Kent’s Payment for Skills framework recognises increasing knowledge and contribution over time with higher fee levels.

Practical support you should expect

Look for: a named supervising social worker, out-of-hours help, peer support groups, access to specialist advice (education, SEND, health), breaks/respite and clear recording tools. Kent’s Statement of Purpose outlines unannounced visits, holiday entitlements and review cycles, so you know how support and oversight work in practice.

Taxes and money matters

Qualifying Care Relief (QCR)

Most foster carers use HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief—a simplified way to calculate tax on fostering income that provides a generous annual allowance plus a weekly amount per child. It’s designed so that a large portion of fostering payments are tax-free. Check the current HMRC helpsheet for the 2025 tax year and note that you may still need to complete a Self Assessment return.

Tip: Your agency/local authority and charities like The Fostering Network also publish plain-English guides to QCR and National Insurance—handy when you’re doing your first return.

Frequently asked questions (Canterbury)

Do I need to own my home?

No. You can foster if you rent (with landlord consent). What matters most is suitability, safety and stability of your home, and that you can offer a spare bedroom.

Is a spare bedroom always required?

Yes, in almost all cases you’ll need a spare bedroom for each fostered child. KCC’s guidance notes an exception for some children under two who sleep in a cot in the carer’s room. Sibling exceptions can sometimes apply, depending on age and assessments—ask your assessing social worker.

How long does the process take?

Most applicants should plan on 4–6 months from enquiry to approval, with KCC aiming to complete new applications within 6 months. Timescales vary with checks, training dates and your availability for visits.

Can I work and foster?

Many carers work. Whether you can continue in your current role depends on placement needs (school runs, contact) and your support network. Discuss this at enquiry—the team will help you think it through.

What about mileage and expenses?

KCC sets guidance for mileage claims (45p/mile at the time of writing) and will explain what can be reclaimed, such as travel to school/contact and agreed equipment. Keep up-to-date with the latest KCC handbooks.

How to get started today (Canterbury checklist)

1) Compare your options

• Kent Fostering (KCC): enquire via the website; local authority support and placements.
• LA Fostering South East hub: a single front door for South East councils—helpful if you’re not sure who to contact first.
• Independent fostering agencies: review Ofsted reports and speak to at least two IFAs that cover Canterbury (for example, ISP Fostering lists a Canterbury area page).

2) Prepare your home and documents

Sort the spare room, check smoke alarms, and line up documents for identity, references and landlord permission (if renting). Understand DBS and medical requirements early so there are no surprises.

3) Map your support network

List friends/family who can help with school runs, short-notice childcare, or just be there when you need a breather. It matters—especially for emergency and short-term placements.

4) Budget with realistic figures

Use the 2025/26 NMA rates as a baseline and ask your chosen service for a written breakdown of allowance + fee, including how Payment for Skills works, what’s reimbursable, and the mileage policy. If you’re new to Self Assessment, skim HMRC’s QCR helpsheet and set a reminder to register if required.

Final word

If you live in Canterbury or nearby and can offer a stable spare room, now is a good time to step forward. Between government-set minimum allowances, Kent’s skill-based fees and clear mileage/expense policies, fostering can be financially viable while you change a young person’s life close to home. Start with a quick enquiry to Kent Fostering or via the South East hub, ask every question you have, and let the team walk you through the process—one straightforward step at a time.