Fostering Agencies in Essex
Compare 16 Ofsted-registered fostering agencies in Essex. 6 rated Outstanding. Explore £450–£850/wk allowances, inspection reports, and specialist placements.
How Much Do Fostering Agencies in Essex Pay?
In Essex, foster carers receive an estimated £450 to £850+ per week with Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs), compared to £165 to £320 per week with standard Local Authority services. All fostering allowances in Essex qualify for 100% tax exemption under HMRC Qualifying Care Relief rules.
| Child Age Bracket | Local Authority (Council) | Independent Agency (IFA) | Estimated Weekly Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 4 Years | £165 – £195 /wk | £450 – £550 /wk | +£285 to +£355 /wk |
| 5 – 10 Years | £185 – £225 /wk | £480 – £600 /wk | +£295 to +£375 /wk |
| 11 – 15 Years | £215 – £265 /wk | £520 – £680 /wk | +£305 to +£415 /wk |
| 16 – 17 Years | £250 – £315 /wk | £580 – £750+ /wk | +£330 to +£435 /wk |
Essex County Council Fostering Service
Chelmsford, CM1 1QH
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.
Southend-on-Sea City Council Fostering Service
Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER
Southend-on-Sea City Council Fostering Service recruits and supports foster carers across Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding area, rated Good by Ofsted. Local authority foster carers often have access to enhanced training and support networks.
Thurrock Council Fostering Service
Grays, RM17 6TJ
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.
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Affinity Fostering
Essex, CM4 9NR
Affinity Fostering is an Outstanding-rated independent fostering agency in Essex, East of England. Established for over a decade, they provide exceptional care and wraparound support to foster families. Last inspected by Ofsted in July 2025. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC469688).
Aspirations Fostering Limited
Hockley, SS5 5LR
Aspirations Fostering Limited is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Hockley, East of England. Established in 2016, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in June 2024. Registered with Ofsted (URN: 1227778).
Brighter Futures Fostercare
WALTHAM ABBEY, EN9 3SL
Brighter Futures Fostercare is an Outstanding-rated independent fostering agency in Waltham abbey, East of England. Established for over a decade, they provide exceptional care and wraparound support to foster families. Last inspected by Ofsted in December 2023. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC476965).
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Children First Fostering Agency
BASILDON, SS13 1SS
Children First Fostering Agency is an Outstanding-rated independent fostering agency in Basildon, East of England. With over 22 years of experience, they provide exceptional care and wraparound support to foster families. Last inspected by Ofsted in January 2025. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC034253).
Compass Fostering London Limited
Hornchurch, RM12 4AQ
Compass Fostering London Limited is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Hornchurch, London. With over 22 years of experience, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in September 2024. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC033806).
Family Works Fostering Limited
LEIGH-ON-SEA, SS9 3EB
Family Works Fostering Limited is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Leigh-on-sea, East of England. Established in 2017, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in October 2024. Registered with Ofsted (URN: 1242101).
Five Rivers Fostering Service London and East
Romford, RM3 0JA
Five Rivers Fostering Service London and East is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Romford, London. With over 22 years of experience, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in November 2022. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC036616).
Fostering Connections
Upshire, EN9 3SL
Fostering Connections is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Upshire, East of England. A newer agency registered in 2021, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in February 2023. Registered with Ofsted (URN: 2614070).
Futures for Children
Ingatestone, CM4 0LU
Futures for Children is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Ingatestone, East of England. With over 21 years of experience, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in October 2023. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC057840).
Mosaic Foster Care
WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA, SS0 9HR
Mosaic Foster Care is an Outstanding-rated independent fostering agency in Westcliff-on-sea, East of England. Established for over a decade, they provide exceptional care and wraparound support to foster families. Last inspected by Ofsted in July 2022. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC417598).
Quality Foster Care
Benfleet, SS7 5LD
Quality Foster Care is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Benfleet, East of England. With over 21 years of experience, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in June 2025. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC048508).
Stepping Stones Fostering
ILFORD, IG3 8LU
Stepping Stones Fostering is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in Ilford, London. Established for over a decade, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in January 2024. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC484803).
Young People At Heart Limited
East Tilbury, RM18 8RH
Young People At Heart Limited is a Good-rated independent fostering agency in East tilbury, East of England. Established for over a decade, they support foster carers with regular training, dedicated social workers, and competitive allowances. Last inspected by Ofsted in November 2022. Registered with Ofsted (URN: SC486913).
Cities & Towns in Essex
Calculate Your Fostering Allowance in East of England
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Fostering Allowance in East of England
How much do foster carers get paid in East of England? Compare average pay rates, HMRC tax exemptions, and council vs IFA allowances.
Local Authority vs IFA in Essex
Unsure who to foster for? Compare pay, support services, and caseloads between Essex's council and private agencies.
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