Foster carers

Surrey Children's Services Academy - Working in partnership to recruit, develop and retain a workforce, giving the best care and support to children, young people and families in Surrey.


Learning and development for the council's Foster Carers

OLIVE – learning management system

To undertake a variety of online learning, find courses and book onto classroom courses.

If you are a Surrey foster carer you will be set up with your account upon approval. Once you have received your log in details you will be able to review, book and receive notifications about learning.

Visit Olive – Learning Management System

Online learning

We offer a wide range of course topics covering all your training requirements. Our comprehensive and in-depth courses will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge that will give you the confidence to meet the needs of the vulnerable children in your care.

Everyone working with children and families will be encouraged to develop their skills, learning and careers through the Academy. This will make Surrey agencies attractive employers to potential recruits and will help ensure we retain the workforce and skills we need.

Please discuss your learning and development requirements with your Supervising Social Worker.

For further information on Learning and Development, contact the academy by email, in the subject of the email, please include what the enquiry relates to ensure and timely response like OLIVE login: surreychildrens.academy@surreycc.gov.uk

Research in Practice - resources for Foster Carers

Research in Practice provides evidence – informed resources and tools to support those working with children and families to make the best possible decisions.

Available to you, free to access and download as part of our membership is the following:

For further information on accessing Research in Practice contact the Surrey Children's Services Academy.

Surrey Virtual Schools (SVS) – Training and events

Virtual Schools for children in care exist throughout the country to improve educational outcomes of care experienced children and young people. The Surrey Virtual School (SVS) is not a 'bricks and mortar' school but a local authority team who bring together the data and information about children and young people who are cared for by Surrey LA as if they were in a single school. That way, their progress can be closely tracked and supported, and interventions can be targeted in a more strategic way.

Surrey Virtual School offers a programme of training and events for designated teachers, school governors, foster carers, social workers, early years and post 16 settings throughout the year.

To find out more about the offer and to access training and development from the team please visit Surrey Virtual Schools.