Fostering in Hammersmith & Fulham: Allowances, Agencies and How to Apply

Thinking about becoming a foster carer in Hammersmith & Fulham? You’re in a good place. West London needs more local, well-supported foster families, and H&F’s children’s services are highly rated, with strong support for carers from assessment through to ongoing training. Below, you’ll find a clear overview of what you’ll be paid, who to apply to, how the process works, and what day-to-day support looks like—all tailored to Hammersmith & Fulham.

Why foster in Hammersmith & Fulham?

Hammersmith & Fulham’s fostering service sits within a shared arrangement with Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, and now recruits through the Foster with West London hub. That means more placements close to home, a bigger training calendar, and a joined-up team of supervising social workers. In 2024 Ofsted graded H&F’s children’s services Outstanding, highlighting skilled carers and strong support—reassurance for anyone considering their first step into fostering.

Fostering allowances in West London (what you’re paid)

Every foster carer receives a weekly allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child (food, clothing, transport, activities). England sets national minimum rates, updated each April. For 6 April 2025–5 April 2026, the government’s table shows higher rates for London to reflect local costs of living, with additional top-ups and skills-based fees often paid by councils and agencies on top of the minimum.

2025/26 minimum weekly allowances (London band, by age):

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

Important: Many local authorities and independent fostering agencies (IFAs) pay above the minimum and may add skills payments, retainer fees, respite payments, mileage, birthday/holiday allowances, and specialist uplifts (e.g., for therapeutic or parent-and-child placements). Always check the current H&F/West London hub package when you enquire.

Local routes: Council fostering vs independent agencies

You can foster either with your local authority (via Foster with West London) or with an IFA. The right route depends on your situation, support preferences, and the types of placements you want.

Foster with West London (H&F & neighbours):

• Single “front door” for eight West London councils (including Hammersmith & Fulham).
• Consistent assessment standards and access to council placements close to home.
• Strong ties with schools, health, and local support services.

Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs):

• Charitable/not-for-profit or independent providers working across boroughs.
• Many offer enhanced fees or specialist training (e.g., therapeutic fostering).
• You’ll still care for children looked after by local councils who commission placements.

Tip: If you’re unsure which model fits, start with the hub—they’ll explain both pathways and the local picture for placement demand (e.g., teens, siblings, short-term, long-term).

How to apply: step-by-step for Hammersmith & Fulham

1) Enquiry and information call

Visit Foster with West London and submit a short enquiry form. A recruiter will call to discuss your home, spare bedroom, work pattern, household members, and motivation. They’ll outline current local needs (e.g., teens and sibling groups are often in highest demand).

2) Initial home visit (pre-assessment)

A social worker visits to check bedroom space, safety basics (e.g., stairs, gardens, pets), and begin exploring your support network, childcare experience, and capacity for contact/transport. You’ll hear what training and supervision looks like in practice.

3) Skills to Foster training

Before or during assessment, you attend Skills to Foster sessions (evenings/weekend or condensed formats). Expect practical topics: safeguarding, safer caring, managing contact, recording and working with schools/health.

4) Form F assessment (Stage 1 & Stage 2)

Your assessing social worker gathers references, DBS and medicals, explores your life history, relationships, parenting style, and evaluates your home’s suitability—including any pet risk assessments and a draft safer caring policy. You co-create a portfolio that evidences your strengths and learning plan.

5) Fostering panel & approval

A multi-disciplinary panel reviews your Form F and meets you to discuss motivation, learning, and support plans. They recommend approval ranges (e.g., ages, numbers, types of fostering). The decision maker then issues your approval.

6) Matching and first placement

Once approved, you’ll get referrals that match your approval and family profile. You can ask questions, say no where the match isn’t right, and agree a start plan when it is. You’ll have a named supervising social worker (SSW), access to training, and 24/7 support.

Who can foster here? Key eligibility points

• Spare bedroom for each fostered child (exceptions for certain sibling arrangements may apply, but you’ll be guided case-by-case).
• Age & employment: no upper age limit; many carers work—flexibility for school runs, contact, and meetings is essential.
• Housing: renters and homeowners can both apply (you’ll need landlord consent if renting).
• Background checks: DBS for adult household members, medical, references, home safety.
• Diversity welcomed: single, couples (married, civil partners or long-term), LGBTQ+ carers—what matters is stability, safety and capacity to meet a child’s needs.

