Become a Step Forward Foster Carer - A Life-Changing Opportunity for SEN Workers & SEN Officers

Foster with TACT Fostering and Bury Council

Are you an SEN Worker or SEN Officer who supports children with additional needs through empathy, structure, and unwavering commitment? You already have the understanding, patience, and resilience needed to make a life-changing difference in a young person's life.

We're looking for dedicated, emotionally aware individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, supportive home to a young person transitioning out of residential care. This is your opportunity to take your knowledge of special educational needs beyond the school or service setting and into a family environment where your care and consistency can transform a life.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that supports young people who have experienced trauma, loss, and instability, helping them move from residential care into a nurturing, family-based home.

These young people don't just need a place to stay — they need someone like you: someone who understands SEN, communicates calmly, and can provide the emotional safety and predictability they've never had.

As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you'll be supported by a professional team every step of the way. You'll never be alone on this journey.

What You'll Receive:

We understand the level of commitment needed to care for a young person with complex needs. That's why we provide specialist training and full emotional and financial support.

Specialist Support:

Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
A Family Wellbeing Worker to support both you and your foster child
A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks per year
24/7 Out-of-Hours Support
Peer support through a network of other Step Forward Carers
Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental understanding
Therapeutic and psychological support
Financial Package:

We offer a generous financial package so you can focus fully on building a safe and structured home.

£1,052 per week while a child is placed with you (around £54,704 per year)
£408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 annually)
Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers
Is This You?

We are looking for SEN Workers and Officers who are:

Passionate about supporting children with additional or complex needs
Experienced in managing behaviour, communication, and emotional regulation
Calm, patient, and resilient under pressure
Ready to bring their SEN expertise into a home-based environment
To Be Eligible, You'll Need:

Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
A willingness to complete our professional training
The right to work in the UK
Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as a SEN Worker/Officer could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role