This Advanced Skills in Foster Care Diploma provides a comprehensive practice base for foster care, focusing on child development, issues of attachment and trauma and team working.

Mandatory course units cover how to provide healthy development; how to enable traumatised children to manage their behaviour; alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, and self harm; and working as part of a team in foster care. Optional units include addressing addictive and self harming behaviour; working with children with SEND; working with sexually traumatised children; working with traumatised children with a disability; and basic law for foster carers

The programme is completed online, giving learners the flexibility to access the course content whenever and wherever they choose.

Students can work through the programme at their own pace, although the course must be completed within two years (many people finish ahead of schedule). During this time, learners will be supported by a tutor who will guide them through the programme, assess their assignments and provide practical feedback and advice

• How to provide healthy development
• How to enable traumatised children to manage their behaviour
• Alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, and self-harm
• Working as part of a team in foster care