Education, Health and Finance
If the child you are fostering is of school age you will need to discuss plans for their education before the placement starts.
It is best if both you and the parents can visit the relevant school before the placement starts so that you can:
- Give the name and address of the child’s previous school(s) so that school records can be transferred and the new school will be aware of the child’s progress and of any difficulties they have had.
- Discuss directly with the school the child’s background and educational needs. Racial, cultural and linguistic needs should also be considered.
- Discuss how long the child will be at the school, admission dates, parents’ evenings etc.
It is important that you regularly pass on to parents school reports and information about the child’s progress.
In some cases when the child concerned had been living abroad for a period of time they may need to have a medical examination before their entry into school. Children do not need to have the medical if any of the following apply:
- the child has been abroad for less than 6 months
- the child has been living in a country which is a member of the European Union (EU)
- the child’s parents are serving members of HM forces.
It is important that you get as much information as possible about the child’s medical history.
The parents should tell you about any illnesses, allergies etc. which their child has, and should give you the name and address of the child’s last GP. They should also give you any immunisation or other personally held medical records so that you can keep them updated during the placement.
A medical record should be kept for each child. Parents and private foster carers should ensure that full medical information is given before the placement starts, and that this is constantly updated and stored.
If the child needs non-emergency treatment, you should let the parents know, and discuss the matter fully with them before any treatment takes place, as during the placement the child’s parents retain all parental responsibilities.
It is possible for a parent to delegate some responsibilities to another adult, but they will need to record this clearly, in writing.
Any financial arrangement is made between you and the parents. Ideally, these arrangements should be should be set down in writing. Children and Young People's Services will not become involved in this arrangement.
If you are claiming any benefits, including Child Benefit, you will need to tell the Benefits Office that you have a private foster child. You should also let them know about any money you receive for private fostering.
You can get advice about benefits from Nottinghamshire Welfare Rights Service, Tel: (0115) 977 4018.
