Training, Support and Development Standards
The training, support and developmental (TSD) standards structure your induction into the fostering role. Introduced in 2007 these standards provide a national minimum benchmark setting out what you as a foster carer should know and understand. TSD standards form part of a national strategy, supported by the Department for Education, to raise the profile of foster carers as valued professionals and to improve and standardise service provision for looked after children. At FSG we pride ourselves that all approved carers complete this within 12 months of approval.
There are seven TSD standards:
- Standard 1
Understand the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people - Standard 2
Understand your role as a foster carer - Standard 3
Understand health and safety, and healthy care - Standard 4
Know how to communicate effectively - Standard 5
Understand the development of children and young people - Standard 6
Keep children and young people safe from harm - Standard 7
Develop yourself.
How is this assessed?
At FSG we feel it is important for you to receive support to ensure your learning is up to date and relevant. Your supervising social worker plays an important part in supporting you to meet your learning needs. It is not necessary for foster carers to repeat their learning and development simply to meet the TSD Standards. Foster carers who hold an NVQ in Health and Social Care will have a lots of the evidence that can be transferred to meet the TSD Standards.
Your knowledge and skills can be assessed from:
- Observations
from meeting or professional discussion you may have had in supervision - Written evidence
A piece of reflective writing, a daily log or certificate.
Completion of the TSD Standards is a requirement for all approved foster carers in England and is referenced within the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services 2011.