Types of fostering in demand in West London

• Short-term (weeks–months while plans are made)
• Long-term (permanence through to adulthood)
• Emergency (same day, usually short duration)
• Respite/short breaks (support for other foster families)
• Teens and sibling groups (high priority)
• Parent & child (P&C)—specialist role supporting assessment and parenting skills

Fees/allowances can vary by type and complexity; therapeutic or P&C roles often include additional fees. Ask the hub for current rates and support on these models.

Support you can expect (training, supervision, benefits)

• Named supervising social worker (SSW): regular visits, phone support, and joint planning with the child’s social worker.
• 24/7 out-of-hours line for urgent help.
• Training & CPD: core courses (safeguarding, recording, safer caring), plus specialist topics (therapeutic parenting, PACE, neurodiversity, managing online safety).
• Carer networks: support groups, peer buddies/constellation-style models where available.
• Financial extras: mileage, birthdays/Christmas/holiday contributions (check local policy for amounts).
• Recognition: H&F’s “Outstanding” service culture reflects strong support and development for carers.

Fostering allowances vs. fees: what’s the difference?

• Allowance: covers the child’s costs (set at or above the national minimum).
• Fee: a skills payment to you as a carer, which varies by agency/local authority, your experience, placement type, and training tier.
• Top-ups & add-ons: clothing, equipment, retainer fees, respite, and specialist uplifts for therapeutic roles. Always ask for a full written breakdown before approval so you understand what’s guaranteed and what’s discretionary.

Taxes and benefits: quick overview

Foster carers in the UK usually benefit from Qualifying Care Relief, which can make much (or all) of your fostering income tax-free depending on placements. You’ll still complete Self Assessment and keep basic records. If you receive other benefits (e.g., Universal Credit), fostering income is treated differently from normal earnings—speak to the hub or HMRC for personal guidance. (We recommend reading the latest HMRC/ GOV.UK guidance when you apply.)

Private fostering (different from becoming an approved foster carer)

“Private fostering” is when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) lives with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more—for example, a friend’s family or a host family for overseas students. This is not the same as approved fostering; parents retain responsibility, but the council must be notified in advance so the arrangement can be checked and supported. If you’re in (or considering) a private fostering arrangement in H&F, contact the council for advice and assessment.

How long does the application take?

Most households complete assessment in 4–6 months, depending on how quickly checks come back and your availability for training and visits. If there are complexities (e.g., recent house move, complex references, home adaptations), it can take longer. The West London hub can advise current timelines at enquiry.

Common questions (local quick answers)

Do I need a car?
It helps, but isn’t always essential—especially if schools and contact centres are accessible by public transport. If you don’t drive, talk to the hub about typical transport needs and whether mileage/taxis can be agreed for specific arrangements.

Can I foster if I rent?
Yes—many carers rent. You’ll need a secure tenancy and your landlord’s consent. The spare bedroom requirement still applies.

I work full-time—can I still foster?
Possibly. Many carers work, but you’ll need enough flexibility for school runs, meetings and contact. Some choose part-time, flexible, or shift-based roles to make it work.

Can single people or LGBTQ+ couples foster?
Absolutely—the key is providing a safe, stable, caring home and meeting the child’s needs.

The local application checklist (H&F)

1. Enquire with Foster with West London (choose Hammersmith & Fulham as your home borough).
2. Attend an information session—ask about local needs (teens, siblings, P&C), training, and allowances/fees above the minimum.
3. Initial home visit—confirm space, safety basics, and support network.
4. Training—complete Skills to Foster and any required e-learning.
5. Assessment (Form F)—DBS/medical checks, references, home study, safer caring plan.
6. Panel & approval—discuss approval range (ages, numbers, placement types).
7. Matching—review referrals and start with a well-planned first placement.

Where to start today

• Read H&F’s fostering pages for local context and links.
• Enquire via Foster with West London to get a callback and book an info session.
• Check the current national minimum allowances and ask the hub what additional fees/top-ups are available right now for your approval range.
• Skim Ofsted’s latest H&F report highlights for confidence in local support.

Final take

Fostering in Hammersmith & Fulham combines Outstanding-rated local support with a practical, regional hub that simplifies recruitment and widens training options. You’ll receive weekly allowances (with London-weighted minimums for 2025/26) and, in many cases, additional skills fees and extras—but the biggest return is helping a local child stay in their community, school, and friendship network. If you’ve got a spare room, a steady routine, and the heart to listen and learn, your home could make an immediate difference.