Fostering Potential is funded by the Sir John Cass Foundation and the British & Foreign School Society, with the aim of supporting the educational outcomes of children who are currently in foster care. This programme builds on the successful London Fostering Achievement programme and also on work carried out under the

Why do we need to support the education of fostered children and young people?

The Fostering Network believes that it is vital to support the education of fostered children and young people because the available evidence shows that children who are looked after generally have lower attainment at school than other children.  

‘We cannot make them succeed, but we can provide them with what they need to make success possible. We can give them a home and an environment that will help them to achieve their best. For children and young people to really achieve, they need to feel proud of themselves. We can keep reminding them every day of how brilliant they are.’ Linda, foster carer

Reading with your fostered child is one of the most important and enjoyable ways in which you can support their learning. Reading together improves children's listening and concentration skills, develops comprehension, stretches the imagination and improves word power. But as children and young people read, share and listen to stories, they also develop their ability to tell their own story and make themselves heard.  

The following tips may be helpful to foster carers supporting children's mathematics from the pre-school years to the end of primary school.  The suggestions are organised according to children's level of skill and confidence, as fostered children may be working at a level that is different to their age or year group.

The Government published the Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations in England in February 2016. These amendments followed a consultation in the autumn of 2015.

The changes include a strengthening of the assessment of prospective special guardians to ensure that they can fully meet the needs of the child through until adulthood.