Private fostering

The role of school staff in private fostering

Parents and carers often fail to notify schools about private fostering arrangements even though they are legally required to notify Specialist Children's Services.  Often this is because they are unaware of the requirements.  They believe that this is a private family arrangement which does not concern anybody else. 

This lack of awareness means that many privately fostered children remain hidden and can be vulnerable, as in the case of Victoria Climbie who was a privately fostered child.

What is private fostering?

Private fostering occurs when a child under 16 (or 18 if the child is disabled) is cared for and lives with an adult who is not a relative for 28 days or more. This could be a step parent (by marriage or civil partnership), grandparent, step grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt.

Private fostering is a private arrangement made by the parent(s), (or those with parental responsibility) for someone to care for their child because they are unable to do so (permanently or temporarily).  This may be due to parental ill health, a parent going abroad or in to prison, a child being bought to the UK to study English or the relationship between the child and parent has broken down.

School staff's role

School staff play an essential role in identifying privately fostered children. If you know a child is being privately fostered you should tell the parent/carer that they must report the arrangement to Kent County Council at least six weeks before it happens or within 48 hours if the arrangement is current having been made in an emergency.

Make a referral

You can make referrals by telephone on 03000 41 11 11.

More information

More information and resources are available on Kent Safeguarding Board's website. The Private Fostering Association's website also has tips for Education Authorities.