Next Stage for Fostering

Outstanding fostering agency in Bolton

Every child deserves a safe and nurturing home. At Next Stage for Fostering, we are committed to transforming the lives of children and young people across the North West by supporting dedicated foster carers.

Officially Outstanding

We are proudly rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for two consecutive inspections, a recognition achieved by only a small percentage of agencies nationwide. This reflects our commitment to high quality care, expert support and comprehensive training. We believe in building a strong, supportive community where foster carers feel valued and empowered. With bespoke support, ongoing guidance and a true family feel, we ensure both foster carers and children thrive.

What is Fostering?

Fostering provides children and young people with a home when they cannot live with their birth families. Some children and young people will only need a foster placement for a short period, whilst other children and young people will stay with foster carers on a permanent basis. Whether it is emergency, short-term care or long-term fostering, foster carers provide the stability and love fostered children need.

Who can Foster?

Fostering is an important decision, and it is incredibly rewarding for those who are the right fit. We are looking for ‘ordinary people’ who can do something extraordinary, by providing a child or young person with a safe home. The assessment process ensures that fostering is the right choice for you and your family. If you have a spare room and the desire to make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you.

Thinking About Fostering?

Fostering Allowance

Why choose us

Apply to Foster

Why choose Next Stage for Fostering?

Being rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted reflects our unwavering dedication to providing the highest level of care, training and support. When you foster with us, you become part of a compassionate and experienced team that is committed to supporting you every step of the way.

From day one, you will receive 24/7 expert advice and guidance, ensuring that you are never alone on your fostering journey. Our comprehensive training programme and support equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide the best possible care for a child in need. We understand that fostering is a significant commitment, which is why we offer competitive financial payments.

Every child is unique, and so is every foster carer. That is why we take great care in our comprehensive matching process, ensuring the best possible fit between children and foster carers to create positive and stable placements.

Choosing the right fostering agency is essential for a rewarding experience as a foster carer.

Contact us today to apply to foster a child

For free help and advice about fostering and becoming a Foster Carer, please call us today on 01204 201203 or fill in the form below.

Hear from our foster carers, fostered children and local authorities:

"Thankyou so much we all appreciate it, we couldn't get through this difficult personal situation without your support , We have a truly amazing team of people around us..xx"

Stella, Wigan

Foster Carer

"I’ve been fostering for over 25 years and Next Stage have a great family feel. I’m able to get hold of people at any time of the day or night and nothing is too much trouble for them! Next Stage always go out of the way to help with anything that I or my foster children need"

Dianne

Foster Carer

"These guys are the extended family without who we wouldn’t have the fantastic kids we do. Thanks guys, best thing we ever did!"

Alix

Foster Carer

"Amazing support provided to foster carers, that personal touch goes a very long way"

Lisa

Foster Carer

"The foster carer's have done a fabulous job, they have taken real good care of her and she has grown up to be a lovely young lady"

Birth Family

"Next Stage have taken real care of my child and she is beautiful & caring"

Birth Family

"They have taken great care of my boys and look after them really well. They are caring and loving them while I cannot. They make sure the boys are looked after well, are healthy and have everything they need to have good childhoods. They are good parental role models for my boys."

"I have been impressed with the level of support provided to the foster carers from Next Stage for Fostering. The children for whom I am allocated Social Worker for have been transported to and from contact with their birth family by staff, I have been able to hold a pathway planning meeting within the Next Stage for Fostering office when a room at college was not available and the SSW always attends the children’s PEP meeting, which no other agency that I am aware of usually does. The SSW clearly has a really good relationship with the foster carers and a good understanding of the children, too."

Local Authority

" My foster carers are very loving, understanding and supportive."

Foster Child

"We are both very happy with the training provided by the agency. The family days that are arranged by the agency are something the whole family enjoy. The foster carer support group is such a great idea and something we both feel are important to us. The chance to talk to other foster carers is lovely and something we both feel is important"

Foster Carer

"We feel we were supported during the time the child lived with us by both our Supervising Social Worker and management."

Foster Carer

"I’ve worked with Next Stage for Fostering closely with one of my more complex cases and the support received from the agency is commendable. The supervising social worker and manager are very easy to contact and will consistently update me on any changes regarding the family. From speaking to the foster carers, they are extremely happy with the support they are given and can express how they feel through their regular supervisions and phone calls with the supervising social worker. The members of staff take on an empathetic and trauma informed approach in their work, which allows for an open case discussion"

Local Authority

"I like how my foster carer looks and acts and the wonderful things she does"

Fostered Child

"My foster carers are kind and caring."

Fostered Child

"We feel we were supported during the time the child lived with us by both our Supervising Social Worker and management."

Foster Carer

The Benefits of Fostering

Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Here is why it could be right for you:

Make a real difference by giving a child the stability and support they need.

Experience personal growth as you learn new skills, gain experience and develop as a foster carer.

Be part of a strong support network, joining a community of foster carers who share experiences and offer encouragement.

Receive a generous fostering payment to support your role and help you provide the best possible care.

Already a Foster Carer?

If you are a foster carer but looking for better support, transferring to Next Stage for Fostering is simple and stress free. We understand the challenges foster carers face and ensure a smooth transition for both you and the child(ren) in your care.

Transferring Fostering Agencies

I am already a Foster Carer, how do I transfer to Next Stage for Fostering?

Apply to foster with Next Stage for Fostering

Are you ready to make a difference? Start your fostering journey with Next Stage for Fostering today. Contact our friendly team for an informal chat about how you can start your journey today