As the summer months approach, we often get asked whether foster carers can take their foster children on holiday. So, if you and your family are thinking about a trip, we’re happy to say this is possible and can be a great way of making memories!
Read more: Can You Take A Foster Child On Holiday?
We asked foster carers across Wales about their favourite fostering family holidays – and “CARAVANS” was the resounding answer. We’ll tell you why caravans and fostering make for the perfect getaway and why so many of our children in foster care have made happy memories there.
advantages of caravan holidays
familiarity
Some foster children find comfort in routine and familiarity. So, going on holiday and breaking this routine can be difficult for them.
Caravan holidays provide a happy medium between home and travel. They allow the fun and excitement that comes with a change of scenery but will enable you to maintain routines and habits such as bedtimes, mealtimes, and similar foods. You can even take the family pet with you!
We like to think of caravans as a home away from home. Somewhere children can feel safe and secure while experiencing new things and meeting new people.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one of our foster carers has said:
“It’s amazing. It’s a home away from home, where the children feel safe and free. The children love it and the memories we make, we all cherish forever.”
flexibility
The nature of fostering means that plans can change. You may not know how long a child will be in your care or when they may arrive, so flexibility is required when planning for some time away.
Caravan holidays provide just that. They can be organised at short notice with minimal fuss, you don’t need to worry about passports, and the travel time is shorter. You just have to pack up and go.
Sharon and Theo have been fostering with us for over a decade. They love a caravan holiday and have a motorhome too, so short breaks like this have been a big part of their foster children’s lives. Sharon said:
“The kids absolutely love it. It’s so easy to just pack up and head to the caravan on a Friday after school. The furthest park is only an hour and a half away, so you can relax and unwind in no time at all.”
Hear more of their fostering story in the below video:
affordability
While allowances are paid to help cover the costs of caring for foster children, holidays abroad can be expensive. So, a caravan holiday can offer a more affordable alternative.
When you become a Foster Wales carer, you are granted membership to The Fostering Network and, as part of this membership, you can get discounts on stays at Hoseasons and Haven holiday parks.
While meals out and activities are still on the table, caravans offer the freedom to cook together and spend quality time without breaking the bank.
Another foster carer said:
“We’re making those memories and connections in a safe environment that has no price tag. It’s only little things to us, but it means so much to them.”
where should we go on a caravan holiday?
Here in Wales, and across the UK, we have many lovely holiday parks you can visit. In fact, there are so many that you may feel spoilt for choice. So, we asked our Foster Wales carers where they would recommend. Here are their top ten preferred caravanning destinations for a summer break:
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Tenby
- Porthcawl
- Pembrokeshire
- Weston-Super-Mare
- Swansea
- Weymouth
- Carmarthen
- Dorset
things to consider before a caravan holiday
bedroom requirements
When caring for a foster child, there are some rules around whether they can or cannot share a bedroom. This ensures each foster child has a safe space with privacy and security.
This is why static caravans, rather than touring, are more popular with our foster carers as they can usually still provide a separate dedicated bedroom space for children.
Read more: What Are The Foster Care Bedroom Requirements In The UK?
activities and entertainment
If you’ll be staying at a caravan park, there will be plenty of facilities to keep you and the kids busy. Many have play areas, swimming pools, and evening entertainment such as singers or dancers.
“Seeing them interacting with the entertainment, doing new things, they just come out of their shells”
Sharon and Theo
At the caravan site, away from everyday life, foster children get a chance to connect, play and create life-long memories. Like learning to ride a bike or playing board games.
Caravan parks are social spaces known for their community feel, where foster children can easily meet other children and build up their social skills.
Currently fostering three children across a mix of ages, Sharon said:
“They get the freedom to explore and make new friends, developing their confidence. The same people tend to come back each weekend, so we know it’s a safe environment where we can let the children be more independent.”
want to learn more about fostering?
Foster Wales is a community. Carers aren’t out there on their own. You have a team to support and encourage you, every step of the way.
So, if you’re considering becoming a foster carer and would like to learn more, please read more of our blogs or get in touch with your friendly, local team.
Find your local Foster Wales team
I’ve worked in local authority fostering for over 18 years, meeting some of the most passionate people. Over the years I’ve learned from social workers with decades of experience who know the children, know their stories – and can tell you the children’s dates of birth off the top of their heads. And I’ve learned from real foster carers and been privileged to hear their stories and the stories of inspiring care experienced young people. I love what I do.
