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Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS) Extension

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Policy and Procedure

(Last reviewed 14/03/2025)

1. Purpose

This policy explains the criteria and process for providing an extension to foster carers who need more time to complete the Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards beyond the usual 12-month timeframe for approved foster carers.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all foster carers approved by Positive Aspirations who are expected to complete the TSD Standards as part of their learning and development.

3. Regulatory Context

  1. Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2012 – Regulation 17 (Support, Training and Information for Foster Parents).
  2. National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services (2011) – Standard 20 (Learning and Development of Foster Carers).

4. Grounds for Extension

  1. Health-related reasons (for example, a serious illness or medical treatment).
  2. Personal circumstances (for example, bereavement or a family crisis).
  3. Placement pressures (for example, significant challenges caring for a child with complex needs).
  4. Limited access to training or support because of agency delays.
  5. Any other exceptional circumstances, as assessed by the agency.

5. Extension Request Process

  1. The foster carer should let their supervising social worker (SSW) and the TSDS Coordinator/Training Manager know as soon as they think they may be delayed in finishing the TSD Standards.
  2. The TSDS Coordinator/Training Manager will review the request and decide based on how valid the reasons are and how actively the carer has engaged with training.
  3. The TSDS Coordinator/Training Manager will complete the TSDS extension form and send it to the SSW and Team Manager, who need to sign it off within 10 working days of the request.

6. Monitoring and Support

  1. In exceptional situations, the maximum extension that can be granted is 6 months.
  2. The TSDS Coordinator/Training Manager will offer extra training resources, mentoring, or one-to-one support when needed.
  3. The agency will set clear milestones and a support plan to help ensure completion within the extension period.
  4. If the TSD Standards are still not completed within the extension period, the carer’s approval may be reconsidered through an early review.

TSDS Extension Request Form Procedure

  1. The TSDS Coordinator/Training Manager completes the form and sends it as an attachment to the SSW and Team Manager.
  2. The Team Manager completes the bottom section of the form, forwards it to the SSW and TSDS Coordinator/Training Manager, and saves it in the carer’s file.
  3. The Training Manager then sends a confirmation letter to the foster carer explaining the decision and also saves this in the carer’s file.
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