More Information

Understanding Behaviours

very child and young person can present with a behaviour which is hard to understand, manage and change. This article will look at some common factors that have an impact on behaviour. However, each child is unique, so don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions. Think carefully about the specific child and consider whether any […]

Celebrating fostering at Parliament

I was delighted to be invited to a parliamentary reception on Wednesday, on behalf of Positive Aspirations, to celebrate the success of foster carers and fostering in the independent section. At the even a new report was launched, we highlights the impact that IFA foster carers, and  the support around them makes to children. It was an amazing […]

Why matching and placement stability are important

The more children move from fostering families to another, the more their ability to form secure attachments is impacted. Every broken attachment impacts throughout an individual’s life; their ability to trust others and their ability to form secure adult relationships. When thinking about children looked after, I always think it is important for foster carers to […]

Instagram boosts privacy and parental control on teen accounts

It may be useful to alert Foster Carers to this, and/or to open up /have a discussion with young people directly. Instagram is overhauling the way it works for teenagers, promising more “built-in protections” for young people and added controls and reassurance for parents. The new “teen accounts” were  introduced in the UK 17/9/24. They turn […]

Why Somatic Awareness Matters

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt tense, even though nothing seemed wrong? Or snapped at a colleague without realising you were carrying stress from an earlier situation? This isn’t just about mood—it’s about how our bodies process and hold on to experiences. Dr. Sorcha Mathews’ engaging session, “The Child Who Mistook a Smile […]

Focusing on Positive Outcomes for Children in Care

In the fast-paced world of fostering, it’s easy to become consumed by paperwork, procedures, and deadlines. Meetings, case files, and compliance checks often dominate our daily routines. But behind every document, every report, and every statistic lies something far more significant: a child’s story. At the heart of these stories are the “milestones”—the small yet powerful experiences […]

The stress of fostering

The end of the year is a time of reflection, so praise yourself for the difference you have made to children’s lives, this year. Opening your hearts and homes to children and young people can impact on you both personally and professionally. Often, without you being fully aware. Maintaining your own emotional wellbeing and energy is […]

Focusing on Positive Outcomes for Children in Care

In the fast-paced world of fostering, it’s easy to become consumed by paperwork, procedures, and deadlines. Meetings, case files, and compliance checks often dominate our daily routines. But behind every document, every report, and every statistic lies something far more significant: a child’s story. At the heart of these stories are the “milestones”—the small yet powerful experiences […]

NSPCC Practice Points : How can we hear and facilitate the voice of the child?

Pulling together key themes compiled from NSPCC : Listening to and capturing the voice of the child is central to effective safeguarding practice. It’s how we understand children’s lived experiences, hear their views about their lives and circumstances, and take effective action to support or safeguard them. Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights […]