Fostering in Croydon: Demand, Support and How to Start

Thinking about fostering in Croydon? You’re not alone—and you’re certainly needed. Across the UK there’s a well-publicised shortage of foster carers, while the number of children needing safe, local homes remains high. That national picture is felt in London too, where councils are working hard to recruit, train and retain carers so children can stay close to their schools, friends and communities.

Croydon’s own fostering service has been strengthening in recent years. Ofsted rated Croydon’s children’s services “Good” in its 2024 inspection, noting improvements in permanence planning, matching and the support offered to carers—good news if you’re weighing up where to apply.

Why Croydon needs more foster carers

Croydon’s 2024/25 fostering annual report highlights steady activity at the fostering panel—119 cases considered across the year (including assessments, reviews and long-term matches)—and an ongoing focus on recruitment, retention and stability for children. Like most boroughs, Croydon needs carers for a range of placements: short-term, long-term, emergency and respite, plus homes for siblings, teenagers and some children with additional needs. The more diverse the pool of carers, the better the chance of a good local match for each child.

At the same time, the UK continues to face a broader shortfall of fostering households. That pressure makes every new Croydon enquiry valuable—especially from people who can consider caring for siblings, teens or providing short-notice/emergency care.

What support Croydon offers foster carers

Croydon runs a dedicated fostering service with training, supervision and out-of-hours help. Public information emphasises:

• 24/7 support and comprehensive training, including core learning such as safeguarding, therapeutic approaches and behaviour support.
• A buddying scheme pairing you with experienced foster carers.
• A financial package that can reach up to £604 per child, per week depending on age/needs and your skills/role. (Remember: payment packages combine the child’s allowance and the carer fee.)

The council’s most recent annual report also points to continued improvements around matching, panel oversight, and hubs designed to strengthen peer support and stability. In particular, Ofsted’s inspection feedback praised the assessment and supervision of carers and the way identity and family connections are supported—useful indicators of the culture you’ll be joining.

How fostering pay works (and London minimums)

Every council must at least meet or exceed the National Minimum Fostering Allowance (NMA) for England, which varies by child’s age and by region. For 2025/26, the London minimums are:

• £198 (0–2), £201 (3–4), £225 (5–10), £257 (11–15), £299 (16–17) per week.

These figures cover the child’s day-to-day costs (food, clothing, transport, activities, utilities). Many authorities, including Croydon, top up the minimum with carer fees, plus additional payments (e.g., birthdays, holidays, mileage, equipment) and enhanced rates for certain types of placements. That’s why Croydon quotes packages up to £604/week per child on its public site.

Tax relief that helps your take-home

Foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief (QCR), which in 2025/26 provides a fixed annual amount of £19,360 per household, plus a weekly amount per child (£405 if under 11; £485 if 11+). Many carers find their fostering income falls within this relief, meaning no income tax is due on fostering receipts. (Always check the latest HMRC helpsheet and, if needed, speak to an accountant.)

Who Croydon is looking for

You don’t need specific qualifications to start—stability, empathy and space to care are the essentials. Croydon welcomes single applicants, couples (any orientation), homeowners and renters, and people from all cultural and faith backgrounds. You’ll need a spare bedroom for most placements and to complete the standard checks (DBS, references, medical) and a home assessment. If you’ve cared for children or worked in education/health, that’s a plus—but it’s not a must.

Croydon also supports kinship (family and friends) carers and private fostering notifications—useful if you’re caring informally and need advice on the right legal route and support available.

Your step-by-step route to fostering in Croydon

1) Make an enquiry
Start with Croydon’s dedicated fostering pages to register your interest. The team will arrange an initial call or visit to talk through your circumstances and answer questions about age groups, placement types and support.

2) Information event (optional but helpful)
Local sessions let you meet social workers and foster carers, learn about the assessment process, and understand what day-to-day life looks like.

3) Home visit and application
A social worker will discuss your experience, support network and home environment. If you’re renting, you’ll need landlord consent; if you have pets, a simple risk assessment is done.

4) “Skills to Foster” training
Introductory training covers trauma-informed care, safer caring and working with birth families and schools.

5) Assessment (Form F)
This is a detailed assessment of your background, references and readiness to foster. It culminates in a report that goes to the fostering panel.

6) Fostering Panel and approval
You’ll meet an independent panel that reviews your assessment and makes a recommendation. Once approved, you’re ready to start matching. Croydon’s panel meets regularly (29 panels in 2024/25), which helps keep approvals moving.

7) Matching and first placement
The placements team will contact you with referrals that fit your approval terms. You’ll be supported throughout introductions and the early days of the placement, with 24/7 advice available.

What makes Croydon a good place to foster?

• Local, school-friendly matching: Keeping children in their school and near family/peer networks improves outcomes—Croydon prioritises this wherever possible.
• Structured learning and peer support: From initial courses to ongoing CPD, plus buddying and hub models that strengthen community among carers.
• A service on the up: Ofsted’s “Good” judgement in 2024 credited improvements in stability, planning and the way carers are supervised and supported.

Ready to take the first step?

• Visit Foster for Croydon to read more and submit an enquiry.
• Prefer to speak to someone? Call 0300 222 2112 or email iwanttofoster@croydon.gov.uk for a friendly chat with the team.

If you’re still exploring, you can start small: ask about respite or short-term fostering, or learn more about caring for siblings or teens. Whatever your path, Croydon will train you, match you carefully, and be there—day or night—so you can focus on what matters: helping a child feel safe, seen and supported where they belong—close to home.