Harrow Needs Foster Carers
Foster locally
Across the London Borough of Harrow, 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 huge difference to their wellbeing. That is why having foster carers living in Harrow and the surrounding areas is so important.
Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including families living in Harrow, 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 read more about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering in Harrow
The London Borough of Harrow includes communities such as Harrow-on-the-Hill, Pinner, Stanmore, Wealdstone, Rayners Lane and Kenton. 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 Harrow can help provide stability and reassurance during difficult periods in a child’s life.
You can learn more about the role foster carers play on our fostering a child page.
About the Harrow Community
Harrow is a diverse borough in North West London, known for its strong communities and excellent schools. The area includes landmarks such as Harrow School on the Hill, one of the most recognisable historic sites in the borough.
Harrow also offers a number of green spaces including Harrow Recreation Ground, Headstone Manor Park and Stanmore Country Park, which provide welcoming outdoor environments for families and children.
The borough benefits from strong transport connections via the Metropolitan Line, Bakerloo Line and National Rail services, making travel into central London and surrounding areas convenient.
“We live locally in North West London and wanted to do something meaningful for children in our community. Fostering with GLF has been incredibly rewarding, and the support we receive from the team means we always feel supported.”
You most likely have many inquiries concerning fostering.
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 Harrow That Need Foster Carers
Foster carers are needed across the borough, including:
Harrow-on-the-Hill
Pinner
Stanmore
Wealdstone
Rayners Lane
Kenton
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 Harrow?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Harrow 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.