Kingston upon Thames Needs Foster Carers
Become a GLF Carer - London's IFA
Across the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, 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 Kingston and surrounding areas is so important.
Greater London Fostering supports foster carers across London, including families living in Kingston upon Thames, 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 Kingston upon Thames
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames includes communities such as Surbiton, New Malden, Tolworth, Chessington and Kingston town centre. 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 Kingston 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.
“We live in South West London and wanted to help children who needed stability and encouragement. Fostering has been incredibly rewarding, and the support from the GLF team means we always feel supported throughout the journey.”
About the Kingston upon Thames Community
Kingston upon Thames is a historic borough in South West London, known for its riverside setting and strong community feel. The area includes popular locations such as Kingston town centre, Bushy Park, Richmond Park and the River Thames riverside walks.
The borough has excellent transport links with South Western Railway services into London Waterloo, along with nearby access to the A3 for travel across London and Surrey.
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 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.
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 Kingston upon Thames?
Yes. Many foster carers live in Kingston and surrounding areas such as Surbiton, New Malden and Tolworth 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.