Wiltshire Council Fostering Service
Trowbridge · Local AuthorityRegional
Wiltshire Council Fostering Service is Wiltshire's own public fostering service, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, caring for children across the county.
A public council service, not a profit-making business
Wiltshire Council Fostering Service is a public body, not an independent agency. It exists to serve the public good, not to make a profit: there are no shareholders to pay, so all investment goes directly back into foster care provision for children in Wiltshire.
The service prioritises placing children close to their original school, friends and support networks, so a move into foster care disrupts a child's life as little as possible.
Operating from Trowbridge, the service supports foster carers across Wiltshire — including Salisbury, Chippenham, Devizes, Warminster, Calne, Westbury and Melksham — with coverage extending into Swindon.
wiltshire.gov.uk/fosteringThe Mockingbird Family Model
Wiltshire uses the national Mockingbird Family Model to build extended support networks around foster carers, rather than leaving each household to manage alone.
Fostering households are grouped into small networks of around 6 to 10 families.
Each constellation is anchored by an experienced carer who offers peer advice and a familiar base.
Constellation families meet up regularly, so children and carers build friendships beyond their own household.
Children can stay overnight with a trusted constellation family, giving carers planned breaks.
Support at a glance
A dedicated social worker supports you throughout your fostering journey.
Placement Therapists, the TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) programme and access to independent counselling for carers facing challenging experiences.
An on-call fostering social worker is available until midnight every day.
Regular contact with other local carers in your constellation, not just your social worker.
Local training and ongoing professional development, so you keep building your skills as a carer.
Free activity days for foster carers' own children (ages 7–18) to meet others from fostering families.
Types of fostering offered
Wiltshire Council Fostering Service offers several types of fostering, so families can choose the option that best suits their preferences, experience and circumstances. Each type meets a different need, from emergency and short-term placements through to long-term and specialist fostering, helping children thrive in a safe, loving environment.
Fostering allowances
Fostering is a professional caring role with real responsibilities, and Wiltshire's payments reflect that. Mainstream foster carers are paid at one of three levels:
Comprehensive training provided. Carers for sibling groups at this level are in short supply.
For carers with additional skills, gained through previous fostering or related careers, to care for children with complex needs.
For highly experienced carers supporting children with complex needs, with greater social worker support and enhanced training. One carer needs to be at home full time.
Specialist fostering types are paid separately:
Payment depends on the number of children and parents placed.
Or a £530/week retainer for when no child is currently placed with you.
What Ofsted say
Following its most recent inspection, Ofsted awarded Wiltshire Council Fostering Service the highest possible rating, Outstanding, across multiple core areas, including the overall effectiveness of the service, leadership, and the experiences and progress of children in care.
Read the full report on the Ofsted website