We are really pleased to share with you that we have had agreement to increase our referral fees to foster carers.

We know that no one can spot the potential in people around them like one of our foster carers. You know what personal qualities and skills are needed better than anyone, so why not see if anyone you know has the potential to fostering for Nottinghamshire County Council?

The amount you can now receive for referring someone to our service has now been increased to £1000!

There is no restriction on how many times you can do this, however the applicant must complete the assessment process and be approved by fostering panel and the Agency Decision Maker. Once this happens you will receive your £1000.

If you have got someone in mind, please let them know how to get in touch with us and make sure they mention that you have referred them. Alternatively, if the enquirer agrees, you can let us know their name and contact details and we will follow up with them. The duty line number is 0115 8044440 and our email address is fostering@nottscc.gov.uk.

We look forward to following up on your leads and passing on the rewards to you!

Last month we let you know how to book your free flu jab. Some of you have reported that the link has not been working so in case you haven’t already had your flu jab here is the (correct) link again.

To request a voucher for a flu vaccination go to https://www.digitalflu.co.uk and the code is N7C6C8.

You will need to enter your name and email address and a voucher will be sent to you by email with instructions on how to find a local pharmacy and make an appointment. It’s really easy to do and the sooner you are vaccinated the sooner you’re protected.

For more information about flu vaccinations, have a look at the NHS website or the Nottinghamshire County Council website. If you have any questions about the flu vouchers please email flu.vacs@nottscc.gov.uk.

We have been sent this poem written by one of our young people in care which we think is truly amazing. She has given us permission to share it with you.

U-N-I-Q-U-E (quote by me)

If you want to be unique
You have gotta be unique
I make you be unique
You gotta, you gotta unique

You gotta space out, calm down
And don’t be emotional with you
Tell me why you gotta be so unique
123 I be on the go to the uniqueness house
People think that everyone is different (which they are)
And everyone has the right to be UNIQUE sometimes if they want to

Even if people are in different places away from their mum and dad or their grandparents or even both or maybe they can be in foster care.
Which some people might hate, but let me tell you something here never JUDGE anyone by what they look like and Never judge a book by its cover.

People might find it hard to cope with foster care and carers but so people don’t have to be with this quote if they don’t want to
I will make you guys listen to this and I will apologise if this is about you at home, at school or even anywhere.

But this is for you.

It’s time for the FLAG meeting and we are looking forward to welcoming you to this online meeting via MS Teams - join using the button below.

This is your opportunity to talk about all things fostering with the leadership team and other foster carers, and there is usually someone invited to speak about a subject related to the fostering task. If you can, please do join.

The Fostering Network and Williams Giles Accountants are running an online tax and national insurance question and answer webinar. Attendees can ask questions about their fostering-related tax, national insurance and completing their self-assessment.

There is no presentation, just questions and answers. This takes place on 19 October 2022  from10.30am online, via Zoom, and you need to register in advance:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar - ensure you check your  junk mail folder if you've not received it.

The foster carer training catalogue has been updated to include dates into 2023.

You can browse the entire training programme in one place and get your training bookings in the calendar in plenty of time in to make up your required minimum of 20 hours of training a year.

Bookings are still made via My Learning My Career but this is a handy way to see all of the courses in one place. It has been uploaded to the carers' website, or you can download it from the button below.