Ann shares a day in her life fostering siblings – could you foster a child in Shields?

The theme of FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT (11–24 May), “This is Fostering”, focuses on what life as a foster carer looks like day to day.

To mark the celebration, Foster with North East is sharing a series of real “day in the life” stories from foster carers across the region, helping to highlight everyday experiences and encourage more people to consider fostering.

For Ann, a foster carer in the North East, fostering means caring for two primary school-aged siblings, a brother and sister.

Ann, who previously worked as a school lunchtime supervisor, is a single foster carer. Her two grown-up children have flown the nest, and her Jack Russell, Lola, is a popular member of the household.

Starting the day with routine

“I start my weekday at 6am and prefer to get ready before I wake the children,” Ann says.

“I wake the children quite early as they love going to breakfast club, it’s something they’ve never experienced before.”

Mornings follow a familiar routine, with uniforms ready and everyone getting organised for school.

“Once the children are in school, I head home, make myself a cup of tea and have five minutes to myself before I start my daily duties.”

No two days are the same

“Each day is different,” says Ann. “There could be training, meetings with social workers or parents, or things like food shopping.”

“Some days I’ll be having our Mockingbird catch-up coffee morning.”

In the Mockingbird scheme, foster carers are part of a close-knit group called a constellation, who support one another and socialise together. There’s also a Mockingbird hub carer who leads the group and plans activities, day trips and can host sleepovers for the children.

Making the most of time together

When the children return from school, Ann’s focus shifts back to time together.

“Twice a week they stay later for after-school clubs,” she explains. “Every day we do something different to let off a bit of steam, with a visit to the park, dance classes, gardening club or science club.”

Back at home, evenings begin with shared routines, including meals and time to talk about everyone’s day.

A steady evening routine

“My evening starts by running the children’s baths, which starts around 6.30pm,” Ann says.

“The youngest watches a film until 8pm before I tuck him in, and his sister goes to bed a little later.”

These routines help bring predictable structure.

Finding the balance

“Some days are extremely busy, but not every day,” Ann says.

During the day, she finds time to stay connected with others.

“While the children are at school I catch up with my adult children or other foster carer friends for lunch or a coffee.”

She also praises the support from other carers, and how this works in the carers’ Mockingbird hub: “I also have amazing Mockingbird hub carers and plan sleepovers and days out to have some Ann time, even just to relax at home and do nothing is also nice.” -

Why fostering matters

For Ann, fostering is about building relationships over time and providing a stable home.

Caring for siblings also means helping them stay connected, giving them the chance to support each other during a time of change.

Fostering looks different for everyone - this is fostering

Foster with North East is a partnership of all 12 local councils in the region, working together to recruit and support foster carers. They can answer questions, provide training and offer support throughout the application process.

There’s also a foster carer buddy scheme, giving people considering fostering the opportunity to speak to an experienced carer from their very first call.

To read more real fostering stories, visit: www.fosternotheast.org.uk/fosteringstories

Follow Foster with North East on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosterwithnortheast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterwithnortheast

You can also speak to the team for an informal chat on 0800 917 7771, or meet local fostering teams and carers at the Foster Care Fortnight event outside Primark in the Metrocentre on Saturday 23 May.