Foster carers needed on the Isle of Wight
South Coast Fostering is recruiting foster carers across the Isle of Wight, including Newport, Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin and the surrounding communities. Children and young people on the island need safe, stable homes where they can remain close to their schools, friendships and local support networks.
There is an ongoing need for more local foster carers on the Isle of Wight. When children are placed off the island due to a shortage of carers, it can create additional disruption at an already uncertain time. By fostering locally, you help children stay connected to their community and familiar surroundings.
We work closely with partners across the region, including in Portsmouth and Southampton, sharing best practice, resources and professional expertise to ensure a consistent and high standard of care. As an independent fostering agency focused on Southern England, we combine strong governance with a personal, relationship-led approach.
Our foster carers receive structured training before approval, ongoing professional development and dedicated supervision from a supervising social worker with a manageable caseload. We also provide 24/7 out-of-hours support so that you are never left to manage challenges alone. Carers receive £479.50 per week for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over, recognising both the fostering allowance and the professional responsibility of the role.
We welcome individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds who are able to offer stability, patience and a nurturing home. If you live on the Isle of Wight and are considering becoming a foster carer, an informal conversation is often the best place to begin. Contact us to explore whether fostering could be right for you.
What do you need to Be a Foster carer?
The most important requirements are stability, time and a safe home environment. In most fostering arrangements, you will need a spare bedroom so that a child has their own private space where they can feel secure and settled. If you are applying to foster a baby, a separate bedroom may not be required at the beginning, as a baby can sleep in a crib in your room.
You also need a good level of availability. Foster carers are typically involved in school runs, attending meetings with teachers and social workers, supporting contact arrangements and being present during school holidays. This usually means you cannot work long or inflexible hours. Some foster carers do continue working, but their employment must allow enough flexibility to prioritise the child’s needs.
Beyond practical considerations, fostering requires patience, resilience and a willingness to work as part of a professional team. You do not need to be perfect, but you do need to be dependable, open to learning and committed to providing a stable and nurturing home.
Support you'll receive from us
- 24/7 support from your supervising social worker
- £507.50 a week in fostering allowance and fees to foster
- Intensive training program to help you be the best you can be
Isle of Wight
Fostering on the Isle of Wight
Be part of a close-knit fostering community making a real difference on the island.
South Coast Fostering is one of only two independent fostering agencies operating on the Isle of Wight. We have developed a strong and positive working relationship with the Isle of Wight Council, allowing us to work collaboratively and responsively for the benefit of local children and young people.
With a thriving community of island-based foster carers and a supervising social worker located on the Isle of Wight, support is always close at hand. We combine strong local knowledge and established relationships with the wider expertise and resources of our Southern England network.
By fostering on the Isle of Wight, you help children remain within their own community — close to their schools, friendships and support systems — while being part of a professional, supportive and well-connected fostering family.
Next Steps
Depending on where you are in your fostering journey, we have a few suggested next steps.
Download Our Guide To Fostering
Arrange for a call back
Ask us a question via whatsapp
We keep your person information safe, and only use it to contact you in the way you’ve asked us to.
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
