Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer - Childminder/Nanny

<p><strong>Ready for a Change? Use Your Skills to Transform a Child's Life</strong></p><p><strong>Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer - Bedford and Surrounding Areas</strong> Location: Bedford and surrounding areas Salary: £62,000 per year (plus additional allowances) Employment Type: Full-time Self-employed</p><p><strong>To foster in the UK, you must meet all of the following requirements:</strong></p><ul><li>Be 21 years of age or over</li><li>Have a spare, dedicated bedroom in your home</li><li>Have experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable adults (professionally or personally)</li><li>Be a British citizen or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK</li></ul><p><strong>Important - Visa Status</strong>We are unable to accept applications from individuals who hold:</p><ul><li>EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status</li><li>Graduate visas</li><li>Skilled Worker visas</li><li>Student visas</li><li>Health & Care Worker visas</li><li>Spouse Visa</li><li>Any other temporary or time-limited visa</li></ul><p>Fostering requires permanent residency status in the UK.</p><p>If you do not meet all of the above criteria, please do not apply, as your application will not be progressed</p><p></p><p><strong>Is It Time to Use Your Childcare Skills Differently?</strong></p><p>Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and part of a family. Right now, young people in Bedford Borough are living in residential care and need someone who can help them take the next step into a stable home where they can heal and thrive.</p><p>If you have experience as a <strong>childminder, nanny, or working in residential care, education, health, youth work, or social care</strong>, you already have skills that could change a child's future. This role is not about providing a bed-it is about offering consistency, kindness, and the belief that life can get better.</p><p>As a <strong>Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer</strong>, you will welcome a young person into your home and provide full-time care, supported every step of the way by a dedicated local team.</p><p></p><p><strong>Why Choose Specialist Therapeutic Fostering?</strong></p><p>This specialist route is for people who want to make a profound difference. You will work as part of a trauma-informed team, helping children transition out of residential care into a safe family environment where they can build trust and independence.</p><p>This role offers you the chance to transform a child's life while experiencing something life-changing yourself.</p><p></p><p><strong>What You Will Receive as a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer</strong></p><ul><li>£62,000 per year plus £1,000 additional allowances for holidays and birthdays</li><li>Up to 28 days respite each year</li><li>Specialist trauma-informed training and ongoing professional development</li><li>Clinical supervision and 24/7 out-of-hours support</li><li>Peer support networks, including access to the Mockingbird Constellation model</li><li>Membership of The Fostering Network</li><li>Be part of a local fostering team that knows and values its carers</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Could This Be You?</strong></p><p>We are looking for individuals or couples who:</p><ul><li>Live in Bedford or the surrounding area</li><li>Can offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering a young person</li><li>Have experience supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs (<strong>your childcare background as a childminder or nanny is highly relevant here</strong>)</li><li>Are resilient, nurturing, and open to learning</li><li>Can provide full-time care (at least one person at home if applying as a couple)</li></ul><p>Ideally, you will have no children under 12 living at home. Exceptions may apply depending on the child's needs.</p><p>Please note - fostering requires you to register as self-employed. You will be responsible for managing your own tax affairs and maintaining the necessary records related to the role.</p><p></p><p><strong>Is it Time for a Change?</strong></p><p>This is your opportunity to use your <strong>childcare skills</strong> in a way that truly matters. You will make a difference to a child, to your community, and to yourself.</p><p>Apply now to speak with our team and take the first step toward becoming a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer for Bedford Borough.</p><img src="https://www.jobg8.com/Tracking.aspx?DLlfkpzUkdAWGiHY%2fX3QR%2b8PHD66wy9lh" width="0" height="0" />