Fostering Agencies in the North West

The North West of England is served by over 45 Ofsted-registered fostering agencies, including both independent fostering agencies and local authority fostering services. These agencies operate across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria, each offering different specialisms, support structures and allowance packages.

Think Fostering helps you compare these agencies in one place, so you can find the right fit for your circumstances without needing to research each one individually.

• Over 45 registered agencies across the region
• Both independent and local authority services available
• Compare agencies free of charge on Think Fostering

Fostering allowances in the North West vary between agencies and depend on the age of the child, the type of placement and whether additional skills-based fees are included. As a general guide, weekly allowances typically range from around £400 to £600 or more per week, with higher rates for specialist or therapeutic placements.

Many independent fostering agencies in the North West offer additional payments for birthdays, holidays, clothing and activities. It is important to compare the full financial package, not just the headline allowance, when choosing an agency.

• Allowances typically range from £400 to £600+ per week
• Additional payments for birthdays and holidays common
• Compare full packages, not just headline rates

No prior fostering experience is required. All fostering agencies in the North West provide comprehensive training before you are approved as a foster carer, covering child development, safeguarding, managing challenging behaviour, and the legal framework around looked-after children. Many agencies also offer ongoing professional development after approval.

What agencies look for is personal commitment, resilience, empathy and a genuine desire to provide a safe and supportive home for children. Life experience, whether as a parent, teacher, youth worker or simply a caring individual, is valued alongside formal qualifications.

• No prior experience needed to become a foster carer
• Full training provided before and after approval
• Personal qualities valued alongside qualifications

Choosing the right fostering agency is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances, preferences and expectations. Start by reviewing Ofsted inspection reports for agencies in your area, which are publicly available and provide independent assessments of safeguarding, leadership and carer support quality.

Compare what each agency offers in terms of training, supervision frequency, financial allowances and out-of-hours support. Speaking directly to agencies and, where possible, to existing foster carers will give you the clearest picture of what day-to-day fostering life is really like with that provider.

• Review Ofsted reports for independent assessments
• Compare training, support and allowance packages
• Speak directly to agencies and existing carers

Absolutely. Foster carers are needed in both urban and rural areas across the North West, including Lancashire's countryside, the Ribble Valley, Cumbria and the Lake District. Many agencies specifically seek carers in rural areas because children can benefit from the quieter environment, access to outdoor activities, and strong community connections that rural living provides.

Agencies experienced in rural placements understand the unique considerations around travel distances, access to schools and services, and provide tailored support to ensure you never feel isolated. If you live in a rural area and are considering fostering, there will almost certainly be an agency ready to support you.

• Rural foster carers are actively recruited
• Children often thrive in quieter, rural settings
• Tailored support for rural placements available