Personal Development Plans (PDP) for Foster Carers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Personal Development Plan?

A PDP is designed to give you the opportunity to think with your Supervising Social Worker about your skills and interests in the fostering role or where you may need more knowledge. It is a place to record what you would like to focus on in the year. This may be to develop your knowledge in a particular area of interest (e.g. Child sexual exploitation) or in response to a child who you have in placement (baby withdrawing from heroin for example, or an unaccompanied asylum seeker perhaps). It is also to help us to support you to make sure you are up to date with changing requirements in fostering and child care.

I have never had a Personal Development Plan before, why do I need one now?

Hampshire Fostering Service has used the section of the Household Review form until now to record your training which could be described as your PDP. However, your learning and development is more than just attending training courses and we need to make sure that we are providing you with opportunities that help you to look after children in your care to as high a standard as possible.

This is about Hampshire improving its service to you as foster carers and ultimately the children you care for.

Is this a regulatory requirement or is it just Hampshire’s approach?

There has always been a requirement in the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services for a PDP. This is Standard 20:

20.4 – Foster carers maintain an ongoing training and development portfolio which demonstrates how they are meeting the skills required of them by the fostering service.

20.5 – Foster carers’ personal development plans set out how they will be supported to undertake ongoing training and development that is appropriate to their development needs and experience.

20.6 – The reviews of foster carers’ approval include an appraisal of performance against clear and consistent standards set by the agency, and consideration of training and development needs, which are documented in the review report. The

foster carers’ personal development plan is reviewed and the effectiveness of training received is evaluated.

All fostering agencies are required to support their foster carers in a development plan and if you search other agencies’ websites you will see that they also talk about training plans, programmes and development plans for their foster carers.

Will I have to write it on my own?

No, you will be supported by your SSW to think about your PDP and they will help you write it if you wish, but it is your PDP so you do need to participate.

Can we have a joint PDP if we are part of a fostering couple?

You can write your PDP with your partner and you can share the same or similar goals but you must have a PDP as an individual as everyone has different skills and experiences and often different roles within fostering.

My partner is the “primary” carer, why do I need to complete a PDP?

As a member of a fostering household you share responsibility for all children living with you and therefore there are responsibilities we must support you with to ensure that everyone is safeguarded and the care you provide is appropriate within your role.

I work, how will I be supported to complete a PDP?

If you work your SSW will make sure that they visit you at a convenient time. This may be during the evening, or at a weekend.

How much training will I be expected to complete?

The requirements for training have not changed. The National Minimum Standards are clear what training is mandatory for all foster carers. This is outlined in the training pathway attached to the PDP and in the Training Policy. There is also a requirement to update certain courses such as safeguarding. The requirement beyond this is for primary carers to complete three sessions of learning on an annual basis. For the foster carer who does not take on the “primary” fostering role in a household, there can be more flexibility around this and you should discuss your specific situation with your SSW.

I have already completed courses, will this still count?

Absolutely. All training contributes to your skill as a foster carer and will be recorded on your PDP. There may be a need to complete a course again if legislation or practice changes and as described above, some courses are required to be updated as refresher training due to the important content in them. There is no point though where a foster carer will ever be able to say they have done all training and do not

need to do anything further as training is a requirement of your agreement as a foster carer and of Hampshire Fostering Service under the regulations and standards.

How many goals should I have?

There is no set number of goals. This is a discussion between you and your SSW.

How often will my PDP be reviewed?

Your PDP is not a once a year exercise to tick a box. It will be reviewed during supervision and as a minimum, three times a year to discuss your progress and identify any issues which may be preventing you from meeting your goals.

If I want to do specific training which is not part of Hampshire’s training calendar, what can I do?

There are sometimes specific needs for training where children in placement need you to have specialist knowledge. You can discuss this with your SSW who will be able to discuss this with their manager as to how to meet this need.

Where will my PDP be kept?

Both you and your SSW should keep a copy of your PDP. Your SSW will keep a copy of your PDP on your electronic record. If you would like a folder to keep your PDP and any supporting evidence together, please ask your SSW.

What is a reflective log?

This is something that social workers complete as part of their training, a bit like a diary. You are not a social worker but it can be a useful way to think through a situation that you have encountered and what you did that went well or where you think you could have done something differently. It is often the written version of what we are doing when we are thinking about things that have happened that day or we might be facing in the near future when we are walking or driving a car.

