We Are Recruiting Foster Carers in and around Berkshire
South Coast Fostering is currently recruiting foster carers across Berkshire and the surrounding areas, including Reading, Slough, Bracknell, Wokingham, Newbury and Maidenhead. Children and young people in these communities need safe, stable homes where they can remain close to their schools, friendships and support networks.
Everyone at South Coast Fostering is genuinely committed to supporting both foster carers and the children placed with them. Our work is guided by a clear purpose: to build positive aspirations in everyone we work with — children, carers and staff alike. We believe that when carers feel confident and well supported, children are more likely to experience stability and encouragement.
Fostering can be challenging at times, which is why our support does not stop at the end of the working day. We provide 24/7 out-of-hours support, ensuring that if you need advice, guidance or reassurance, there is always someone available. We understand that children’s needs do not operate on a timetable, and neither does our commitment to you.
As an independent fostering agency focused on Southern England, we offer manageable supervising social worker caseloads, consistent communication and a relationship-led approach. We also provide competitive fostering payments of £479.50 per week for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over.
If you live in or around Berkshire and are considering becoming a foster carer, an informal conversation is a good place to start. We are here to answer your questions clearly and honestly, and to help you decide whether fostering could be right for you.
Values that lead us
01
Doing the right thing, not the easy thing
If something is the right thing to do, then we will always do it, even if it is difficult.
02
Treat Carers As Professionals
We are shocked when we hear how poorly some foster carers have been treated by their fostering service. At SCF we always treat carers as professionals.
03
Family
We see ourselves as one big family. This means we have a deep underlying respect for each other.
04
Always be learning
We see everyday, and every incident as a chance to learn and develop. We help carers and staff reflect on how their actions affect others.
book a call about fostering:
We’d be happy to give you a 15-20 minute call to tell you about fostering. Don’t worry, there’s no pressure from us – it’s honestly a chance for you to ask us any questions you have about fostering, and your suitability. Just complete this short form
What Is It Like to Foster with South Coast Fostering?
Fostering with South Coast Fostering means becoming part of a supportive and professional community, rather than feeling like you are managing alone. From your first enquiry through to approval and beyond, you will have consistent contact with a dedicated supervising social worker who takes the time to understand you, your household and the children placed in your care.
Day-to-day life as a foster carer can vary depending on the age and needs of the child. Some days feel routine and settled, focused on school runs, meals and normal family life. Other days may involve meetings with professionals, supporting contact arrangements or helping a child work through difficult emotions. Throughout it all, you are not expected to have all the answers. Guidance and advice are always available.
Our supervising social workers maintain manageable caseloads, which means they can provide meaningful supervision rather than rushed check-ins. This allows space for reflective conversations, practical planning and proactive support. We aim to build long-term relationships with our carers based on trust and clear communication.
You will also have access to regular training and development opportunities to strengthen your skills and confidence. Many carers value the opportunity to meet others at support groups and events across Southern England, where experiences and advice can be shared openly.
Financially, fostering with South Coast Fostering provides stability. Carers receive £479.50 per week for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over. This payment recognises both the allowance for the child’s needs and the professional responsibility of the role.
Above all, fostering with South Coast Fostering means being part of an organisation that is committed for the long term. We do not disappear when challenges arise. We remain alongside you, working together to provide safe, stable homes for children across Berkshire and the wider Southern England region.
Who we Work With
How can you help?
The following are a few ways in which you can help us, and children in your local community.
Talk to your friends about fostering
If you can’t foster yourself you could talk to your friends and family to see if they can. We will actually reward you for anyone that becomes an approved carer for us.
Give a helping hand to a care leaver
Care leavers might need a helping hand, we have some ideas about how to help