For many carers, fostering begins with a quiet thought: “Could I do this?”. 

Laura, a foster carer from the South region and a part-time science teacher, remembers feeling exactly that, and choosing to take the leap she’d always wanted: 

“Young people just need someone in their corner,” she says. “If you’re a school teacher, you’ve already got the skills – you know what you’re going into. It’s easier at home than managing a class of 30!”. 

Her experience echoes what other educators have found too. Menna, a foster carer from the East who left teaching to foster full-time, explains: “Teachers are trained to observe, adapt, and support, often under pressure. They understand children’s emotional worlds and know how to build safe, structured environments. That’s a huge asset in fostering”. 

Paul, a foster carer from the North, taught in higher education before committing to fostering full-time. He shares a reassuring reminder for anyone considering the journey: “Don’t think you’ll know all the answers – you won’t. Get help, talk to others, and expect the unexpected. If you believe in making a difference, fostering will change your life as much as theirs”. 

Together, their words reflect what so many carers discover: fostering isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, being kind, and being willing to learn. 

Compass is there from day one – quite literally. From the very first phone call, and through every milestone that follows, carers receive real, meaningful support. This includes therapeutic guidance, 24/7 advice, peer networks, and ongoing training. No one is ever expected to figure things out alone. 

We also offer a hands-on Carer for Carer programme. For your first 16 weeks, an experienced foster carer from your region will walk beside you, offering reassurance, practical advice, and a friendly ear. You’ll receive support during your panel for four weeks, and once you’re approved, you’ll continue to have that same steady guidance for a further 12 weeks, helping you feel part of the Compass community from the very start. 

Transparent Earnings That Reflect Our Carers 

We believe that carers deserve honesty and clarity, especially when it comes to finances. We know fostering is a big commitment, and we make sure carers feel supported throughout their journey with us. 

Across England and Wales, new carers receive weekly earnings starting from: 

• £420–£451.50 for children aged 0–18 
• £616 for solo placements 
• £647.50 for therapeutic care 
• £770–£917 for Parent & Child fostering 

In London, where living costs are higher, carers receive: 

• £472.50–£495 for children aged 0–18 
• £673.75 for solo placements 
• £700 for therapeutic care 
• £840–£1,001 for Parent & Child fostering 

These amounts include both the child’s living allowance and the carer’s professional fee. Additional benefits, from mileage reimbursement to respite allowances, show Compass’ commitment to supporting carers practically as well as emotionally. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I?”, Compass is here to talk! 

Fostering might be something you’ve thought about briefly, or something you’ve dreamed about for years. Whatever stage you’re at, Compass welcomes conversations – no pressure, no assumption, just honest guidance.