Free Courses and Training for Foster Carers

Free Courses & Training for Foster Carers

Learning That Lifts You Up

If you’re thinking about fostering, or you’re already on your journey, you might wonder what training you’ll need and how much support you’ll really get. Maybe you’re worried about endless courses, confusing requirements, or simply finding the time.

Don’t worry! You’re not expected to know everything before you start. That’s what training is for. 

We believe learning should lift you up, not weigh you down. From day one, we’ll walk alongside you with free, flexible courses, real-world advice, and encouragement whenever you need it. Our goal is to help you grow at your own pace, so you can be there for the children who need you most.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your skills, our training is designed to fit around your life, answer your questions, and help you feel truly supported. 

Let’s take a closer look at what free training courses are available, how they work, and how our support can help you every step of the way. 

What’s Free and What’s Mandatory?

All of our mandatory training is free, flexible and built around your life and the children you care for. We focus on building real confidence so you can handle whatever fostering brings, whether that’s the first night of a new placement or helping a young person through a tricky time.

Mandatory training

Your training journey begins during your application, often with the “Skills to Foster” course, sometimes before you’re even approved. Once you’re part of Olive Branch, you’ll continue with more in-depth learning, guided by your supervising social worker. 

All foster carers complete the national Training, Support & Development (TSD) Standards within the first year.

What’s Included?

• Safeguarding: Understanding how to keep children safe and spot any risks.
• First Aid: Knowing what to do in emergencies, big or small.
• Equality & Diversity: Making sure every child feels seen, respected, and understood.
• Behaviour Management: Practical tools for supporting children through ups and downs.
• Confidentiality and GDPR: Protecting personal information and respecting privacy.
• Skills to Foster: An essential course covering the basics of fostering, child development, and building positive relationships.
• Ongoing: Certain courses need refreshing every few years (like first aid and safeguarding), but we make it simple and accessible, with options for in-person or online sessions.

At every step, you’re never left to figure it out on your own. We’ll help you manage your learning and stay on top of what’s needed, so you always feel confident and ready.

Free Online Training Courses for Foster Carers

Training doesn’t have to mean travelling or tricky scheduling. Olive Branch offers a growing library of free online training courses for foster carers, alongside trusted national resources. These flexible options fit around your life, so you can learn at your own pace, wherever you are.

Free Foster Carer Training Courses & Online Learning

Here are some excellent free online training courses, articles, and resources that can help you get started or go deeper into specialist topics:

Open University: Child Development & Parenting

• Attachment in the early years
  Learn how children form secure bonds and why relationships matter.
• Childhood in the digital age
  Explore how technology affects today’s children.
• Introduction to child psychology
  Get to grips with how children think, feel, and grow.
• Exploring babies' and young children's development and learning
  Find ways to support children’s curiosity and growth.
• Listening to young children
  Explore ways of listening to children in order to support their experiences of changes or transitions.

To search or browse for courses, go to https://www.open.edu/openlearn 

Autism & Neurodiversity

• Autism Research Summaries
  Practical research findings for carers and families.
  
• Autism West Midlands Free Resources
  Guides and videos for everyday support.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

• MindEd Hub Free educational resource on children and young people's mental health, and online learning for carers about mental health, self-harm, trauma, and resilience.
• SCIE e-learning
  The SCIE e-learning page offers free, self-paced online courses on topics like safeguarding, mental health, and care best practice.
• Department of Health – Future in Mind
  National guidance on young people’s wellbeing.
• NHS Mental Health Resources
  Advice for talking about feelings, stress, and building confidence.
• Exploring the relationship between anxiety and depression
• Teenage LGBTQ+ Mental Health

 Neglect & Safeguarding

• SCIE: Safeguarding Children and Young People
  Step-by-step safeguarding information for carers.
• NHS Safeguarding Guide
  National guidelines for safeguarding in health and care.
• NSPCC Training courses in safeguarding and child protection. Training to help spot and respond to neglect safely.
• Barnardo’s Resources to help identify and engage young people at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation
  Practical advice and resources.
  
  

Online Safety

• CEOP for Parents and Carers Clear advice on digital safety and cyberbullying.
• Internet Matters: E-safety Advice
  Help for keeping children safe online.
• NSPCC Online Safety
  Tips for talking about risks and online life.
• Childnet: Parents & Carers
  Help, advice and resources for parents and carers.
• UK Safer Internet Centre
  Guidance, online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
  
  

All of these courses and resources are completely free, so you can build your knowledge whenever it suits you.

Training Beyond the Basics: Going Further With Olive Branch

As your experience grows, so do your options. Optional and advanced training is available to help you meet children’s unique needs and build specialist skills.

You might explore:

• Therapeutic parenting for children with trauma or attachment issues
• Caring for teenagers, sibling groups, or children with disabilities
• Supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children or young parents
  
  

Olive Branch offers regular fostering forums and learning sessions, where other foster carers come together to share knowledge and talk through real-world situations. These sessions are a safe space to ask questions, swap tips, and learn what works with no judgement, just support.

Continuous learning gives you the tools to feel ready for whatever comes next. The more you learn, the more connected and capable you become.

Support That Stays With You

Training is just one part of a full support system at Olive Branch. From your very first call, you’ll have people by your side.

• 24/7 on-call support: Someone to speak to, any time—day or night.
• A dedicated social worker: Regular check-ins, home visits, and a listening ear.
• Peer support: Local carers’ groups, family events, and online communities.
• Direct access to senior staff: No jumping through hoops if you have a concern or idea.

We know fostering can bring unexpected moments. That’s why our support doesn’t end with a training certificate. You’ll always have somewhere to turn, someone to ask, and advice that’s rooted in real experience.

Thinking About Fostering? Let’s Talk

Ready to get started, or just want to know more? Whether you’re exploring fostering for the first time or thinking about transferring to Olive Branch, our team is here to help—without any pressure.

Every question is welcome, big or small. We’ll guide you through the fostering process, explain how transferring to us works, and show you the difference a supportive agency can make.

If you’re looking for free online training courses for foster carers, a full support network, or just a friendly chat, contact us today. We’re ready to help you take your next step.