Balancing career and caring in Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands
This article is based on current practice and comments made by active foster carers and is written by Martin George — Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance, Responsible Individual and Agency Decision Maker at New Chapters Fostercare.
Introduction: Why fostering while working is a common question
It is a common and important question: can you foster and still keep working? The short answer is yes — but there are considerations that both applicants and fostering agencies must take into account. The main issue is whether a foster carer’s work is flexible enough to respond to a child’s needs, including unexpected circumstances.
Agencies like New Chapters Fostercare in Shropshire and Staffordshire look closely at this during assessment, ensuring any arrangement is sustainable for the carer, the child and the wider fostering team.
Another factor is the cost of living. While fostering does provide financial support, it is not the same as a full salary, and foster carers do not receive pay during times when a child is not living with them. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an early conversation with your employer to explore how flexible they can be.
Fostering alongside other work commitments
During your assessment, the fostering agency will ask about the type of work you do, your hours and your employer’s flexibility. This helps determine whether fostering is realistic for you — and what type of fostering may fit best.
Foster carers who provide long-term or short-term care need to be able to prioritise a child’s needs, even if it means rearranging work. Couples often coordinate their work schedules to ensure one adult is always available.
Working during school hours can sometimes fit well, provided plans are in place for school holidays. Respite fostering, which is usually planned in advance, can be easier to manage alongside other work.
It’s also important to understand how fostering pay works. You can read more about this in our article on Foster Care Pay and Allowances.
Legal and regulatory context
All fostering in England is regulated under the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. Agencies such as New Chapters are regularly inspected by Ofsted, who assess whether carers and agencies are providing safe, high-quality care.
When assessing whether you can foster while working, agencies must follow these regulations. They look at factors such as:
This regulatory framework is designed to protect children and ensure that fostering is sustainable for families. Knowing that national standards guide the process can reassure applicants that they will not be set up to fail.
Real life examples of working alongside being a foster carer
At New Chapters, we have many carers who successfully balance fostering with other work. For example, two of our foster carers are teachers. One told us:
“Fitting conversations and meetings around my work schedule as a Head Teacher, with assessments taking place outside working hours, the agency’s support has been fantastic. I have access to the agency’s network of carers with whom I share ideas, and the professional and personable team in the office — fostering has become a truly fulfilling and rewarding experience.”
Another foster carer works bank shifts as a midwife alongside parent and child placements, which usually last 12–16 weeks.
Others combine fostering with part-time nursery or voluntary work. One nursery worker explained:
“I look after twin girls who came to me age 11 (now 16) and I also work at a nursery. I’m very lucky that I have my employer’s full support which allows me to attend meetings and training. Working and foster care can work with the right level of support and flexibility.”
For some, balancing work and fostering has led to positive lifestyle changes. As one carer shared:
“Balancing work alongside fostering has been challenging but also allowed us the time to reflect on the type of work we want to fit into our family lifestyle. Working part time has enabled me to attend lots of the training offered by New Chapters, helping me to feel more confident and grounded in my fostering role. My partner has recently changed careers to a role that better suits his needs, and allows us more opportunity to plan for family activities.”
These real-life examples show that fostering while working is not only possible, but can also be a positive and rewarding experience when the right support is in place.
Practical tips for fostering while working
If you are considering fostering alongside a job, here are some steps that can make the process easier:
Taking these steps not only shows the agency that you are prepared, but also makes day-to-day fostering more manageable.
Conclusion
Every fostering household is different, and the key is finding the right balance between work and care. At New Chapters Fostercare, we support applicants in Shropshire, Staffordshire and across the West Midlands to explore what works best for them.
If fostering appeals to you, we recommend an open conversation with both your employer and our team — so we can help you plan a sustainable path into fostering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I work full time?
Yes, but it depends on the flexibility of your job and support arrangements. Fostering agencies need to be sure that you can prioritise a child’s needs, including emergencies or school holidays.
Do foster carers get paid when they don’t have a placement?
No. Foster carers only receive allowances when a child is living with them. You can read more about this in our {link Foster Care Pay and Allowances} guide.
What jobs fit best with fostering?
Flexible or part-time work often fits well with fostering. Many carers balance fostering with teaching, nursery work, healthcare, or voluntary sector roles.
Can couples who both work still foster?
Yes. Many couples arrange their schedules so that one adult is always available to meet the child’s needs. Agencies look at this as part of the assessment.
What support will I get from New Chapters Fostercare?
You’ll have access to training, a dedicated support worker, and a network of local carers across Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
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