Essex County Council offer foster carers and supported lodgings carers a bespoke learning and development package. Your learning pathway will depend based on if you are either:
1. a primary foster carer
2. a secondary foster carer
3. a Supported Lodgings carer
Frequently asked questions about Essex County Council's foster carer and supported lodgings carer training
Where can I find help with training?
First, if you're unsure on what training you need to complete, check with your supervising social worker (SSW).
If you need help with booking a course, please email the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) on ESCA@essex.gov.uk or call 0333 013 8906.
Why can't I book certain courses?
All training courses are split into 'priority' and 'recommended' categories. You need to complete all courses in the 'priority' section of your learning pathway before you can book a 'recommended' course.
If it's essential for you to complete a recommended training course, your SSW should email ESCA@essex.gov.uk. The email should include:
- the title of the course you want to book on
- dates of the training
- your full name
How do waiting lists work?
If a training course if fully booked, you can join a waiting list. Then, if a place becomes available, it will be offered to the top of the waiting list.
The waiting list is only valid for the one training date - it doesn't transfer to the next date. So, if you are not offered a place on that particular date you can either book on the next date available or join another waiting list.
Waiting lists help us understand demand while we're planning for future courses.
How do Expressions of Interest work?
If you are interested in a course and it has no dates showing. Please register your interest and you will be informed when dates become available to book.
How to cancel a course booking
If you need to cancel a course you are due to attend. Please cancel your place on My Learning asap, so that we can reallocate your place to another Foster Carer. Read a guide on how to withdraw your place on My Learning (PDF, 216 KB). If you have any problems please contact ESCA@essex.gov.uk