Each local SWIIS team also includes fully qualified teachers, health advisers and placement support workers. These staff work closely with carers and all other professionals involved with children in placement to ensure that their educational needs are being fully addressed and that any health issues or concerns are followed up thoroughly. Where necessary education staff will work with the child or young person in school or visit the carers’ home to help with particular areas of difficulty.

Education caseworkers and health advisers also contribute to foster carer training and can offer their expertise and support to carers to ensure they have all the necessary resources to meet children’s needs. SWIIS Placement support workers are available to offer practical help including accompanying children and carers to appointments, help with transport or supervision, taking young people out for activities or one to one work .

We know that what carers need and value is good support, training and a team who will respond to their needs quickly and professionally. We think that recent feedback from our carers shows they appreciate this too.