It can also be used to think about a course you have been on and think how you might use the knowledge or skills you have learnt as a foster carer, or to consider what your thoughts are on something you may have read, heard or watched. It can be bullet points or it can be lengthy, it depends on who is writing it.

It is not something that everyone is comfortable with but for some people it can help make sense of sometimes difficult and emotional experiences. Whilst powerful for some people personally, it is also an excellent method of demonstrating your development to others.

Where can I find more information?

Information sessions are running throughout September and October 2016. Please do speak to your SSW or book yourself on. You will be able to start your PDP at these sessions with the support of staff.

https://learningzone.hants.gov.uk/learningzone/course.aspx?courseid=50972

There will be copies and information available at the HFN Big Event on 9 September 2016.

More information can also be found in the attached PDP form and in the Learning & Development Policy.

Identifying your Learning & Development needs

What do you need

to do / know?

How do you prefer to learn?

How will you

measure your

progress?

What have you

achieved?

What do you need to do?

What skills or knowledge would you like to improve?

What will you be able to do more effectively if you develop these skills or knowledge?

How will you be able to demonstrate this?

How do you prefer to learn?

What type of activities will help you learn the new skills / knowledge?

How will you be able to practise using the new skills / knowledge?

What support will you need to use the new skills / knowledge?

What have you achieved?

To what extent have you achieved your learning objectives?

What can you do differently? What difference has that

made to your role? What else do you need to

learn or practise? What additional support do

you need?

How will you measure your progress?

When will you start? How will you review what

you’ve learnt? How will you apply the

learning to your role? Who will be able to give you

feedback to help you review your progress?

How will you measure your progress?

Your Personal Development Plan will also be used in your Household Review. (HP added as per notes from meeting – can move/erase/amend if necessary).

References: Fostering and adoption learning resources, How to guide for individuals, Research in Practice.

Setting SMART learning objectives

SpecificWhat you need to know, be able to do or improve?

MeasureableWhat will you know or be able to do differently?

How will you be able to demonstrate this?

How will you be able to measure your progress?

AchievableIs the objective feasible in the timescale?

RelevantHow will this skill / knowledge help you in your role as a foster carer? What aspects of your role will it improve / support?

Time - framedInclude clear milestones and review dates

References

Adapted from Fostering and adoption learning resources, How to guide for individuals, Research in Practice.

Learning & Development pathway for Foster Carers

Skills to Foster

Year

1 (m

anda

tory

Tra

inin

g)

Pre-

App

rova

l

Learning & Development Tracker

Learning Experience Date completed Have you completed your reflective log?

e-Learning:

Keeping Safe

Preparing to Foster (Three day)

Three day pre-approval training designed to give prospective Foster Carers the knowledge and confidence to start their fostering careers. This training with cover the following topics:

Safeguarding Children: basic awareness Safer Caring Attachment Theory: Introduction Child development Understanding Behaviour Promoting contact with birth parents St Johns Paediatric First Aid (2 day)

Induction (provided by your SSW)

Essential Training

HSCB Safeguarding course Promoting the health & well-being of looked after children Education: how you make a difference Cool, calm & connected Attending to Identity

Fostering Changes programme

Continuous professional development

Moving on & letting go Moving on & settling in Keeping memories & life story work Additional training offered through the core calendar

Year

2

Post

App

rova

l

Trai

ning

, sup

port

& d

evel

opm

ent S

tand

ards

Learning Zone – Foster Care Training Pathway - link below:

https://learningzone.hants.gov.uk/learningzone/course.aspx?courseid=49697

Thinking about the year ahead….

What is the focus for your Learning & Development? How will you achieve this?

What support may you need to achieve this?

Who is responsible? When will this be achieved?

Achievements

6 months 12 months Next steps

What is the focus for your Learning & Development? How will you achieve this?

What support may you need to achieve this?

Who is responsible? When will this be achieved?

Achievements

6 months 12 months Next steps

What is the focus for your Learning & Development? How will you achieve this?

What support may you need to achieve this?

Who is responsible? When will this be achieved?

Achievements

6 months 12 months Next steps

Foster Carer Sign: FPSW Sign:

Date: Date:

Foster Carer PDP FAQs August 2016

Personal Development Plan Review

Thinking about the last 12 months…

Have you achieved your Learning & Development goals this year?

If you have answered ‘no’ to the above question, what has prevented you from achieving your Learning & Development goals?

What do you feel has been the most positive aspect of your Personal Development Plan?

