Rotherham has a large and vibrant Muslim community within its population, including within our foster carer community. As a foster carer it is not essential that you share the same religion or cultural beliefs as your foster child, but it is of course key that you can meet their needs and that they are made to feel comfortable, safe and secure.
Read MoreDigital technology has become a part of everybody’s day to day life and whether you love it or not, it is here to stay. Children in particular are accessing the internet earlier and earlier and while it can be a fantastic resource for communication and learning, it is important that as their carers, we know how to keep them safe.
Read MoreIt is Children’s Mental Health Week and there has never been a more important time to express feelings and thoughts about mental health and wellbeing as the number of children affected by mental health issues continue to soar during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreThis year Children’s Mental Health Week takes place between 1st and 7th February 2021 and the theme is “Express Yourself”. The organisers, Place2Be, are encouraging children, young people and adults alike to explore different ways to express ourselves by sharing feelings, ideas, and thoughts through creative activities such as dance, drama, art, music, poetry, writing and film.
Read MoreIf you are supporting a foster child who has a different religion or cultural beliefs to yours or perhaps you have no religion, but your foster child has a strong faith, the best thing you can do is support them. There are various ways you can do this.
Read MoreCurrent restrictions mean Halloween is looking a little different this year, however there are still plenty of ways for fostering families in Rotherham to enjoy this fun filled season. From dastardly decorations to spooky snacks here are some ideas to help you get into the Halloween spirit!
Fostering is a thrilling experience. Do you have the right magic to make positive differences to the lives of young people? If you’ve ever considered being a foster carer, but had some haunting concerns, this blog is sure to put your mind at ease!
Read MoreWe are living in uncertain times and practicing self care on a regular basis is essential in order to maintain good mental health. When days are hectic, it can be difficult to find the time to focus on your well being. That’s why we think wellbeing apps are a great way to include a little ‘me time’ in your day.
Read MoreWe recognise that talking about racism can be difficult and emotive. Here at Fostering Rotherham we are committed to getting better at talking about racism with each other and with our children, and to ensuring that we are doing enough to challenge racism within society. We want all our foster carers to feel supported and able to have discussions around racism with the children and young people in their care. In this blog we offer some suggestions as to how you might approach the topic of racism and we have also included links to websites and useful resources which offer further information and advice.
Read MorePrimary Teacher and parent, Liz Mould, reflects on her homeschooling experience and the challenges that she, like many other parents and carers, have faced, and are continuing to face.
Read MoreCarers Week this year is 8-14 June, the annual campaign to celebrate, thank and raise awareness for the hard work carers of all kinds do.
Read MoreWhen children ‘leave the nest’ it can be accompanied by a feeling or sense that there is ‘something’ missing in the home. If you’ve got space in your nest, have you considered fostering?
Read MoreSkills to Foster is run by our experienced social workers who will give you the essential skills to be a brilliant foster carer, and there are also opportunities to speak to our current foster carers who can share their invaluable first-hand experiences with you.
Read MoreSince 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday (2nd April), International Children's Book Day is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books. But why is reading so important for foster children?
Read MoreWhy should I become a foster carer? The answer to that question is different for each person, here we cover some of the main reasons why many people decide to become a foster carer.
As both a parent and a teacher I have had many conversations with worried parents and carers regarding how they will manage homeschooling their children whilst the schools are closed due to coronavirus. I understand that some foster carers may be particularly worried as children in care are particularly sensitive to uncertainty and any changes to their routine. Many children in care have experienced trauma and attachment issues and may be especially vulnerable at this time.
Read MoreIt is important to talk openly to children and reassure them about the changes they are seeing around them due to Coronavirus. Following the school closures, foster children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Children in care are particularly sensitive to uncertainty and any changes to their routine. Many children in care have experienced trauma and attachment issues and may be especially vulnerable at this time. Parents, family members, and other trusted adults play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest and accurate, and that minimises anxiety or fear.
Read MoreHave you been considering fostering for some time now but not sure how to go about applying? We can assure you it is a lot easier than you probably think.
Read MoreWorld Book Day seems to get bigger and better each year with children celebrating literature by dressing up as their favourite characters and participating in events all over the globe. We believe that books are an amazing way to develop imagination in young people and as they grow up, many children will relate to characters they read about. Read on for a list of children’s books we think represent diversity in families and cultures.
Read MoreFebruary shines a spotlight on the importance of children’s mental health with Children’s Mental Health Week taking place between the 3rd and 9th of February. Katie is currently developing and delivering a range of Emotional Resilience and Parenting courses and was more than happy to talk to us about supporting children with trauma and attachment issues.
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