Foster Carer's FAQ
The NFCQ Qualifications sets the standard for education within the fostering sector.
Fostering Providers -Why chose the NFCQ pathway?
Whether a newly qualified foster carer or an existing approved carer the NFCQ pathway will give you the opportunity to join a new cohort of foster carers to lead the way in excellence.
You will benefit from courses written by top experts in their fields and underpinned by regulations.
We put trauma-informed relational education at the heart of the NFCQ to create wide-ranging, lasting change and make a significant difference to young lives, we put children first, raising standards and outcomes.
Our Reflective Groups will bring foster carers together from across the UK to share experience, and knowledge to bring theory to life in practice, to network and connect.
What are the benefits to me of the NFCQ?
- By joining the NFCQ Accredited Pathway you enter a new cohort of Accredited Foster Carers, elevate your status and become more professionally recognised.
- The courses are written by top experts and underpinned by all the National Minimum Standards and Statutory regulations that underpin our role.
- You will gain fully accredited certification from iTol. This internationally recognised elite accreditation body aligns closely with the foster care sector, a practical 24/7 front-line role in children’s services, not just an academic accreditation but one that reflects the foster carer’s role and specialisms within an industry context.
- The entirety of the NFCQ education pathway is meticulously grounded in the National Minimum Fostering Standards, Fostering Regulations, and all statutory legislation pertinent to the fostering framework.
- Regarding quality assurance, assessment, and adherence to national standards, NFCQ has earned accreditation from iTOL, serving as a hallmark of quality that caters to professionals and providers alike.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment of the Foundation Qualification entails progressive learning and reflection throughout the course, culminating in a comprehensive test assessment upon completion. The intermediate and advanced levels, currently in production, will further elevate the learning experience, incorporating advanced requirements and the submission of written work assessed by qualified iTol registered assessors.
How long does the Foundation Course take?
We recommend 30-35 hours, however, some foster carers, especially those more experienced may complete it in less time.
How do you access it?
The NFCQs are online.
If delivered by your fostering service there may also be access to virtual or face-to-face NFCQ practice groups for foster carers.
How much does it cost?
Accredited Foundation Course in Fostering
1 Year Licence
Accredited Foundation Course in Fostering
1 Year Licence
Accredited Foundation Course in Fostering
Do I have to be academic to do it?
No, the NFCQ Foundation Course has an academic feel but is accessible to all.
Can my fostering service or agency pay for me to do it?
Yes, they can sponsor you to take the NFCQs. You can approach them or we can send them the details and ask for you.
If your services are delivering the NFCQs for you they can also provide and facilitate the NFCQ Groups which will enhance your learning, and reflection and provide an exploration of theory to practice.
What qualification would it be equal to, would previous qualifications be able to be accredited towards the award?
This is an iTOL (Institute of Teaching and Occupational Learning). Chosen as a professional qualification and certification rather than a purely academic accreditation body.
The NFCQ qualifications from Foundation through Intermediate to Advanced serve as a stand-alone quality foster carers accredited qualification and provide a national benchmark.
What is in the Accredited Foundation Course?
The Foundation Course encompasses a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide an overview and fundamental understanding of the subject matter.
In terms of structure there are 6 modules to the Foundation Qualification:
- 1. The Foster Carer’s Role – Understand the national minimum standards and statutory legislation that provide the framework for the foster carer’s role.
- 2. Understand Legislation and guidelines, and respond to safeguarding, protection, and welfare of children. Promoting and understanding children’s safety and welfare within the fostering context.
- 3. Professional Role Understanding meetings and the foster carers’ role within them, reporting, recording, the role of others, allegations and standards of care, self-employment and HMRC, evaluate the importance of supervision, the social worker’s role.
- 4. Understanding Trauma and its impact on brain development – how the child’s brain develops, identifying causes of stress and the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attachment issues.
- 5. Responding to Trauma co-regulation, self-regulation, and relationship-based approaches. Understanding self-regulation and co-regulation in both foster children and foster carers and evaluating the delivery of trauma-informed care.
- 6. The Training, Support, and Development Standards (TSDS) Summarise the purpose of TSDS and the underpinning legislation. Understanding what is required in TSDS. Demonstrate an understanding of how and when to action the TSDS and how to complete it.
When will the Accredited Intermediate and Advanced Qualification be available?
Intermediate – Expected roll out August 2024
Advanced – In development, anticipated roll out January 2025
Price available at launch
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ITOL ACCREDITION
The NFCQ wanted an accreditation that aligned closely with the foster carer sector, a practical, 24/7 front-line role in children’s services, not just an academic accreditation but one that reflects the foster carer’s role and specialisms within an industry context.
