- No legal bar on working and fostering simultaneously
- School-age long-term placements are most compatible with employment
- Emergency fostering requires high availability — difficult to combine with full-time work
- Respite and short-break fostering is specifically designed for employed carers
- Your availability plan is assessed during Form F — be honest about your working hours
One of the most common questions prospective foster carers ask is whether they can continue working. The short answer is: yes, in many cases. But it depends heavily on the type of fostering, the age of the child, and the specific hours and flexibility of your job.
What the Rules Actually Say
There is no legal requirement for foster carers to give up employment. What the assessment looks at is whether you have a suitable care arrangement in place for the child when you are working:
- Registered childcare that is willing to accept fostered children
- Clear arrangements for school pick-up and drop-off
- A plan for during school holidays
- Flexibility in your employer to attend reviews, appointments and training
Which Types of Fostering Can You Combine With Work?
| Fostering Type | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term (school age) | ✅ High | Children in school during working hours |
| Respite / short breaks | ✅ Very high | Designed for people with other commitments |
| Short-term (school age) | ⚠️ Moderate | Possible with flexible employer |
| Emergency fostering | ❌ Low | Requires availability at any time |
| Parent & child | ❌ Very low | Requires constant availability |
Self-Employment and Fostering
Self-employed carers often find fostering easier to manage than employees — you control your own hours. Many successful foster carers are self-employed tradespeople, consultants, or freelancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will agencies refuse me if I work full time?
Not automatically. But they will need to be satisfied that your childcare arrangements are robust. Be specific and honest about your situation during assessment.
Can my employer refuse time off for fostering commitments?
There is no specific legal right to time off for fostering in the UK (unlike adoption). You will need to rely on your normal leave entitlements or flexible working arrangements.
What if a sudden placement change means I cannot get to work?
This is where flexibility and a supportive employer matter enormously. A contingency plan — a trusted person who can be with the child while arrangements are made — is essential.