Foster Bristol
Bristol City Council Fostering Service
Bristol · Local AuthorityRegional
Foster Bristol is Bristol City Council's own fostering service for children in the city. If you're thinking about fostering with them, here's what to expect.
What to know about Foster Bristol
Foster Bristol is the council's fostering service. Their focus is entirely on the public good rather than corporate profit. Because it's the council's own service, children who come into care in Bristol are matched with Foster Bristol carers first. This keeps children close to their schools, friends, and local communities.
Foster Carers are never left to manage on their own. Foster Bristol uses the Mockingbird model to build supportive local networks between foster families, provides specialised therapeutic training through the Bristol Model, and offers direct guidance from the Bristol Therapeutic Support Team (BTSS).
Foster Bristol recruits carers in the Bristol area. If you live just outside the city, ask whether you can foster with them.
Support at a glance
A dedicated social worker who supports you throughout your fostering journey.
Pre-approval training and ongoing CPD to build your skills as a foster carer.
Round-the-clock advice line for foster carers, including out-of-hours.
Connection with experienced foster carers and local support groups.
Access to clinical or therapeutic input for children with complex needs.
Additional support, respite and wellbeing resources beyond the standard offer.
Types of fostering offered
Allowances
- £181.95-£296.16/week per child (Level 1, by age) plus a Level 2 (+£160/week) or Level 3 (+£250/week) fixed fee once qualified.
- Specialist rates: £800/week (Parent and child), £1,000/week (Back to Bristol), £489/week + £28/night (Short breaks for disabled children, full-time role).
- Additional birthday and holiday payments: £34-£277 per child depending on age.
- Start-up grant: up to £500 for new carers.
Figures checked September 2026. Allowances are reviewed each year and depend on the child's age and the carer's skill level.
Areas covered
Ofsted rating
Foster Bristol is currently rated Good by Ofsted. Full inspection reports are available on the Ofsted website.
Local authorities are inspected under the ILACS framework across all children's services. Ratings shown reflect the 'Children in Care' sub-judgment.
Ofsted inspection quotes
"Children looked after by the local authority are mostly settled and are making good progress. Most children benefit from consistent caregivers, live in stable homes and their needs are regularly reviewed."
"Social workers and family support workers care for the children they work with. Children in care have a strong voice, both as individuals and collectively."