Private fostering

When you arrange for your child to be looked after by someone else or, you are looking after somebody else's child, this is referred to as a private fostering arrangement. If you are hosting a child in �й�Pվ or arranging for someone else to do so, the law requires that this arrangement is reported to �й�Pվ.

Who is considered a private foster carer or host?

Private fostering does not apply if the child is being looked after by a close family member, such as their:

Brother or sister
Step-parent who is married to the child's parent
Grandparent
Aunt or uncle

Private fostering does apply if the child is being looked after by another family member, such as their:

Cousins
Step-siblings
Great grandparents
Great aunts and uncles
Any other adult, including host families, family friends, or guardianship providers, regardless of previous connections to the child

This includes situations such as:

A teenager staying with a family friend while their parent works abroad
A child from overseas attending school in �й�Pվ and living with a host family
A young person living with a neighbour due to family breakdown
A student placed in private accommodation during term time
A child staying with a family during a parent’s long hospital stay

If you are still unsure you can take our Is this Private Fostering questionnaire.

What should you do if you're hosting a child in �й�Pվ?

If you are looking after a child or young person who is under 16 years of age (or under 18 years old if they are disabled) for more than 28 days in a row, by law you need to notify the Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA) team.

You can reach out to the Private Fostering team if you have more questions on private.fostering@surreycc.gov.uk or call and ask for the Private Fostering team at 01737 737867.

You must tell us about the arrangement, even if you are getting paid to look after the child

If you are a parent making private fostering arrangements for your child, you need to let C-SPA know in writing at least six weeks before the arrangement begins. If the arrangement is due to start in less than six weeks or the child is already living with the carer you need to let C-SPA know immediately.

Why do you have to tell us?

The law says we must make sure that all privately fostered children in �й�Pվ are safe and well in the home they are living in, if not with parents or close relatives. This is to ensure that every child or young person living away from their parents or close relatives is safe, well cared for, and supported. It is also about protecting you as the host or private foster carer.

By notifying us:

You receive formal recognition of your role, which can help clarify your responsibilities and rights.
You gain access to ongoing support, training, and guidance, similar to what registered foster carers receive.
We help ensure that the arrangement is safe and appropriate, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or legal complications.
You are supported in managing any complex needs or challenges that may arise during the arrangement.
You are covered by a transparent safeguarding framework, which protects both you and the child.

We also make sure the child or young person’s views and wishes are heard, and that they are thriving in their new environment.

What happens next?

We will visit both you and the child or young person at your home within seven working days and explain our role in more detail.

Usually, we will carry out a short assessment of the child's needs and the suitability of the care arrangement. This will include completing on all adults living in the carer's home, obtaining a letter from your GP, and conducting checks with the child's school regarding their engagement and well-being.

We offer ongoing support, advice, and guidance to private foster carers, including access to the same training provided to registered foster carers. This ensures that carers feel confident and well-equipped to provide safe, nurturing environments for the children and young people they host.

If a young person in a private fostering arrangement is approaching adulthood, we will work with them to ensure they are connected to appropriate services and support.

For more information and to tell us about a child or young person you are looking after please contact the Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA) team.