Become a holiday foster carer for Bradford Council
We know our colleagues make a difference to so many people’s lives every day. We truly believe that many people who work for Bradford Council could have something even greater to offer local children in care as well.
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Did you know that you can become a foster carer whilst still working for the Council as a part-time holiday carer? As a Bradford Council employee, you already have many of the qualities and attributes we look for in our foster carers and we will be flexible as an employer to make sure you get the right support and training too.
"Fostering is the best job you can have, but it is so much more than a job"
- Kal and Ash, foster carers​​
What does a holiday foster carer do?
As a holiday foster carer, you will look after children and young people for short periods of up to 2 weeks, providing respite to the primary caregiver.
This is why you’ll sometimes hear our holiday carers called respite carers - you’ll be providing essential respite and support to full-time foster carers in the Bradford district.
As a Bradford Council employee, you already have many of the skills and qualities needed to foster a child.
Our shared values of community, positivity, engagement, responsibility and flexibility are what makes people working for Bradford Council great, and we’d love to help you become a holiday foster carer with us.
Bradford Council is a Fostering Friendly Employer
If you work for Bradford Council, you will be pleased to know that we are a ‘Fostering Friendly Employer’, which means, as an employer, we understand and value the contribution foster carers make to the lives of looked after children and their local communities.
We are committed to supporting you and your family on your fostering journey with additional paid time off during the application process for training and placements.
We understand you may prefer flexible working hours and require unexpected time off when you are looking after a child. As a foster carer, you will be entitled to exactly the same rights as any other parent so you can support your family.
How much time do I need to dedicate as a holiday foster carer?
Our holiday foster carers offer a range of part-time care according to their own availability and choice. Demand for respite placements is always higher during the school holidays and at weekends.
When you begin your fostering journey, we will discuss your availability and your individual needs and make a decision that is right for you and your family.
Other fostering options
We also offer other part-time fostering options, which may be better suited to your current circumstances and drive to support children from our district.
Learn more about these different types of fostering by downloading our information pack.
How much do holiday foster carers get paid?
Though money may not be your main focus when considering foster care, it is important to know how much you could earn as a holiday foster carer for Bradford Fostering.
Holiday foster carers are paid for each session they look after a child or young person.
Depending on the age of the child and your level of experience, you could earn up to £50.52 per day to look after a child in the Bradford district.
To learn more about our rates, please download our rates sheet.
Are there any special requirements to be a holiday foster carer?
Though part-time foster carers don’t look after a child full-time, you still need to meet all of the national fostering requirements.
This includes being aged over 21, having a spare bedroom and fluency in the English language. You can learn more about our fostering requirements here.
If you would like to foster children who have complex health needs or disabilities who require part-time specialist care, you may have to have experience in this area.
If this is an area of fostering you are interested in, we are always looking for foster families who can provide specialist care as well.
Upcoming events
- Drop in session @ Wibsey Library 14th DecSat 14 DecWibsey Library
- Shipley library drop in & chat - 16th OctoberWed 16 OctShipley Library
- Drop in session @ Wibsey Library - 21st SeptSat 21 SeptWibsey Library
- Shipley library drop in & chat - 17th JulyWed 17 JulShipley Library
- Drop in session @ Wibsey Library 15th JuneSat 15 JunWibsey Library
- online info event - 16th MayThu 16 MayDelivered online via Zoom
- Shipley library drop in & chat - 17th AprilWed 17 AprShipley Library
- Drop in session @ Wibsey Library 16th MarchSat 16 MarWibsey Library
- online info event - 21st FebWed 21 FebDelivered online via Zoom
- Shipley library drop in & chat - 17th JanuaryWed 17 JanShipley Library
- Bowling Park Lodge Cafe drop in - 18th NovSat 18 NovBradford
- Shipley library drop in & chat - 12th October 2023Thu 12 OctShipley Library
- Online information event - 27th SeptWed 27 SeptZoom
- Keighley & District Agricultural Show, Sat 2nd SeptSat 02 SeptMarley Fields
- Bowling Park Lodge Cafe drop in - 19th AugSat 19 AugBowling Park Lodge Cafe
- Keighley PrideSat 12 AugCougar Park
- Shipley Library Drop In Event - 13th July 2023Thu 13 JulShipley Library
- Wilsden Gala - Sun 2nd JulySun 02 JulWilsden Cricket Club
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