At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide planned respite for children with additional needs and enrich their experiences.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire’s Share the Care service and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Flexible, paid role with comprehensive training and ongoing support.
- Other info: Open to all backgrounds; training provided to support your journey.
- Why this job: Help families recharge while creating meaningful connections with children.
- Qualifications: Empathy, understanding of additional needs, and a spare bedroom.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
As a short break foster carer, you’ll provide planned respite for children with additional needs, helping families recharge while offering enriching experiences. You’ll provide regular, planned care for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs. These placements typically last from an overnight stay to a few days and are designed to give families a trusted break from their caring responsibilities while offering children new experiences and relationships outside their home. This flexible, paid role fits around your lifestyle and uses the skills you already have to make a meaningful difference.
Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe and welcoming space where children feel secure during their short stay.
- Stay in touch with the child’s main carers to ensure continuity and consistency in care.
- Offer regular, planned care such as weekend visits or overnight stays.
- Support the child’s development while respecting the role of their primary carers.
- Take part in training and access support to meet the child’s individual needs.
Criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person
- Be a full-time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
- Empathy and understanding of additional needs
- Availability for short stays
- A safe and welcoming home
- Willingness to undertake specialist training
We believe that families come in all shapes and sizes. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds and we’re proud to celebrate the strength and diversity of our fostering community.
- Single person or part of a couple (including same-sex couples)
- Homeowner or renting
- Working full-time, part-time, or not currently employed
- From any cultural, ethnic, or religious background
You just need the time, energy, and space to care for a child or young person.
How we support you:
- Dedicated Supervising Social Worker: Ongoing advice and support before, during, and after placements.
- Child’s Social Worker: Helps you understand and respond to the child’s needs and behaviour.
- Training Programme: Includes Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Autism Awareness, ADHD, mental health, and bespoke medical training.
- Support Groups: Regular sessions, social events, and groups for carers and children who foster.
- Peer Support (Buddying Scheme): Guidance from experienced carers during your first year.
If you have the patience, commitment and understanding required to care for children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long does a short‑break last? It can range from an overnight stay to a few days at a time, depending on the child’s needs and care plan.
- Can I choose the age range of children I care for? Yes, you can specify preferences, and we’ll match you with children who suit your experience and home environment.
- Absolutely. You’ll have a dedicated social worker, access to training, and 24/7 support.
Short Break Foster Carer employer: Foster South Glos
As a Short Break Foster Carer with South Gloucestershire’s Share the Care service, you will join a supportive and diverse community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs. We offer comprehensive training, ongoing support from dedicated social workers, and opportunities for personal growth, all while allowing you to work flexibly around your lifestyle. This role not only provides enriching experiences for children but also fosters a rewarding environment for carers, ensuring that you feel valued and empowered in your vital contribution to local families.
