Foster Carer - Early Years Practitioner - Barnsley - Sanctuary Personal

Sanctuary Personnel Ltd; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fostering organization is seeking passionate Early Years Practitioners to become Step Forward Foster Carers in Barnsley. This role involves creating a nurturing environment and offering support to young individuals in transition from residential care. The position offers a generous financial package, including £1,052 per week while a child is placed, alongside comprehensive training and emotional support. Candidates must demonstrate resilience and a commitment to making a difference.

Benefits

Generous financial package

Ongoing training in trauma-informed care

Access to peer support network

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals or young people is essential.
• Willingness to complete professional training is required.
• Ability to commit full-time and provide a spare bedroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide a nurturing home for a young person transitioning from residential care.
• Collaborate with professionals for guidance and support.
• Support young individuals facing complex emotional needs.

Skills

Building positive relationships

Resilience

Commitment to stability

Experience with vulnerable individuals

Job description

Become a Step Forward Foster Carer – A Life-Changing Opportunity for Early Years Practitioners in Barnsley

Please Note: This role requires you to be Self Employed

Are you an Early Years Practitioner who is passionate about making a positive impact on vulnerable individuals? You already have the resilience, dedication, and commitment needed to make a profound difference in a young person’s life.

We are looking for compassionate, strong-minded individuals like you to become Step Forward Foster Carers — offering a safe, nurturing home to a young person transitioning from residential care. This is a unique opportunity to take the skills you’ve developed in your role and make a lasting, personal impact.
This could be your most rewarding role yet — offering not just care, but a future full of hope.

What is Step Forward Fostering?

Step Forward Fostering is a pioneering project that helps young people who have faced trauma, loss, and instability transition from residential care into a caring family environment.
These young people aren’t just looking for a place to stay — they need someone like you: a supportive adult who understands their needs, builds trust, and provides the consistency they’ve often lacked.
As a Step Forward Foster Carer, you’ll be part of a supportive team, working alongside professionals who are there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll never be alone on this journey.

What You’ll Receive:

We understand that caring for a young person with complex needs is a significant commitment. That’s why we provide comprehensive support — both emotionally and financially.

Specialist Support:

• Your own Senior Practitioner offering regular guidance and supervision
• A Family Wellbeing Worker to support you and your foster child
• A Hub Carer providing up to 28 days of planned short breaks every year
• Access to a network of other Step Forward Carers for peer support
• Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and understanding neurodevelopmental needs
• Therapeutic and psychological support to build on your existing skills

Financial Package:

We recognise the commitment it takes to support a young person with complex needs and offer a generous financial package to help you focus fully on providing stability and care.

• £1,052 per week while you have a child placed with you (around £54,704 a year)
• £408 per week retainer between placements (up to £21,216 a year)
• Extra allowances for birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations
• Tax exemptions specifically designed for foster carers

Is This You?

We are looking for Early Years Practitioners who are:

• Passionate about making a difference beyond their current role
• Skilled in building positive, trusting relationships with individuals from challenging backgrounds
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and committed to providing stability
• Ready to transfer their professional skills to a family-based setting

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

Eligibility and Application Details:

Please note: Ideally, applicants should not have children under 16 living at home, but we consider each family situation individually.

To Be Eligible, You’ll Need:

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals or young people
• Full-time availability and a spare bedroom
• A willingness to complete our professional training
• The right to work in the UK

Taking the Next Step:

Take the next step in your career and become a Step Forward Foster Carer. Your experience as an Early Years Practitioner could be the foundation for a truly life-changing role.