Fostering in South Gloucestershire
Many children across South Gloucestershire are unable to live with their families for a variety of reasons. This might be due to challenges at home, such as illness or family breakdown – but sadly, sometimes it is because of neglect. TACT is seeking compassionate and committed foster carers in South Gloucestershire who can offer these young people the stability, support, and care they deserve.
If you have a spare room, a warm and understanding nature, and the commitment to provide a safe and welcoming home, you could make a real difference as part of our Fostering South Gloucestershire team!
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Can I foster in South Gloucestershire?
You don’t need previous experience to begin fostering in South Gloucestershire. To move forward with your application, you’ll simply need to meet the following initial criteria:
- Be aged 21 or over (there is no upper age limit).
- Have at least one spare bedroom available.
- Be a full-time UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain.
Fostering also requires time, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to the role. Strong written and spoken English skills are important, as you’ll be working alongside other professionals. You will also be required to keep clear and accurate records about the progress and wellbeing of the young people in your care.
Full Training
You don’t need any previous experience or formal qualifications to become a foster carer.
We provide comprehensive training to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to welcome a child into your home. This training is delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face sessions.
As part of the assessment process, you’ll complete an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This short online course offers a helpful overview of fostering and gives you the chance to ask questions along the way.
Once approved as a TACT foster carer, you’ll have access to a wide range of ongoing training opportunities to further develop your skills and enhance the support you provide to children and young people in South Gloucestershire.
We also offer specialist training designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to care for children with additional or more complex needs.
24/7 Support
At TACT, we understand how important dependable, 24/7 support is for foster carers. That’s why we reinvest any surplus income into strengthening our services, so you can access advice and guidance whenever you need it.
As a TACT foster carer, you’ll work closely with a dedicated Supervising Social Worker. With a carefully managed caseload, they can provide personalised guidance and consistent support – empowering you to make a meaningful and lasting difference in children’s lives.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will be your primary point of contact, and our out-of-hours service is available to offer advice and support whenever you need it.
- Foster carer portal. An easy-to-use online platform providing access to key information, training, resources, and practical guidance to support you at every stage of your fostering journey.
- Education service. A dedicated specialist team focused on supporting the children in your care to achieve their full potential through tailored educational support.
- Health service. A service focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the young people in your care.
- Support groups. Local groups throughout South Gloucestershire and surrounding areas, giving you the opportunity to connect with fellow foster carers, share experiences, and build a strong support network.
- Therapeutic support groups. Monthly sessions created for carers looking after children who have experienced complex trauma and/or attachment challenges.
- Support for young people. Our Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners coordinate activities, events, and resources aimed at enriching the lives and experiences of the children in your care.
- Supporting your own children. We understand the significant role your own children play in fostering. Our Children Who Foster events give them the chance to meet others in similar situations and share their experiences.
- Peer support. Whenever possible, experienced TACT foster carers offer practical advice, reassurance, and peer-to-peer support to those beginning their fostering journey.
Our Therapeutic Support Groups
Caring for children who have experienced complex trauma or attachment difficulties requires specialised knowledge and ongoing professional support.
Early experiences like these can lead children to view the world as unsafe and relationships as unpredictable, which can affect how they connect with others. This may sometimes result in behaviours that escalate quickly.
Our monthly Therapeutic Support Groups offer foster carers a safe, non-judgemental space to reflect on their experiences alongside a supportive peer network. These sessions provide opportunities to explore behaviours and key topics, develop practical strategies, celebrate achievements, and strengthen shared skills. Engaging in trauma-informed discussions about both challenges and aspirations can help build resilience and deepen understanding of the emotional needs of the children in your care.
Pay & Allowances
Foster carers are committed, skilled professionals, and our fees and allowances recognise the significant impact they have on children’s lives.
In partnership with South Gloucestershire County Council, we receive funding to support children and young people in the local community. This enables us to deliver high-quality services and comprehensive support to our foster carers.
The fostering allowance you receive will vary depending on factors such as the type of care you provide, the number and ages of the children in your care, and the complexity of their individual needs.
There are also payments for children’s birthdays, holidays and religious festivals. We also pay long service awards and a Refer a Friend fee (if you recommend someone who then goes on to be an approved foster carer with us).
Below, you can find examples of the weekly Fostering South Gloucestershire payments you could receive when a young person is placed in your care:
Meet The Area Manager
“TACT’s values strongly align with my own – and as a charity, I appreciate that every penny is reinvested into supporting the children and young people we care for. I’m passionate about improving outcomes for children and have particular interests in contextual safeguarding and positive leadership.”
Sara Gullick – TACT Area Manager South West
Sara joined TACT in 2026, having previously worked across local authorities and other independent fostering agencies as a social worker and senior manager. Sara has also fostered herself, which has provided her with first hand experience of providing care for children and young people.
Rated ‘GOOD’ By Ofsted
Following an inspection in April 2025, Ofsted have announced that TACT South West has been rated ‘GOOD’ for its work with foster carers and looked after children.
“Foster carers support children to participate in social, leisure, and faith-based activities, in line with their wishes. In addition, children have enjoyed attending activities and events facilitated by the agency, including a residential music camp and an awards ceremony that celebrated their achievements. These activities help children to build positive memories.” – Ofsted, 2025
What Our Foster Carers Say
“I have been so impressed with the support we have received from TACT. The training offered is easy to access and of a high standard ensuring that, as a foster carer, I remain up to date and professional. I feel that TACT is very child focused but also supports foster carers.”
Beth & Steve – TACT Foster Carers since 2022
Fostering Information Events
- March 10, 2026
- East Midlands, London, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
- Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Virtual Information Event – 10th March
Our virtual information event on 10th March is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
- March 11, 2026
- South West
- Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Salisbury Information Event – 11th March
Live in the South West? Come along to our fostering information event at Culture Coffee, Salisbury on Wed 11th March to learn more about becoming a foster carer.
- March 20, 2026
- East Midlands, London, North West, Scotland, South West, Virtual, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & North East,
- Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Virtual Information Event – 20th March
Our virtual information event on 20th March is the perfect opportunity to learn more from the comfort of your own home.
Start Your Fostering Journey
