A Look at How to Help Support Your Foster Child in Education

As a foster parent, it’s your job to offer the child in your care the support and love they need to feel secure and loved. This is how your foster child becomes the best they can be, and how they can experience life to its fullest. But with that said, sometimes there will be bumps in the road, and challenges that your foster child may face, and in these circumstances, you’ll need to know the signs and know how to react to them.

One common factor that all parents face is supporting their birth or foster child in their education. Academics don’t come easy to all, and your child may need a little help and support. So, what are the best steps for you to take? Here’s a look at how you can help support your foster child in their education.

Ensure Your Foster Child Feels Comfortable Talking to You

Something that you want to establish early on with your foster child is open lines of communication. They should feel just as comfortable talking to you about the highs as the lows in life. That means if they are struggling at school and having a hard time keeping up, they should feel comfortable enough to be honest with you and come to you for guidance and help.

This is the kind of relationship that doesn’t come overnight. Building trust with your foster child takes time and effort and should begin the moment they land in your care. Be sure to ask about their day, talk to them about the school, ask if they have challenges, congratulate them when they work hard and don’t make them feel bad if they are struggling and having a hard time getting good grades. If you see they are trying, then that is the part you focus on.

Create an After School Homework Schedule

Kids need routine, it’s how they thrive and function at their best, so creating an after-school homework schedule is wise. Even if they don’t have homework, they can use the time to review the notes and lessons of the day or study for a quick 15-30 minutes, depending on their age.

During their homework time, they need to be in a quiet area of the house, at a homework station that is free of distractions. They may need your help with studying, so always be available should they ask. If you have a younger child, chances are they would benefit from you sitting with them.

Schedule a Meeting with the School

Depending on how much they are struggling with, you may want to schedule a meeting with the school. You could begin by talking with their teacher(s) and if needed, the principal. They can offer helpful tips and insight that you wouldn’t otherwise know.

Another tip the school may suggest is to hire a private tutor. You can use the financial allowances provided to you by your foster agency, such as orangegrovefostercare.co.uk, to pay for tutoring services.

Each of these steps helps to support your foster child in education, allowing them to reach their full potential.