How has this influenced the way you care for children & young people?

What changes would you like to see in the way your Personal Development Plan is developed / monitored?

What has been your most significant achievement this year?

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Foster Carer Sign: SSW Sign:

Date: Date:

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Foster Carer PDP FAQs August 2016

Foster Care Learning & Development Policy

IntroductionThis policy is for Foster Carers and members of the Fostering Service; it sets out the expectations of Foster Carers under the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Fostering Services and the Foster Carer Agreement.

Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards

The role of a Foster Carer is rewarding yet challenging; training is provided to support and equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills to help you feel confident in your role, and help you to make a real difference to the lives of the young people you foster.

All approved Foster Carers will be required to complete Essential training: County Carers Family Link Carers Respite Carers Connected Person Carers Edge of Care Carers (Respite - Innovations Project)

Essential training is mandatory. We will provide learning opportunities at a variety of locations and times to suit you in your role as a Foster Carer in order to support you to undertake this valuable learning. Your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) will work with you to identify how you can be best supported to achieve the Essential training.

Your learning & development journey

Pre approvalAs part of your application to become an approved Foster Carer, you will be invited to attend the Skills to Foster training course. This course is an introduction to all aspects of fostering and is designed to help you decide if fostering is right for you and your family. It is our expectation that all applicants will attend all 3 training days.. Once you have decided to progress with your fostering application you will be expected to complete (this includes both applicants if jointly applying) the following training during your assessment period: Keeping Yourself Safe e-learning Paediatric First Aid Preparing to Foster:

o Safeguarding Children: Basic Awarenesso Safer Caring

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o Attachmento Understanding Behaviouro Promoting Contact with Birth Families

We acknowledge that some people may have already completed similar training; your assessing Social Worker will discuss this with you and you may not be expected to repeat this training if you can evidence your learning.

Post Approval - Year 1Congratulations on becoming an approved Foster Carer with Hampshire County Council.

Personal Development Plan Every Foster Carer will develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP) with their SSW within their first year of fostering.

Your PDP will help you to develop in your role as a Foster Carer; helping you to improve your skills and knowledge. It will also help you to identify areas for further development in order to help achieve the best possible outcomes for the children and young people in your care. Your PDP will be monitored and reviewed during your regular supervision and annual Household Review.

You are actively encouraged to engage and participate in learning and development, and discuss your learning during supervision with your SSW. You will have an opportunity to provide an evaluation of any training you attend.

Essential TrainingWithin your first year of Fostering you (this includes both applicants if jointly applying) will need to complete the following Essential training: Promoting the Health & Well-Being of Looked After Children Education: how you make a difference Cool, calm & connected (de-escalation strategies) Attending to Identity Hampshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSCB) course / event relevant to your

role or child in placement

Whilst this is the minimum training expected of you, there are many other learning & development opportunities available to you through Children’s Service Workforce Development. Training is only one way in which you can enhance your skills, your SSW will discuss other opportunities with you, for example buddying from an experienced carer.You will monitor the progress of your PDP during your regular supervisions with your SSW.

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Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Carers (TSD)The Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Carers forms part of your induction to your role as a Foster Carer. They provide a national minimum benchmark that sets out what foster carers should know, understand and be able to do within their first 12 -18 months after approval. They 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.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.

County Foster Carers will be required to complete the standards within 12 months of approval, Connected Person and Short Break Carers are required to complete within 18 months.

Your Supervising Social Worker will provide you with your evidence workbook to work through and provide advice & guidance should you need it. They will sign off each standard when you have provided sufficient evidence to meet the standard.

Once you have completed this, a Team Manager from the Fostering Service will check to ensure that your evidence workbook has been completed satisfactorily; you will then be issued with a certificate of completion.

All Essential courses are cross referenced to the TSD standards, completion of these courses will support you to evidence the standards.

Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care Workbook

Review and Return to PanelA review and return to panel will take place not more than a year after your approval to consider if your registration, or if the terms of your registration, remains suitable. You will be required to evidence that you have completed all the Essential training within your first year, and completed the Training, Support and Development standards (TSD) evidence workbook for Foster Care – see above for timescales.

