Foster Carer (Home-Based) —
Location: London & surrounding areas
(applications welcomed across the South East)
Job type: Self-employed (full-time fostering; respite and short-breaks also available)
Pay: From £420–£750 per child, per week (enhanced rates for complex needs/parent-and-child placements) + mileage & allowances. Generous HMRC qualifying care tax relief applies.
Employer: AF Services — Fostering with Care and Compassion (Ofsted-registered Independent Fostering Agency)
About Us
AF Services is a child-centred IFA. Our approach puts each child’s voice, education, and wellbeing at the heart of every decision. We provide 24/7 support, high-quality training, and a close, wraparound team so you can change a child’s life and thrive as a carer.
The role
As a foster carer you’ll provide a safe, stable and nurturing family home for children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. You’ll work as part of a professional team to help them feel safe, succeed at school, build life skills and maintain important relationships.
What you’ll do
- Offer day-to-day care, routines, and a warm, therapeutic home life.
- Support education (school runs, homework, EHCP plans), health appointments and hobbies.
- Promote contact with family where appropriate and work closely with professionals.
- Keep clear records and contribute to meetings and care planning.
- Use trauma-informed approaches (e.g., PACE, attachment-aware practice) to support behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Follow safeguarding policies at all times.
What we’re looking for
- A spare bedroom in your home and the time, space and commitment to care.
- Over 21 and living in the UK with the right to work/reside.
- Patience, resilience, and a genuine desire to champion children.
- Ability to work in partnership with social workers, schools and families.
- Driving licence and car are helpful (not essential in all cases).
- Experience with children/young people (personal or professional) is an advantage—full training provided.
What you’ll receive
- Weekly fostering payments per child, plus mileage, equipment and holiday/respite support.
- 24/7 on-call support and a dedicated Supervising Social Worker.
- Small caseload ethos and frequent reflective support sessions.
- Supported bespoke training to ensure you are central to your development.
- Accredited training (TSD Standards, Safeguarding, First Aid, Attachment/Trauma, Safer Care, Education & SEND).
- Peer networks, carer forums and regular appreciation events.
Diversity & inclusion
We welcome carers from all backgrounds—single, married or partnered, homeowners or renters, any faith or none. What matters is your capacity to provide safety, stability and care
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tower Hamlets
