Fostering in Thanet: Allowances, Agencies and How to Apply

Thinking about fostering in Thanet—covering Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and the surrounding villages? You’re in the right place. This guide explains how fostering works locally, what allowances you can expect in 2025/26, who to contact, and the exact steps to apply. We also compare Kent County Council (KCC) Fostering with independent fostering agencies (IFAs) so you can choose the route that fits your family and lifestyle.

Why Thanet needs more foster carers right now

Across England there’s a well-documented shortage of foster carers, which means more children are being placed far from their home areas or in settings that aren’t the best match. National charities and the Department for Education have highlighted the need to recruit locally so children can stay near their schools, friends and communities. That includes Thanet.

What you’ll be paid: 2025/26 minimum fostering allowances

In England, the Department for Education (DfE) sets minimum weekly fostering allowances and updates them each April. For 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, the national minima are:

• London: higher rates
• South East (this is the band KCC sits within)
• Rest of England

Here are the weekly minimums for 2025/26 by the child’s age (South East band shown in bold because it’s relevant to Thanet):

• 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

Two important notes for Thanet:

1. These are minimums. Many providers, including KCC and IFAs, top up the minimum with an additional carer fee/reward based on your skills, the placement type (e.g., parent & child), and sometimes the child’s needs.
2. Uplifts happen annually. For 2025/26, the DfE uplift went through in January 2025 so rates are current.

KCC describes payments as two parts: a maintenance allowance (to cover the child’s day-to-day costs) and a fee/reward for your work as a foster carer. Specialist roles (for example parent & child) can reach higher weekly totals reflecting the additional responsibilities.

KCC Fostering vs Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

You can foster through Kent County Council (the local authority) or through an independent fostering agency that places children for local authorities. Both routes are well-established in Kent, including in Thanet.

Kent County Council (KCC) Fostering

• Placements: A broad range, including babies, children of all ages, sibling groups, teenagers and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
• Support: Access to KCC support groups, training, supervising social workers, and the local Virtual School for education.
• Payments: Maintenance allowance plus carer fee, with specialist schemes paying more. KCC outlines its payment structure and confirms generous, competitive packages.
• Local knowledge: As the local authority, KCC often has first call on local placements, which can help keep children in their Thanet schools and communities.

Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

• Placements: Often take on more complex or urgent placements, as well as the full range of ages and needs.
• Support: Many IFAs offer intensive training, 24/7 on-call support and therapeutic input; packages vary, so compare carefully.
• Payments: Typically fee + allowance with rates that may exceed the bare minimums—again dependent on the child’s needs and your skills.
• Due diligence: Always check the agency’s latest Ofsted reports and talk to current carers during information sessions.

For a Thanet-based decision, it’s sensible to attend both a KCC information event and one or two IFA sessions to compare support, training style, respite availability and placement types. (KCC runs regular info events and published materials to help you understand the process.)

Who can foster in Thanet?

There’s no single “ideal” foster carer. You can be single or partnered, rent or own your home, with or without birth children. What matters is that you can offer a safe, stable environment, have the time and resilience to care, and (usually) have a spare bedroom for each foster child. Each application is assessed individually against safeguarding standards and local needs. (KCC’s “Fostering” hub explains the basics and how to get started.)

How to apply in Thanet: step-by-step

Step 1: Make an enquiry
Start with KCC Fostering: complete the short online enquiry form or call 03000 42 00 02 (Mon–Fri, 9–5). If you prefer, contact a reputable IFA that covers East Kent.

Step 2: Initial call and home visit
A worker talks through your situation, answers questions about bedroom space, pets, work hours, and support networks, and may arrange a first home visit.

Step 3: Checks and references
All fostering routes involve robust checks: DBS, medical, references (personal and employment), and a detailed home assessment (known as Form F). Timescales vary, but KCC aims to complete the process within about 6 months for new applicants, allowing time for training and assessments.

Step 4: Training (“Skills to Foster”)
You’ll complete pre-approval training covering safeguarding, safer caring, trauma-informed practice and recording. (Medway’s guide outlines a typical process that’s similar across Kent providers.)

Step 5: Panel and approval
Your assessing social worker presents your Form F to an independent panel that recommends approval to the agency decision maker. Once approved, you can be matched to a child.