Year 2In year 2 and onwards you will be required to undertake ongoing training and development that is appropriate to your development needs and experience (NMS 20.5). These will be identified and planned through your Personal Development Plan and include:

o Moving On & Letting Goo Moving On & Settling In: Preparation for Adoption

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o Keeping Memories & Life Storieso Personal Development Plan

Training that must be refreshed includes: A relevant Hampshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSCB) event – annually Paediatric First Aid – 3 yearly

Year 3 onwardsIn year 3 and onwards you will be required to undertake ongoing training and development that is appropriate to your development needs and experience (NMS 20.5). These will be identified and planned through your Personal Development Plan and will be a minimum of 3 events per year.

The Foster Care Learning & Development brochure identifies a wide range of valuable events and opportunities that may be beneficial to you and the children and young people in your care. Many Foster Carers recommend completing the Fostering Changes programme; further details can be found on the Learning Zone.

Fostering Changes: Under 12'sFostering Changes: Over 12's

Joint Caring HouseholdsWhere there are two foster carers in a household or where foster carers are in employment, it is acknowledged that taking time away from work, or ensuring both carers attend training, can be difficult. If this is relevant to you, discuss with your SSW who will be able to support you. The minimum expectation is that the “primary” carer undertakes training but it is also important to recognise that in caring for vulnerable children there is a need for knowledge and information to be passed to all foster carers to promote outcomes for children in care but also to safeguard foster carers. Your SSW will be able to discuss different ways of obtaining learning which is vital in your situation or different timescales if this is appropriate. Hampshire County Council is increasingly providing training at evenings, weekends and through e-learning to try to ease these difficulties for carers. Booking a courseTraining courses will be advertised in a number of ways: The Learning Zone – see below Via your SSW Support Groups Hampshire Fostering Website in the ‘current foster carers area’Current foster carers' area | Hampshire Fostercare Hampshire Fostering Network Website (HFN)

Learning Zone

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Learning Zone is the Hampshire County Council’s webpage for learning & development opportunities. If you wish to book a place on an event you will be required to complete and submit the application form which is at the bottom of the course information page. If you do not have access to IT you can ask your SSW to provide you with information about the courses available.Learning Zone

AttendanceIf you are unable to attend an event that you are booked on to, you must inform the Workforce Development team and your Family Placement Social Worker as soon as possible; this will enable your place to be offered to other Foster Carers who may be waiting to attend and prevent courses having to be cancelled at short notice.

Training attendance is monitored as part of your PDP; a record of attendance is held on your Social Care record and may be reviewed as part of an Ofsted inspection.

TravelYou will be required to travel to attend relevant training; you can claim mileage, public transport and any parking costs. Your SSW will provide you with the claim form upon request.

Child Care ArrangementsIf you need to make arrangements for the child or young person in your care to be looked after whilst you attend training, you will need to agree this with your SSW in advance.

The role of the SSWYour SSW will: Explain the mandatory training required Help you develop your PDP during your induction Signpost you to training courses and provide you with information about these if

necessary Support you to book your place on training Help you with any practical arrangements to ensure you can attend training Monitor attendance at training and ensure training is completed within specified

timescales Support you to undertake any e-learning if this is appropriate Inform the Workforce Development Team if you are unable to attend training that

you are booked on Provide you with support and guidance to complete your TSD standards within the

specified timescales Discuss and reflect on your learning during supervision Regularly review your PDP and identify areas for development

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Raise any concerns about progress with your PDP and training with the Team Manager; this may initiate a review of your Skills Level (if applicable)

Feedback to the Fostering Service and Workforce Development Team any comments or concerns about training that you may have

Highlight any gaps in learning & development provision for Foster Carers to the Team Manager

Identify your strengths to support the overall Fostering Service such as assisting with the delivery of training, recruitment or buddying new Foster Carers

Support you to work towards achieving a Skills Level if you choose

The role of a Foster CarerYou will: Commit to undertake all the mandatory Essential training Engage in the PDP process with your SSW to ensure that you undertake on-going

training and development Maintain your Personal Development Portfolio Actively engage in training and reflect on your learning; take responsibility for your

own learning and development Put learning into practice Inform the Workforce Development Team and your SSW if you are unable to

attend training that you are booked on Evaluate any training you attend and provide feedback where necessary Request help from your SSW to make any practical arrangements to ensure you

can attend training i.e. child care Be required to travel to attend relevant training

Getting involvedIf you wish share your experience and knowledge and help other carers develop, you may like to consider getting involved with the delivery of Foster Care training. If you would like to get involved please discuss this with your Supervising Social Worker. It is an expectation that you will be involved in supporting the Fostering Service in order to be considered for a Skills Level fee, for example, delivery of training.

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