Preparing a fc bedroom, toys etc

[lechatnoir]

We're currently converting our 3rd bedroom from dumping ground to foster child's bedroom in the hope that our application is successful but not sure what to do about furniture/decor. It's a very comfortable single bedroom but we could squeeze a 2nd bed in so siblings become a possibility, but, obviously have no idea who might come through the door at this stage! We're initially applying for respite only & probably 0-7 (although I gather unlikely babies for respite) bur beyond that no clue as to likely demand for respite. Also, do we decorate with a child in mind or just plain & neutral? And finally (sorry for really boring detail questions) I've got stacks of baby/toddler toys & clothes I was going to sell but suddenly realised I might need these - do you all have a stock of stuff to cover every age range? DH will be delighted I'm sure
LCN

Plain and neutral walls and you can chop and change with curtains bedding and posters rugs etc according to the child you get. i have had ages 4 months to 16 years so difficult to cater for all. Just get a range of neutral toys, some cars, basic dolls, mr potato head , a ds etc and definately keep the clothes.

Yes agreed a uni sex decor,

Thanks will send DH up to the loft with all the toys & stuff .

My spare room is very neutral but if FC is of an age to choose then I let them pick Stickarounds for the walls (stickers that you can later remove without them pulling off the paper - quite often fall off in the middle of the night though!).

You can get babies in respite - I've put mine in occasionally - but I would send a travel cot with them if needed so I wouldn't worry about putting in a cot, stick to a single bed. If you have the space then keep the clothes but you can definitely go overboard (speaking from experience!!). I have a loft full of clothes that I now can't bear to get rid of because they remind me of past children - far more than any child could ever wear!

I also keep a stash of toys - jigsaws, garage, farm, lego/duplo - but a child coming for respite will likely bring their favourite toys with them.

Could you get bunk beds for siblings so you still keep some floor space? (Not sure if bunk beds are allowed though...)

Best of luck with you assessment.

We bought a bed from Argos that has a second pull out bed underneath. So one bed if we only have 1 child, 2 beds for when we have 2.

Ooh that's a good idea M!

Hi Lego is always a winner for all ages and sexes may I also suggest a wii they are a winner and is a fab communal game that can be played by al can pick up seconed hand one and games on eBay

If you have a selection of duvet covers for different ages/interests children can pick one they like when they arrive, it makes their room a bit more personal. We have some stick-around stickers that have letters on so they can add their name to the door if they would like to. Definitely stay gender neutral on decor and you can make it personal and brighten it up with accessories etc.

I would go with a simple wall colour like white, and then with a striped ceiling like this, makes it suitable for young or older.

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=room+with+a+striped+ceiling&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=687&bih=647&tbm=isch&tbnid=QY-JN7NFYscYOM:&imgrefurl=www.housetohome.co.uk/room-idea/picture/how-to-add-colour-to-a-childrens-room/10&docid=9S9AvY6_xgv8JM&imgurl=housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96%25257C00000e400%25257C1023_orh550w550_wallpaper-ceiling1.jpg&w=550&h=550&ei=VT6ZT-XQFeaW0QX0nZ3-BQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=263&sig=100577822224436180027&page=1&tbnh=134&tbnw=124&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=room+with+a+striped+ceiling&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=687&bih=647&tbm=isch&tbnid=QY-JN7NFYscYOM:&imgrefurl=www.housetohome.co.uk/room-idea/picture/how-to-add-colour-to-a-childrens-room/10&docid=9S9AvY6_xgv8JM&imgurl=housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96%25257C00000e400%25257C1023_orh550w550_wallpaper-ceiling1.jpg&w=550&h=550&ei=VT6ZT-XQFeaW0QX0nZ3-BQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=263&sig=100577822224436180027&page=1&tbnh=134&tbnw=124&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:69&tx=61&ty=53

interiorly.wordpress.com/2010/08/01/linear-thinking/dining-room-striped-ceiling/

Then go for a unisex bedding like check, spots or stripes

www.serenedreams.co.uk/acatalog/gingham_stripe_bedding.html

and then for drawers/wardrobe just keep it simple/plain white - for sibling maybe you could have a trucklebed. That way it won't take up floor space.

Love the striped ceiling welove

If you do have enough floor space and were going to get a bed you could maybe get a cot bed. You can sleep in a cotbed until you are about 5, I suppose depending on the size of the child.

Bunks, for the age range you are taking, I would say no.

Good luck

Hello

I have just registered as a foster carer and I am approved children aged 0-10 years and sibling groups for respite, short term and long term care. I have painted the walls white and got a Duvet cover from Argos with plain curtains

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9387999/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CHome+and+furniture%7C14417894/c_2/2%7C14417894%7CBedding+and+electric+blankets%7C14417895/c_3/3%7Ccat_14417895%7CDuvet+cover+sets%7C27718453.htm

The agency provided wardrobes, draws and bunk beds and reimbursed the cost of the bedding duvets and pillows. I also have a variety of duvet covers from my own children for a child to choose. The room looks good, clean and fresh.

Good Luck ? I had my fist child during the summer holidays for two weeks respite care, she chose a High School Musical bedding which was my Daughters a few years ago

Cork pinboards or magnetic boards are good to have a couple of; the child can pin up favourite photographs e.g. of Grandparents, auntie or whatnot, and their artwork and bits and bats from school - will help personalise the room quickly but not do any permanent damage to walls.

A few simple child related items help make a room welcoming - couple of stuffed toys, fluffy cushion on bed, cd player etc, but not too much stuff - just enough to make the room welcoming and not cold and 'institutional' but leaving room for their belongings if they have any (many foster children arrive initially with few belongings e.g if they have just been removed from birth home).

I have 2 short term rooms and rather than do neutral, which can seem cold and uni citing, especially at 4 am, we have themes in our rooms. 1 is space, we have planet mobiles, star lamps and bedding, a moon rug and some other bits. It's very warm and inviting, but can be changed very easily to suit each individual child. Our second room has a dolphin theme, with bedding and blue colours. We foster from 0-18 and never had any complaints, and I prefer it to a blank room.

As for toys, we have a wii and a box if toys for every age. Lego, remote control toys, colouring pencils, musical toys,a magna doodle, playmobil and barbies and superheroes make a good start. We have lotta of cuddly toys too. If we are on the emergency list I keep a variety pack if cereal in as few children can resist those! We also have a couple of old mp3 players and a payg mobile for older children.

That sounds lovely parsnip

Lovely thread to read- some great ideas.. I wish I had a bigger house. I have 2 bedrooms and 2 dd's -but maybe if the do leave home one day I will be able to offer some fostering.

You are all amazing