Foster for Plymouth
Plymouth · Local AuthorityLocally run
Foster for Plymouth is the official local authority fostering service for Plymouth City Council. Its main aim is to keep local children safely connected to their schools, friends, and communities within the city.
What to know about Foster for Plymouth
As the local authority, Plymouth City Council matches local Plymouth foster carers with children first, before independent commercial agencies are enlisted.
Foster carers receive dedicated social worker allocation, emergency support, local peer support groups across the city, and continuous training.
Since the full inspection in January 2024, Ofsted made a focused visit on 1 July 2025 that looked at care leavers. It found leaders had strengthened work with partners, but that it was “too early to see the full impact of improvement plans in all aspects of their lives”. Read the letter on Ofsted's website.
fosterforplymouth.co.ukTypes of fostering offered
Fostering allowances
Foster for Plymouth splits its payments in two, so you can see what goes towards the child and what rewards you as a carer. The child's allowance is set by their age and needs, and covers the essentials. The reward payment is the same for every carer, whatever the child's age.
£364.48/week in total with the reward payment.
£383.04/week in total with the reward payment.
£420.87/week in total with the reward payment.
£473.32/week in total with the reward payment.
On top of the child's allowance, you're paid a reward payment for each child:
The same for every carer, whatever the age of the child.
Figures checked October 2026. Foster for Plymouth doesn't show a date for these rates. Allowances are reviewed each year and depend on the child's age and needs.
Shortlist to confirm what you'd be paid
Areas covered
PL: PL
What Ofsted say
Foster for Plymouth is currently rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted.
Local authorities are inspected under the ILACS framework across all children's services. Ratings shown reflect the 'Children in Care' sub-judgment.
Read the full report on the Ofsted website