Fostering in Kensington and Chelsea
We need new foster carers in K&C
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea includes communities such as Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Earl’s Court, South Kensington and Chelsea. 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 neighbourhoods. Foster carers living in Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea Community
Kensington and Chelsea is one of London’s most well-known boroughs, with neighbourhoods that combine historic architecture, vibrant communities and world-famous cultural landmarks.
The borough includes locations such as Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market, the Natural History Museum and Kensington Gardens, alongside residential neighbourhoods and community spaces.
The area benefits from excellent transport connections including the District, Circle and Piccadilly Lines, making it easy to travel across London.
For children entering foster care, remaining close to familiar places such as their schools, parks and communities can help them feel more secure during a difficult time.
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 availability 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.
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.
The process typically includes:
speaking with a member of our recruitment team
an introductory visit to learn more about fostering
attending Skills to Foster training
completing a fostering application
a 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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I live in Kensington or Chelsea?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Kensington, Chelsea and surrounding parts of West London 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 look after babies only may not always need a separate bedroom because babies can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
Can I foster a baby without a spare bedroom?
Yes. Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting carers who can care for babies only, and in these situations a separate bedroom may not always be required.
How much do foster carers receive?
Greater London Fostering currently pays:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
Do I need experience working with children to foster?
No. Many foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Training, guidance and ongoing support are provided.