We're Reading Fostering Service
…and we’re looking for people just like you.
Reading Fostering is run by Reading Borough Council. We’re a not-for-profit, local authority service which means every penny goes back into supporting children and foster carers right here in Reading.
In Reading, we have more than 250 children and young people in our care though not all are able to remain in Reading.
Children in our community need safe, loving, local homes and we need Reading people to provide them. So, whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you.
The Run - a short film about fostering
Watch this short story about resilience, belonging, and the difference a safe home can make.
Watch more films here: Fostering films
Get in touch
Click the button above to access our online enquiry form. You’ll be taken to our secure regional form – it takes less than five minutes to complete. Alternatively, call us on our regional number, 0300 131 2797. Or email us at info@lafosteringse.org.uk
Join our fostering family
You might be surprised how straightforward the basics are in order to foster:
- You have a spare bedroom
- You're 21 or older
- You live within 20 miles of Reading
Beyond that, we welcome people from all backgrounds, households and walks of life. Single? Renting? Have your own children? Have pets? You can foster.
Foster carer pay
You’ll receive financial support fortnightly, including an allowance to cover the costs of caring. Find out more on our foster carer pay and allowances page.
Take our myth-busting quiz!
Unsure if you’re eligible?
Answer a few questions and find out!
What is fostering?
Already fostering with us?
If you’re already fostering with us or in the approval process, you can get in touch with your dedicated Reading team directly:
Call: 0118 469 3020 | Email: foster@reading.gov.uk
Our network
Local Authority Fostering Hub
Reading Fostering Service is proud to work alongside 17 other local authorities through the Local Authority Fostering South East network. This means you benefit from a wider pool of training, support, and a community of over 2,800 fostering families across the region while remaining supported by our local Reading team.
Reading children’s services
We work very closely with Reading Borough Council’s children’s services, Brighter Futures for Children. As we are part of the same organisation (the council) it means we have a strong local support network.
Our partners
