Virtual School Foster Carers App Launch
A free mobile app which offers vital training information and advice for foster carers is being launched in Hackney.
The Virtual School Foster Carers App created by Anspear will include support on important topics and will provide Foster Carers in the borough with information, guidance and opportunities for their ongoing and necessary professional development.
The app will provide users with access to a library of digital resources, on their phone, tablet or laptop and also allows users to take online tests and work towards gaining a nationally accredited qualification.
The flexibility of the app will allow users to learn on the go and in their own time, with the added opportunity to supplement current training levels that Hackney’s Fostering Team currently provides.
Speaking at the Zoom launch of the app, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble addressed the Foster Carers in attendance.
Hackney really appreciates the crucial contribution that Foster Carers make to the care of our looked after children and young people.
Hackney values and applauds you all for undertaking our foster carer training offer and after speaking to Foster Carers about their training needs, I wanted to ensure we devised training that is meaningful and flexible to Foster Carers, in order to suit their needs. It’s essential you continue to receive first rate and relevant training, for the very best possible care to “our” children.
I hope that the training modules on offer inspire you in your personal and professional development, as well as equip you to face the challenges of caring for, and improving the life chances of our young people.
The app, which has been trialled with a small number of Hackney Foster Carers is now available for download..
When I was asked to try out this new training app I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the range of subject areas and the really useful resources list at the end of each course. The App was easy to use and as a foster carer to teenagers, there were plenty of courses for me to choose from, including a few I hadn't seen before.
The training takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, so it's ideal for foster carers as we can fit it in around the demands of our busy lives. Now that we can't do face to face training anymore, I think this programme is a welcomed addition to our current range of training options.
Hackney’s Fostering Service and Virtual School are excited to continue working with Anspear to develop further modules that meet the needs of foster carers in a new and changing environment.
For information about fostering for Hackney, please visit: https://hackney.gov.uk/fostering