Redbridge Needs
Foster Carers
Foster With London's Local Agency
Why Redbridge Needs Foster Carers
Every year, children in Redbridge come into care for a range of reasons. Sometimes families are going through difficult periods, and children need a safe, stable home while things are resolved.
Foster carers play a vital role in providing that stability. A consistent, caring home can help a child feel safe, supported, and able to focus on school, friendships, and their future.
There is a particular need for local foster carers in Redbridge. When children can stay close to where they live, it helps them maintain important connections — whether that’s school, friendships, or extended family.
Last year, we were asked to find homes for 225 children, including 6 babies, highlighting the ongoing need for foster carers across the borough.
Fostering in Redbridge
Redbridge is a diverse and vibrant borough made up of many distinct communities. From Ilford and Seven Kings to Wanstead, Woodford, Barkingside and Hainault, each area has its own character and strong local identity.
Fostering locally allows children to remain connected to their familiar surroundings. Staying in the same school or continuing activities they enjoy can make a significant difference during what is often a challenging time.
We are actively looking for foster carers across all parts of Redbridge, including:
Ilford
Seven Kings
Barkingside
South Woodford
Wanstead
Gants Hill
Hainault
If you’re interested in supporting children in your local area, you can learn more about
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/becoming-a-foster-carer/
We asked our carer Jacqui, why did you start fostering?
“We wanted to give something back locally, and fostering allowed us to support children right here in our community.”
Why Redbridge Needs Foster Carers
Every year, children in Redbridge come into care for a range of reasons. Sometimes families are going through difficult periods, and children need a safe, stable home while things are resolved.
Foster carers play a vital role in providing that stability. A consistent, caring home can help a child feel safe, supported, and able to focus on school, friendships, and their future.
There is a particular need for local foster carers in Redbridge. When children can stay close to where they live, it helps them maintain important connections — whether that’s school, friendships, or extended family.
Last year, we were asked to find homes for 225 children, including 6 babies, highlighting the ongoing need for foster carers across the borough.
Fostering in Redbridge
Redbridge is a diverse and vibrant borough made up of many distinct communities. From Ilford and Seven Kings to Wanstead, Woodford, Barkingside and Hainault, each area has its own character and strong local identity.
Fostering locally allows children to remain connected to their familiar surroundings. Staying in the same school or continuing activities they enjoy can make a significant difference during what is often a challenging time.
We are actively looking for foster carers across all parts of Redbridge, including:
Ilford
Seven Kings
Barkingside
South Woodford
Wanstead
Gants Hill
Hainault
If you’re interested in supporting children in your local area, you can learn more about
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/becoming-a-foster-carer/
About the Redbridge Community
Redbridge offers a balance of urban convenience and green space, making it an excellent place for families.
The borough is home to beautiful outdoor spaces such as Valentines Park, one of the largest green spaces in East London, as well as Fairlop Waters and Hainault Forest Country Park.
There are strong transport links, including the Central Line, connecting areas like Gants Hill, Redbridge, and Wanstead directly into central London. Major roads such as the A12 and A406 also make travel accessible.
Redbridge has a strong sense of community, with local markets, independent shops, and well-established schools. These connections are incredibly important for children in care, helping them feel part of everyday life.
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from all walks of life. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable, and caring home.
You don’t need to be married, own your home, or have previous fostering experience. Many of our carers bring valuable life experience from parenting, work, or simply supporting others.
In most cases, you will need a spare bedroom.
However, Greater London Fostering is actively recruiting baby-only foster carers, and in these situations:
A spare bedroom may not always be required
Babies can sleep in a cot in your bedroom
You can learn more about eligibility here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-carer-requirements/
What Kind of Person Makes a Good Foster Carer?
Fostering is about consistency, patience, and understanding.
You may be well suited if you are:
Calm and resilient during challenging moments
Able to listen and build trust with children
Organised and able to work as part of a team
Willing to learn through training and support
Many carers tell us that fostering is not about being perfect — it’s about being present, reliable, and committed.
Financial Support For Foster Carers
People don’t become foster carers because of the money. They do it to make a difference in a child’s life.
But it’s equally true that fostering needs to be financially manageable, so that carers can focus fully on providing stability and care.
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to support them in their role.
At Greater London Fostering, this is currently:
£479.50 per week for children aged 10 and under
£507.50 per week for children aged 11 and over
This payment is made up of two parts. The first is to cover the day-to-day costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, activities, and household expenses. The second is a professional reward, recognising the time, commitment, and responsibility involved in fostering.
Foster carers are not expected to manage financially on their own. Alongside the weekly allowance, you will also receive guidance, training, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.
For many people, fostering becomes both a meaningful way to support children and a sustainable role within their household.
If you would like to explore this in more detail, you can read more here:
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/foster-care-money/
How to Become a Foster Carer
The process is straightforward and supportive:
Initial conversation with our team
Home visit to talk things through
Skills to Foster training
Application and assessment
Panel approval
We guide you through each stage at your pace.
Take the First Step
If you’re considering fostering in Redbridge, we’re here to help you explore whether it’s right for you.
There’s no pressure — just a conversation.
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/contact-us/
👉 https://greaterlondonfostering.org/lp/arrange-a-call-back/
❓ FAQs
Can I foster if I live in Redbridge?
Yes, we welcome applications from people across Redbridge and surrounding areas.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
In most cases yes, but for baby fostering this is not always required.
Can I foster a baby without a spare room?
Yes, babies can sleep in a cot in your bedroom in some fostering arrangements.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Payments start from £479.50 per week depending on the child’s age.
Do I need experience with children?
No, full training and support are provided.