Job Description

Foster Carer (Home-Based) --

Location:

London & surrounding areas

(applications welcomed across the South East)

Job type:

Self-employed (full-time fostering; respite and short-breaks also available)

Pay:

From

420-750 per child, per week

(enhanced rates for complex needs/parent-and-child placements) + mileage & allowances. Generous HMRC qualifying care tax relief applies.

Employer:

AF Services

-- Fostering with Care and Compassion (Ofsted-registered Independent Fostering Agency)

About Us

AF Services is a child-centred IFA. Our approach puts each child's voice, education, and wellbeing at the heart of every decision. We provide 24/7 support, high-quality training, and a close, wraparound team so you can change a child's life and thrive as a carer.

The role

As a foster carer you'll provide a safe, stable and nurturing family home for children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. You'll work as part of a professional team to help them feel safe, succeed at school, build life skills and maintain important relationships.

What you'll do

Offer day-to-day care, routines, and a warm, therapeutic home life. Support education (school runs, homework, EHCP plans), health appointments and hobbies. Promote contact with family where appropriate and work closely with professionals. Keep clear records and contribute to meetings and care planning. Use trauma-informed approaches (e.g., PACE, attachment-aware practice) to support behaviour and emotional regulation. Follow safeguarding policies at all times.
What we're looking for

A spare bedroom

in your home and the time, space and commitment to care.

Over 21

and living in the UK with the

right to work/reside

. Patience, resilience, and a genuine desire to champion children. Ability to work in partnership with social workers, schools and families. Driving licence and car are helpful (not essential in all cases). Experience with children/young people (personal or professional) is an advantage--

full training provided

.
What you'll receive

Weekly fostering payments

per child, plus mileage, equipment and holiday/respite support.

24/7 on-call support

and a dedicated Supervising Social Worker.

Small caseload ethos

and frequent reflective support sessions. Supported

bespoke training

to ensure you are central to your development.

Accredited training

(TSD Standards, Safeguarding, First Aid, Attachment/Trauma, Safer Care, Education & SEND). Peer networks, carer forums and regular appreciation events.
Diversity & inclusion

We

welcome carers from all backgrounds

--single, married or partnered, homeowners or renters, any faith or none. What matters is your capacity to provide safety, stability and care

Job Types: Freelance, Zero hours contract

Pay: 420.00-750.00 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexitime Work from home
Work Location: Remote