Learning together; learning from each other. Report of the 'Hard to Reach' Foster Carers Project

Abstract

Learning together; learning from each other provides guidance and recommendations on how fostering service providers might remove barriers to learning for 'hard to reach' foster carers, in particular men who foster. The guidance and recommendations have been developed through consultation with foster carers and fostering service providers and following a review of the literature. They form part of a practical toolkit designed to facilitate the achievement of the Children’s Workforce Development Council Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care in England. Learning together; learning from each other provides a brief overview of adult participation in learning in the UK and of foster carers’ engagement in learning. It includes definitions of learning, some findings from previous research on attitudes towards learning and factors affecting access to learning. The key message of this report is reflected in its title Learning together; learning from each other. This highlights the valued and interconnected contribution to fostering of learning with and from others. It also recognises that the factors affecting participation in learning vary from one individual to another. Some foster carers in 'hard to reach' groups do find ways to engage in learning. In this report the guidance and recommendations are set out as five focus points for fostering service providers. These five focus points articulate how fostering service providers can support the ‘learning journey’ of each foster carer. They are also applicable and relevant across the wider childcare workforce. The ultimate aim of the project is to have a positive impact on outcomes for children and young people.