Find the right
fostering agency
for your family
Search 491+ Ofsted-registered independent agencies & local authorities across England. Compare ratings, weekly allowances, and specialisms — all in one place.
Calculate Your Fostering Allowance in London
Calculate estimated weekly payments, annual earnings, and HMRC Qualifying Care Relief (QCR) tax exemption for your family.
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Your fostering journey
starts here
Whether you're just curious or ready to take the next step, we make it easy to find the right fit.
Search & Compare
Enter your postcode or area to find Ofsted-rated fostering agencies near you. Filter by rating, type, and specialism.
Review Agencies
See detailed profiles with Ofsted ratings, inspection reports, specialisms, and contact information. Make an informed decision.
Start Your Journey
Not ready to contact an agency yet? Start with free fostering training at your own pace — no pressure, no commitment.
Could You Be a Foster Carer?
Check if you meet the UK statutory requirements and get personalized guidance for your region.
1. Do you currently have a spare bedroom in your home?
UK safeguarding standards require each foster child (or sibling group) to have their own bedroom.
Outstanding agencies
113 agencies rated Outstanding by Ofsted
Essex County Council Fostering Service
Chelmsford, Essex
Essex County Council Fostering Service recruits and supports foster carers across Chelmsford and the surrounding area, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Local authority foster carers often have access to enhanced training and support networks.
Thurrock Council Fostering Service
Grays, Essex
Thurrock Council Fostering Service recruits and supports foster carers across Grays and the surrounding area, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Local authority foster carers often have access to enhanced training and support networks.
Hertfordshire County Council Fostering Service
Hertford, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire County Council Fostering Service recruits and supports foster carers across Hertford and the surrounding area, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Local authority foster carers often have access to enhanced training and support networks.
What foster carers say
Experiences from carers who found their agency through directories like ours
“I'd been with my agency for 4 years and felt completely unsupported. Used this site to compare, transferred within 6 weeks. Night and day difference.”
Sarah M.
Leeds · Foster carer, 6 years
“Found our agency through the Outstanding filter. The Ofsted report linked straight to the real data — no marketing fluff. Exactly what I needed to make my decision.”
James & Rachel T.
Bristol · Approved 8 months ago
“I didn't know I could transfer without losing my placement. The transfers guide on this site explained everything clearly. Switched in 5 weeks, still have both children.”
Diane K.
Manchester · Foster carer, 11 years
“The regional breakdown made it so easy to find IFAs that actually had a local office near me. Ended up speaking to three before choosing. Couldn't recommend more.”
Michael O.
Norwich · Started enquiries this year
* Based on Department for Education statistics, 2024. Testimonials are illustrative composites based on common fostering experiences.
Free fostering guides
Clear, honest answers — written for carers, not agencies
How to Transfer Fostering Agency
Your legal rights, 28-day notice, what happens to your placement, and the step-by-step process.
How to Choose a Fostering Agency
7 questions every prospective carer should ask before signing. SSW caseloads, out-of-hours, allowances.
Fostering Allowances Explained
National minimum rates, IFA vs LA differences, and how to negotiate a better package.
Already fostering? You can switch agencies.
It's your legal right. Free transfer support, no disruption to your placement, 1 working day response.
Not quite ready to
contact an agency?
That's OK. Most people aren't sure at first. FosterReady offers free training to help you explore fostering at your own pace. Learn about trauma, attachment, and what daily life really looks like — before you commit to anything.
9-Week Academy
Skills to Foster aligned
Family Room
Whole-household learning
AI Roleplay
Real-world scenarios
Form F Ready
Evidence collected as you learn
Already fostering?
Meet FosterFlow.
Daily logs. AI-powered reports. Memory books for your children. Stay Ofsted-ready without the paperwork. FosterFlow is the modern toolkit trusted by carers across England.
Quick Logging
60 seconds per entry
AI Reports
Supervisions generated for you
Memory Books
Digital life story work
Ofsted Ready
Evidence always up to date
Browse Popular Areas
Find Ofsted-rated fostering agencies and local guides in major cities across England.
Are you a fostering agency?
Join the directory — completely free. Update your contact details, showcase your Ofsted rating, and reach prospective carers who are actively searching.