Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer - Childminder/Nanny

Sanctuary Personnel; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A fostering agency is seeking a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer in Bedford to provide full-time care for young people transitioning from residential homes. The role offers a salary of £62,000 annually plus additional allowances, with extensive training and support. Ideal candidates should have experience with children and be nurturing individuals ready for a rewarding challenge. This position requires self-employment registration and the capacity to manage personal tax affairs.

Benefits

£62,000 salary plus £1,000 additional allowances

Up to 28 days respite each year

Specialist trauma-informed training

Clinical supervision and 24/7 support

Peer support networks

Membership of The Fostering Network

Qualifications

• Experience as a childminder or nanny is highly relevant.
• Able to provide a dedicated bedroom for fostering.
• Willing to register as self-employed and manage tax affairs.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-time care for a young person.
• Welcome a young person into your home, assisting their transition.
• Work as part of a trauma-informed team.

Skills

Supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs

Nurturing and resilient

Learning openness

Job description

Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer – Bedford and Surrounding Areas

Location: Bedford and surrounding areas

Salary: £62,000 per year (plus additional allowances)

Employment Type: Full-time | Self-employed

About the role

Ready for a Change? Use Your Skills to Transform a Child's Life.

Is It Time to Use Your Childcare Skills Differently? Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and part of a family. Right now, young people in Bedford Borough are living in residential care and need someone who can help them take the next step into a stable home where they can heal and thrive.

As a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer, you will welcome a young person into your home and provide full-time care, supported every step of the way by a dedicated local team.

Why Choose Specialist Therapeutic Fostering?

This specialist route is for people who want to make a profound difference. You will work as part of a trauma‑informed team, helping children transition out of residential care into a safe family environment where they can build trust and independence.

This role offers you the chance to transform a child's life while experiencing something life‑changing yourself.

What You Will Receive as a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer

• £62,000 per year plus £1,000 additional allowances for holidays and birthdays
• Up to 28 days respite each year
• Specialist trauma‑informed training and ongoing professional development
• Clinical supervision and 24/7 out‑of‑hours support
• Peer support networks, including access to the Mockingbird Constellation model
• Membership of The Fostering Network
• Be part of a local fostering team that knows and values its carers

Could This Be You?

We are looking for individuals or couples who:

• Live in Bedford or the surrounding area
• Can offer a dedicated bedroom for fostering a young person
• Have experience supporting children with emotional or behavioural needs (your childcare background as a childminder or nanny is highly relevant here)
• Are resilient, nurturing, and open to learning
• Can provide full‑time care (at least one person at home if applying as a couple)
• Ideally, you will have no children under 12 living at home. Exceptions may apply depending on the child's needs.

Please note – fostering requires you to register as self‑employed. You will be responsible for managing your own tax affairs and maintaining the necessary records related to the role.

Is it Time for a Change?

This is your opportunity to use your childcare skills in a way that truly matters. You will make a difference to a child, to your community, and to yourself.

Apply now to speak with our team and take the first step toward becoming a Specialist Therapeutic Foster Carer for Bedford Borough.