Step 6: Matching and first placement
You’ll receive referrals with key information (age, needs, school, contact requirements). Ask questions and only say yes when the match feels right. Your social worker will support transitions and help you prepare the bedroom and essentials.

What support will you get?

• Supervising social worker (SSW) visits and regular phone support.
• Training and CPD across your approval, including specialist courses (e.g., therapeutic fostering, PACE, supporting UASC).
• Peer support via local carer groups and networks.
• Financial support: weekly allowance + carer fee; reimbursable costs such as mileage for school runs and contact (policies differ—always check your provider’s guidance). KCC’s pages outline how payments are structured and the distinction between maintenance and reward.

Thanet-specific tips (Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs

• Keep school continuity in mind. Many children already attend a Thanet school; being able to manage school runs across the district is a plus.
• Public transport & driving. A full driving licence isn’t always essential, but reliable transport for school, health and contact is important.
• Bedroom space. Most placements require a separate bedroom for the child (with limited exceptions for very young siblings). If you’re unsure, discuss your layout early in the enquiry call.
• Contact schedules. Thanet placements often involve family time elsewhere in Kent; clarify mileage/transport reimbursements in advance.
• Stay connected to local teams. KCC has East Kent locality teams, including a direct Thanet line for in-hours support. Save these numbers once approved.

How allowances and fees actually work in practice

It helps to think of payments in two parts:

1. Maintenance allowance (minimum set by DfE) – covers food, clothing, utilities, pocket money, activities, birthday/holiday contributions, etc. (Minimums listed above for 2025/26.)
2. Carer fee/reward – reflects your skills, complexity of the placement, and sometimes the scheme (e.g., parent & child, which is more intensive and pays more). KCC publishes information on how its payments are structured and confirms higher figures for specialist arrangements.

Budgeting tip: Keep simple weekly logs for mileage, school meals, clubs and receipts—this helps with transparent claims and your own records at tax time (foster carers usually claim Qualifying Care Relief—check HMRC guidance when you register for Self Assessment).

Private fostering (different from mainstream fostering)

If a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) lives with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more, that’s usually a private fostering arrangement and the council must be notified. This is separate from becoming an approved foster carer, but important in Thanet because families sometimes host teenagers or international students. Kent publishes annual updates on private fostering activity and guidance.

Choosing your route: a quick checklist

• Support & training: Which provider’s training calendar fits your work/home life?
• Placement profile: Are you keen to support teens, siblings, or parent & child? Ask which placements are most in demand in Thanet.
• Out-of-hours: What is the response time if you need help at 10pm?
• Respite: How often and how is it arranged?
• Allowances & fees: Compare like-for-like (age band, needs level, complexity).
• Carer community: Ask to speak with approved carers in Thanet before you decide.

How long does approval take?

A typical timeline is up to six months from enquiry to approval panel, allowing time for checks, training and the Form F assessment. You can help by gathering documents early (ID, proof of address, GP details, references) and being flexible on training dates and home-visit scheduling.

Ready to start? Your next steps in Thanet

1. Make an enquiry to KCC Fostering via the online form or call 03000 42 00 02 (Mon–Fri, 9–5). Ask about local needs in Thanet and upcoming information sessions.
2. Attend a local info event (KCC or an IFA). Prepare questions about support, respite, training and payments.
3. Book your home visit and gather documents for checks.
4. Complete pre-approval training and progress to panel.
5. Stay local: once approved, say yes to placements that keep children in the Thanet area wherever possible—continuity matters.

Useful local links & contacts

• Kent Fostering – How to apply & enquiry: online form or 03000 42 00 02.
• Kent Fostering – Payments overview (maintenance + reward; specialist schemes): details on rates and structure.
• Kent Fostering – Thanet (East Kent 2) in-hours line for approved carers: 03000 41 37 37 (save this for later).
• Kent County Council – Fostering hub (what fostering is, routes, private fostering).
• DfE minimum allowances 2025/26 (national guidance).

Final word

Thanet needs people like you—families, couples and single carers who can offer a spare room, patience, and the belief that children can thrive with the right support. Start the conversation, compare your options and take the first step. The process is thorough, but with KCC and reputable IFAs you’ll have clear guidance from enquiry to panel and beyond. And thanks to the 2025/26 allowance uplift and structured fee systems, fostering can be financially viable while you make a real difference close to home.