Fostering in Swindon
Across Swindon, many children cannot stay with their birth families for a variety of reasons. This may be due to challenges at home, such as illness or family breakdown – and in some cases, neglect. TACT is seeking compassionate and committed foster carers in Swindon who can offer these young people the stability, support, and nurturing environment they need.
If you have a spare room, a caring and patient nature, and a genuine commitment to providing a safe and welcoming home, you could make a life-changing difference as part of our Fostering Swindon team.
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Can I foster in Swindon?
You don’t need prior experience to become a foster carer in Swindon. To start your application, you’ll need to meet the following basic requirements:
- Be 21 or older (there is no upper age limit).
- Have at least one spare bedroom.
- Be a full-time UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain.
Fostering also requires time, adaptability, and a genuine dedication to the role. Strong written and spoken English is important, as you’ll be collaborating closely with other professionals. You’ll also need to keep clear and accurate records to track and support the progress and wellbeing of the children and young people in your care.
Full Training
You don’t need any prior experience or formal qualifications to become a foster carer.
We provide comprehensive training to help you feel confident, well-informed, and fully prepared to welcome a child into your home. We combine online learning with in-person sessions, offering flexible and practical support from the very beginning.
As part of the assessment process, you’ll complete an introductory course called Skills to Foster. This short online programme gives a clear overview of fostering and allows you to ask questions and explore what the role entails.
Once approved as a foster carer with TACT, 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 Swindon.
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 any surplus income is reinvested 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 one of our dedicated Supervising Social Worker. With a carefully managed caseload, they can provide personalised guidance and consistent support, helping you make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
This is what we provide:
- Full 24/7 support. Your Supervising Social Worker will serve as your primary point of contact, and our out-of-hours service is available to offer guidance and support whenever it’s needed.
- Foster carer portal. A simple, easy-to-use online platform that provides access to key information, training, resources, and practical guidance to support you at every stage of your fostering journey.
- Education service. A specialist team focused on supporting the children in your care to achieve their full potential through tailored educational guidance.
- Health service. A service focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the young people in your care.
- Support groups. Local groups throughout Swindon and surrounding areas, providing opportunities to meet other foster carers, share experiences, and build a supportive network.
- Therapeutic support groups. Monthly sessions designed to support carers who are looking after children affected by complex trauma and/or attachment difficulties.
- 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 valuable role your own children play in fostering. Our Children Who Foster events give them the chance to connect with peers 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 make children see the world as unsafe and relationships as unpredictable, which can affect how they connect with others – possibly leading to 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. Participating in trauma-informed discussions about both challenges and aspirations helps build resilience and enhances 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 vital impact they have on children’s lives.
Working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, we receive funding to support children and young people in the local community. This enables us to deliver high-quality services and provide 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 Swindon 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
“We looked at different local authorities and agencies but eventually settled on TACT as we liked their ethos. We also liked that TACT is a charity. We receive amazing support from TACT, especially our supervising social worker, and the local authority.”
Sarah & Richard – TACT Foster Carers since 2012
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
