Fostering in Wandsworth: Payments, Training and Support

Thinking about fostering in Wandsworth? Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to what the council pays, the training you’ll receive, and the day-to-day support you can expect once approved. We’ll also show how Wandsworth’s package relates to the national minimum rates in England and the 2025/26 tax relief for foster carers.

What Wandsworth pays foster carers

Wandsworth Council publishes an open breakdown of what carers receive: a weekly child allowance (to cover the child’s costs) plus a carer fee (recognising your time, skills, and responsibilities). As of the latest council update:

• Age 0–10: £209.80 allowance + £194.40 fee = £404.20 per week
• Age 11–18: £273.04 allowance + £228.30 fee = £501.34 per week
• Enhanced needs: an additional weekly enhanced fee is available where a child’s needs are higher and the placement requires extra skills, time, or complexity.

A few points to understand about these figures:

1. Allowance vs fee
   The allowance is the child’s money—intended for food, clothing, utilities, activities, school costs, mileage, and similar daily living costs. The fee is the professional element paid to you as the carer. Most applicants find it helpful to ask for a written breakdown so they can budget realistically.
2. How this compares to the National Minimum Allowance (NMA)
   In England, the 2025/26 National Minimum Allowance varies by region and child age. Because Wandsworth is in London, the NMA is the highest England band. For example, 11–15 year-olds in London have an NMA of £257 per week, and 16–17 year-olds £299 (the NMA for under-11s ranges £198–£225 depending on precise age bands). Wandsworth’s published allowance lines up with (and in practice sits above or alongside) these NMA baselines once you factor the council’s fee on top. Agencies and councils can pay more than the NMA—Wandsworth’s package is designed to be competitive.
3. Other payments you may see
   Like other authorities, Wandsworth can agree enhanced fees for additional needs and will consider items like mileage, equipment, birthdays/holidays, and case-specific extras through its allowances scheme and procedures. (Policy documents also cover specialist arrangements such as Staying Put for over-18s.) Your supervising social worker will advise what’s available for your placement and how to claim it.

2025/26 tax relief for foster carers (so you know your take-home)

Alongside council payments, foster carers benefit from HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief (QCR) for the 2025/26 tax year:

• A fixed household amount: £19,360 per year
• Plus a weekly amount per person cared for: £405 (under 11) or £485 (11 or over)

If your fostering receipts are below your “qualifying amount”, you pay no income tax on your fostering income. If they’re above it, you can still use a simplified method to work out tax. (You’ll still need to register for self-assessment as a foster carer.) Always follow HMRC’s helpsheet or speak to a tax adviser if unsure.

Training: from “Skills to Foster” to ongoing CPD

Before approval, you’ll complete the nationally recognised Skills to Foster preparation, covering safeguarding, child development, safer caring, recording, and teamwork around the child. Wandsworth emphasises comprehensive training and a tailored offer that continues after approval—expect workshops and courses around attachment and trauma, behaviour support, education, health, and record-keeping.

During approval and beyond, you also receive supervision and reflective learning time. Wandsworth highlights 1:1 supervision, reflective group supervision, and a tailored training offer that builds your competence over time—especially important if you choose routes like therapeutic, teen, or parent & child fostering.

Why this matters for you:

• You’re not expected to “know it all” on day one—the council’s training is staged and practical.
• Progressing your skills can open up enhanced-needs placements (and the enhanced fee that goes with them), provided the match is right for your household.

Everyday support once you’re approved

Supervising social worker (SSW): After panel approval, you’re allocated an SSW who is your first point of contact. They provide regular supervision visits, help you plan training, and are there when issues crop up—school moves, health appointments, contact arrangements, or escalation pathways.

Information before you say “yes”: Wandsworth’s matching process aims to share the information they hold about a child before placement, so you can make an informed decision and plan safely. Asking questions at this stage is encouraged.

Local authority first: As a Wandsworth carer, you’ll be prioritised for Wandsworth children before the council looks elsewhere, which helps you receive consistent referrals and stay closely connected to local schools and services.

Peer learning and events: The service runs information events and keeps carers up to date with news; you’ll also come across peer networks and specialist forums through your SSW and training calendar.

Staying Put: When a young person turns 18, some placements can extend under Staying Put (up to age 21 in many cases). Wandsworth has a published procedure and finance framework for this pathway so transitions to adulthood are better planned; if you’re caring for an older teen, ask your SSW early about expectations and support.

How the application works (and how long it takes)

Wandsworth says the process is straightforward and typically takes 16–20 weeks from enquiry to approval (timings can vary depending on checks and availability). Stages include enquiry, home visit, training, Form F assessment, panel, and then matching with the right child or young person.

Practical tips that help applicants move smoothly:

• Be ready for checks (DBS, references, medical) and gather documents early.
• Think through bedrooms and space—children usually need their own bedroom.
• Line up your support network (friends/family who can help with the school run, contact, or emergencies).
• Ask finance questions upfront—how to claim mileage, what’s covered by the allowance, and when enhanced fees apply. (Your SSW will walk you through the allowances scheme and any extras relevant to your placement.)

Frequently asked questions (Wandsworth-specific)

Do I have to pay tax on the Wandsworth payments?
Most carers pay no income tax on their fostering income because of Qualifying Care Relief (QCR). For 2025/26, your qualifying amount combines a £19,360 fixed household sum plus a weekly sum for each child ( £405 if under 11; £485 if 11+). You must still complete self-assessment.

Is the fee guaranteed?
The fee is part of Wandsworth’s fostering package and sits on top of the child allowance. Where a child’s needs are higher, an enhanced fee can apply. Your SSW can explain how fees work for your placement type.

Can I see the allowance/fee in writing?
Yes—Wandsworth lists standard figures publicly and provides written breakdowns. They also publish policies (e.g., allowances scheme, Staying Put) so you can see how additional payments are handled.

What’s the difference between Wandsworth and an IFA?
Local authorities like Wandsworth must at least meet the England NMA for the allowance and usually add a fee. IFAs also pay a combined package. What matters is the total you receive and the support around you. Wandsworth highlights competitive pay, a dedicated SSW, strong training, and local matching.

The takeaway

• Wandsworth’s published weekly package is £404.20 (0–10) and £501.34 (11–18), with enhanced fees for higher-needs placements—clear, competitive, and easy to budget against.
• England’s 2025/26 NMA (London band) sets the baseline for child allowances; Wandsworth then adds a carer fee, and may agree extras for mileage, birthdays/holidays or complex needs.
• You’ll get structured training (starting with Skills to Foster) and ongoing CPD, plus regular supervision and local matching so you’re not left to figure things out alone.
• Most carers benefit from QCR tax relief in 2025/26, which often means no tax is due on fostering income up to the qualifying amount.

Next step: join a Wandsworth information event or request a call-back through the council’s fostering site. Bring your questions about fees, allowances, and support—ask for a written breakdown for the age groups you’re open to, and discuss training pathways that fit your family and work pattern.