Hllingdon needs you To Foster
To become a foster carer
Across the London Borough of Hillingdon, there are children and young people who cannot currently live with their birth families and need safe and supportive homes. Foster carers provide stability, encouragement and care while plans are made for a child’s future.
When children can remain close to their schools, friends and communities, it can make a significant difference to their wellbeing. That is why having foster carers living in Hillingdon and the surrounding areas is so important.
Greater London Fostering works with foster carers across London, including families living in Hillingdon, helping to provide safe and nurturing homes for children who need care.
If you are exploring fostering for the first time, you may find it helpful to learn more about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Hillingdon
The London Borough of Hillingdon is the westernmost borough in Greater London and includes communities such as Uxbridge, Hayes, Ruislip, West Drayton, Northwood and Hillingdon. Families across the borough sometimes experience circumstances that mean children need temporary or longer-term care outside their birth families.
When foster carers live locally, children are more likely to remain connected to their schools, friendships and local support networks. Foster carers living in Hillingdon can help provide stability and reassurance during difficult periods in a child’s life.
You can learn more about fostering and what the role involves on our fostering a child page.
About the Hillingdon Community
Hillingdon combines busy town centres with large green spaces and residential neighbourhoods. The borough includes well-known locations such as Ruislip Lido, Colne Valley Regional Park and Uxbridge town centre, which provide popular places for families and communities to spend time together.
The borough benefits from excellent transport links including the Metropolitan Line, Piccadilly Line and Elizabeth Line, as well as easy access to Heathrow Airport and the M25.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to familiar places such as their schools, parks and neighbourhoods can help them feel more secure during a difficult transition.
We asked our carer Jacqui, what's the best thing about fostering?
Everyday is different, I'm never bored, that's probably the best thing. It's not like raising your own children, you have to face different challenges everyday.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from many different backgrounds and professions. Some people have experience working with children, while others bring valuable life experience, patience and empathy.
What matters most is the ability to provide a safe and supportive home environment.
Many foster carers have a spare bedroom and time to support a child, allowing them to care for children who need temporary or longer-term homes.
However, Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting carers who are able to care for babies only. In these situations, a spare bedroom may not always be required because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
This means some households who previously believed fostering was not possible may still be able to help.
You can learn more about eligibility on our foster carer requirements page.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to help you understand the role and prepare for fostering.
For many people, the first step is simply speaking with our team to ask questions and learn more about fostering.
The process usually includes:
speaking with a member of our recruitment team
an introductory visit to learn more about your household and lifestyle
attending Skills to Foster training, a two-day course introducing fostering
completing a fostering application
a full fostering assessment with a social worker
approval through an independent fostering panel
You can read more about the process on our fostering guide.
Financial Support for Foster Carers
Foster carers receive financial support to help cover the costs involved in caring for a child and to recognise the commitment required.
At Greater London Fostering, carers currently receive:
£479.50 per week to care for a child aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week to care for a child aged 11 and over
This weekly payment includes both the costs involved in caring for a child and a reward element recognising the important role foster carers play.
You can read more about payments on our foster care payments page.
Taking the First Step Towards Fostering
Many foster carers say the most difficult step was simply making the first enquiry.
Speaking with someone from our team can help you understand the fostering process, ask questions and explore whether fostering might be right for you.
You can:
Even a short conversation can help you understand whether fostering might be right for you.
Areas in Hillingdon That Need Foster Carers
Foster carers are needed across the borough, including:
Uxbridge
Hayes
Ruislip
Northwood
West Drayton
Hillingdon
Having foster carers across these communities helps children remain closer to their schools and local support networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Hillingdon?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Hillingdon and surrounding areas and provide homes for children from across London.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most situations foster carers need a spare bedroom so the child placed with them has their own private space.
However carers who are able to care for babies may not need a separate bedroom because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s room.
Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?
Yes. Some carers who look after babies may not need a separate bedroom because the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
How much do foster carers receive?
Greater London Fostering currently pays £479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over.
Do I need experience working with children?
No previous professional experience is required. Training and ongoing support are provided.