Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to increase the recruitment of foster carers with skills in working with young people with disabilities or special educational needs.

Local authorities have a duty to ensure they have sufficient placements that meet the needs of their looked after children and the department is committed to ensuring foster parents have the support and skills they need to meet the diverse needs of the children in their care, including children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs.

The National Fostering Stocktake, an independent review of the fostering system in England, has now concluded. It considered the recruitment and retention of foster parents, including the support they receive. The department will carefully consider any recommendations made by the review and by the Education Select Committee. The government’s response will be published this spring.