Useful Links
https://stockport.learningpool.com/
As a foster carer you have taken on a role that is often complex, and this requires a wide range of knowledge and skills to ensure the children and young people you look after get the best care and opportunities to grow up and lead happy fulfilled lives.
New users should request access to the Learning Portal by contacting their Supervising Social Worker.
Here are some important links and contacts for SMBC;
The Members Area of the SMBC website
Out of Hours contact number
0161 718 2118
Stockport Children's Provider Portal
https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk
The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, bringing together everyone who is involved in the lives of fostered children to make foster care the very best it can be.
Our team in England works directly with our members and stakeholders throughout the country. We offer national and local support, with our membership officers, practice support consultants, advice and mediation workers and independent support workers covering all regions.
Foster carers need a trade union more than most people because of the nature of their work. They open up their homes to care for vulnerable children but don’t have access to the same basic employment rights and protection that a lot of us take for granted.
As a GMB member you have access to a wide range of benefits and services including free legal advice.
The Children in Care Council is a group open to young people who are currently in care and are from, or living in Stockport.
They meet to discuss ideas and look for ways to improve services and campaign on issues that matter to them. The group is complemented by the Care Leaver Forum, which is facilitated by local charity Pure Insight.
Having the group is also a statutory obligation. In Stockport the Children in Care Council helps to ensure looked after children and young people have the opportunity to exercise their rights.
The Virtual School aims to ensure that children and young people aged 3 to 18 who are in care receive a "first class education" and offers direct educational support for these children and young people.
The Virtual School is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people aged 3 to 18 years old who are in the care of Stockport Local Authority and attend Stockport schools and out of area schools.
The Virtual School does not replace a child’s school, but complements it.
Being a parent of a young person who seems to be struggling can be really worrying, and you might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure what you should do. But you're not alone, and there are places both you and your child can turn to for help.
Mind website is full of useful content and resources to help support you and those in your care. It's OK not to be OK, so reach out for help if it's needed.
Coram Voice offers support and information for children and young people in care, on the edge of care and care leavers. Visit our website to find out about the different ways we can support you.
Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.