Fostering with Swindon

07/09/2026

Myth Busted✔
I can't foster because I don't drive. Yes, you can!

Not being able to drive does not automatically stop you from becoming a foster carer. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable and loving home for a child.
During the assessment process, we will talk with you about how you would manage school runs, appointments, family time and other day-to-day activities to make sure fostering is right for you and the children you may care for. Many people successfully foster using public transport, support networks and other practical arrangements.

To understand what is involved take a look at our website at

Make reports, request council services and pay online at your convenience, without having to phone or visit. Use the search bar or links to quickly get to the page you need.

06/09/2026

As families across Swindon prepare for the new school year, many children will be thinking about new teachers, fresh uniforms and seeing friends again.
For children coming into foster care, however, a transition can mean something very different. It may involve leaving behind their home, school, belongings and sometimes even their brothers and sisters. At a time when life feels uncertain, foster carers provide the stability, care and reassurance children need to begin again, helping them navigate life's biggest changes in a safe, nurturing home.

Returning to school is another important milestone, and foster carers help children settle into new routines, make friends and grow in confidence.
One foster family described supporting a little girl who had previously missed much of her education. "She settled into her new school, made lots of friends and grew in confidence. On her last day before moving on, the school held a party for her. It showed just how much she meant to everyone."

Your Skills, Their Future!

04/09/2026

What is the Home from Home Scheme?
The Home from Home scheme provides regular, planned short stays for children and young people with additional needs. These stays take place in the homes of approved foster carers, giving families a much-needed break while ensuring their child receives high quality care in a warm, family-based setting. It’s more than just a break, it’s a chance for children to build new relationships, enjoy new experiences, and gain independence in a safe and supportive environment.

03/09/2026

Many people have to make changes to their home and living circumstances, resulting in a child living away from home for a period of time.

This can be as a result of a family breakdown, a parent working or studying away, young people training in sports academies or language schools, or even children from outside of the UK living with extended family or friends.

If these children are aged under 16 (or 18 with a disability), are being looked after by someone who is not their parent or close relative and they are likely to be there for more than 28 days, this could be a Private Fostering Arrangement.

If you know of a Private Fostering arrangement, or have any questions, please contact: [email protected]

Find out more on our website: Private fostering | Swindon Borough Council

02/09/2026

We're delighted that our recent event for children in our care and foster carers has been featured in Swindon 24. The day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our fostering community while highlighting the importance of recruiting more local foster carers, helping children stay close to their families, friends, schools and support networks.

Thank you to everyone who attended, including local councillors, council leaders and partners who shared their support in the article. Read more here:

Sam Mowbray said recruiting more foster carers is Swindon Borough Council's "number one challenge", with a shortage of suitable local homes having significant consequences. Ms Mowbray was speaking at a summer barbecue which brought together children in care, foster carers, social workers and coun

31/08/2026

Myth Busted ✔
I can't foster because I'm too old. Yes, you can!
There is no upper age limit for fostering. What matters most is that you can provide a safe, stable and loving home for a child. Your life experience, patience and resilience can be some of the greatest strengths you bring to fostering.

To understand what is involved take a look at our website at https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20175/about_fostering

30/08/2026

This August, we're shining a light on the children and young people in our community who need caring, supportive foster families. We'll be sharing a series of illustrative child profiles that represent the types of children and young people who are waiting for foster carers.

Every child is unique, with their own personality, strengths, and dreams for the future. By sharing these representative profiles, we hope to help our community better understand the diverse range of children who need safe, stable, and nurturing homes.

You could make a lasting difference in a child's life. Your skills, Their future!

28/08/2026

🌟 Your skills, their future! 🌟
Many children in residential care are ready to take the next step into a fostering family home where they can grow and thrive. If you have professional experience in education, health, social care, or beyond then you already have so much to offer.

By fostering a child stepping down from residential care, you can give them the stability, guidance, and love they need to move forward with confidence. 💙

Could you be the difference in their journey?