Work p/t - can I foster?

[Ipushedmygrannyaffabus]

Hi, been desperate to foster for years and now in a position to do so (spare room, family support etc). I work 9-5 5 days a fortnight. Would I be allowed to foster without giving up my job? Also, my parter works away 4 weeks out of every 6, but is home full-time the remaining 2. I'd be aiming to foster kids aged 4+ (ie school aged). My mum (ex foster carer herself) would be available to help with after school care on the days I'm working tho my job does also offer flexi time.
Do you think it would be worthwhile me approaching my LA or is working whilst fostering a complete no-no?

Always worth approaching them especially as you seem to have a lot of support. I think you will need to be prepared to answer questions though - some that spring to mind straight away are:

The child will need to bond with at least ONE of the people they're living with. I try to avoid anyone else doing any "caring" jobs for about 4-6 months to encourage attachment. Foster children usually come from very chaotic lives and the less people involved in their care initially the better.

There are LOTS of appointments when a child is first placed. None of these will be arranged at your convenience. Lots of them will be cancelled and re-arranged last minute, and you will be the last to be informed of the new times! Will your work be okay with that?

Just because a child is "school aged" doesn't mean they go to school! I've known 5/6 year olds excluded. Also, don't assume their school will be local. I currently do a 40 mile round trip, twice a day. This is short compared to other carers in my LA.

All things to consider, but nothing that should put you off if you've been desperate to foster for years. Good luck!

I work 4 days a week, but in a school, so that makes it easier with the school holidays. Appointments are after school or in the holidays or I rearrange for my day off. I'm very lucky in that my LEA does school transport during the week, although I do it on my day off

Thanks for the info - these are things I'll definately need to think about. I work for a local authority, they say they are family friendly - I,ll need to check what their policies are regarding time off for appts. Glad to know it's not a complete no-no but yes, I had presumed 'school aged' would mean they would be at school in term time. Bit of naivety from me there! So much to think about.

Also consider contact with family of a school aged child is very often straight after school and could be 5 days a week and you would need to transport them there and then collect to bring home, good luck

Just want to add that not all LA expect you to do transport either for school or contact.