Newham needs
Foster Carers
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Why Newham Needs Foster Carers
Across the London Borough of Newham, many children and young people cannot remain with their birth families for a period of time. When this happens, foster carers provide safe, stable homes where children can feel supported while plans are made for their future.
Newham is one of London’s most diverse and vibrant boroughs, and it also has a significant number of children who need care and support. At any one time there are over 400 children in care in Newham, and every year more children come into care because their families need additional help.
Local foster carers play an essential role in helping these children remain connected to their communities. When children can stay close to their neighbourhood, they are often able to remain at the same school, keep their friendships, and continue with familiar activities.
This sense of continuity can be incredibly important for children during uncertain periods in their lives.
At Greater London Fostering, we regularly work with Newham to help find suitable foster homes. Last year we were asked to help find homes for 164 children from Newham, including 16 babies.
This shows just how important it is to have more local foster carers available across the borough.
Fostering in Newham
Fostering in Newham helps children stay connected to the places and people that matter to them. Being able to remain close to their school, local parks and community networks can make a significant difference when a child is going through a difficult time.
Newham is made up of many neighbourhoods, each with its own schools, communities and local identity. Foster carers are needed across the borough, including in areas such as Stratford, East Ham and West Ham.
There is also a strong need for foster carers in Plaistow, Forest Gate and Manor Park, where local carers can help children remain close to their schools and extended family networks.
Other communities across the borough, including Canning Town, Beckton, Custom House and the Royal Docks area, are also places where local foster carers can make an important difference.
When children are placed with foster carers in their own borough, they are often able to stay at the same school, maintain friendships and continue taking part in familiar activities. These small but important connections can help children feel more secure while they are living with foster carers.
If you are interested in supporting children in your community, you can learn more about the process of Becoming a Foster Carer and what fostering involves.
About the Newham Community
Newham is a dynamic and fast-growing part of East London, known for its cultural diversity, strong local communities and excellent transport connections.
One of the borough’s most recognisable landmarks is Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which was developed for the 2012 Olympic Games and remains a major recreational space for local families. Nearby Westfield Stratford City has also become one of London’s largest shopping and leisure destinations.
The borough is also home to the historic Green Street market area, popular high streets in East Ham, and the developing waterfront communities around Royal Docks and Silvertown.
Newham has many parks and open spaces where families spend time together, including West Ham Park, Central Park in East Ham, and riverside areas along the Thames.
Transport links across Newham are excellent, with access to the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, District Line, DLR and extensive bus routes, making it easy to travel across London.
For children who need foster care, remaining in a familiar borough can help maintain routines and relationships. This is one of the reasons why having more local foster carers across Newham is so important.
We asked our carer Jacqui, why she fosters?
“We wanted to help children close to where we live. Fostering means young people can stay near their school and friends, and that makes a huge difference during a difficult time.”
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
People from many different backgrounds become successful foster carers. What matters most is having the patience, stability and commitment to support a child who may be going through a difficult time.
You do not need to be a homeowner, and you do not need to be married or have children of your own. Many carers bring valuable life experience from their work, family life, or community involvement.
In most cases, foster carers will need a spare bedroom so that a child has their own private space.
Greater London Fostering is also actively recruiting baby-only foster carers.
In these situations, a spare bedroom may not always be required because babies can sleep safely in a cot within the foster carer’s bedroom during their earliest months.
You can read more about the expectations for foster carers on our Foster Carer Requirements page.
Financial Support
Foster carers receive financial support that recognises both the costs of caring for a child and the professional role that foster carers play.
At Greater London Fostering, payments currently include:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
These payments include:
the cost of caring for the child
a professional reward element
ongoing support and guidance from our fostering team
You can find more details about payments on our Foster Care Payments page.
How to Become a Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer involves a structured process designed to ensure carers feel prepared and supported.
The process typically includes:
Speaking with our recruitment team
An initial home visit to talk about fostering in more detail
Attending Skills to Foster preparation training
Completing a fostering application
A detailed fostering assessment
Approval by an independent fostering panel
Throughout the process you will be supported by experienced professionals who understand fostering and the needs of children in care.
The goal is to ensure that foster carers feel confident, well prepared and fully supported.
Take the First Step
Fostering can make a lasting difference to a child’s life. By providing a safe and stable home, foster carers help children stay connected to their communities while they receive the care and support they need.
If you live in Newham and have been thinking about fostering, the first step is simply having a conversation with our team.
You can contact us directly through our Contact Us page or request a call using our Arrange a Call Back form.
Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you explore whether fostering might be right for you.
Areas of Newham Where Foster Carers Are Needed
Children across the London Borough of Newham sometimes need safe and supportive foster homes. Having foster carers living in different parts of the borough helps children stay close to their schools, friendships and communities.
Greater London Fostering is currently looking for foster carers in neighbourhoods across Newham, including:
Local foster carers help children remain connected to their communities, which can make a significant difference during a challenging period in their lives.
If you live in Newham and have been thinking about fostering, we would be happy to talk with you about how you could support children in your area.
FAQs
Can I foster if I live in Newham?
Yes. If you live in the London Borough of Newham or nearby areas, you can apply to become a foster carer with Greater London Fostering.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases a spare bedroom is required so that a foster child has their own space. However, for baby placements this is not always necessary.
Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Yes. Some carers provide short-term care for babies, and in these cases the baby can sleep in a cot in the foster carer’s bedroom.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers with Greater London Fostering receive £479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under and £507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over, alongside training and support.
Do I need experience with children to foster?
Many foster carers have previous experience with children, but it is not essential. Training and support are provided to help you develop the skills needed.