Local Authority and Agency FAQ
The NFCQ Qualifications sets the standard for education within the fostering sector.
Legislation and standards.
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.
Quality Assurance.
Concerning 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.
Accreditation.
ITOL accreditation stands as an independent international standard, facilitating the recognition of standards and learning achieved by NFCQ Accredited Foster Carers in meeting the needs of children in care. This accreditation transcends mere academic acknowledgement, reflecting the pivotal role and specialisations of foster carers within an industry context.
In terms of tangible feedback on practice resulting from the NFCQ education pathway, we conscientiously operate within the intricate landscape of local authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies, acknowledging and respecting the autonomy of each, alongside their established training frameworks.
Feedback, learning to practice.
In terms of tangible feedback on practice resulting from the NFCQ education pathway, we conscientiously operate within the intricate landscape of local authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies, acknowledging and respecting the autonomy of each, alongside their established training frameworks.
Feedback on practice and learning stands as a fundamental aspect of this educational pathway, facilitated through NFCQ Groups. These groups are designed to leverage relational and reflective practices, interpersonal interactions, and mutual support to enhance standards, outcomes, and stability for foster carers, providers, and the children under their care.
Originating from feedback from both foster carers and services, NFCQ Groups provide ample opportunity for engagement in collaborative and reflective group work bridging theory to practice. These groups are overseen by NFCQ Group Coordinators, to ensure proficiency through requisite qualifications such as the NFCQ Foundation Qualification and the NFCQ Group Coordinator’s Course.
Compliance, Foster Carer engagement.
A notable advantage of NFCQs lies in their compliance and increased uptake by foster carers, many who are actively seeking to qualify as NFCQ Accredited Foster Carers.
Assessment.
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.
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.
- The trauma informed modules - these are authored by Dr. Mine Conkbayir, a distinguished neuroscientist and a leading figure in the UK in the realm of childhood trauma. Dr. Conkbayir's expertise and experience in working with fostering families and children ensure the encapsulation of trauma-informed care theory and delivery in an accessible and engaging manner.
- 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
Feedback
*More extensive feedback is currently being curated.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Modernising systems, reflecting on processes and learning from their implementation is essential for progress and improvement.
