Foster carers have a powerful impact on a child’s life by providing safe, loving, and consistent care. Many children who come into foster care have experienced trauma, so having a caring, understanding, and supportive adult is essential to help them heal and grow. Saira Ali has been a foster carer for nine years in the Contract Care Scheme, providing homes for many children, mostly teenagers aged 13 and over. She has cared for children for short stays, long stays, and in emergency situations.

Saira describes fostering as “rewarding, varied, very busy, and challenging – but in a good way.” Every day is different, with opportunities to support children, encourage new experiences, and promote positive change. Alongside everyday routines that are important for any child, foster carers also meet with professionals, attend training, and collaborate with their supervising social worker. Saira values meeting other foster carers to share experiences and advice, saying the support from fellow carers is “exceptional and very valuable.”

For Saira, the most special moments are often the little things like seeing a child smile after mastering something, keeping in touch with young people who have moved on, and building trusting relationships. She finds it particularly rewarding when children use the guidance she has given, knowing she is helping them become the best version of themselves. Her motivation comes from her own experiences in foster care and residential care, and the care she received that helped give her a second chance in life. She wanted to give something back and continues to be inspired by seeing children smile and knowing she has made a positive difference. Fostering, she says, is a team effort, and she enjoys being an important part of the “village” that supports each child.

Challenges are a natural part of fostering, and Saira draws on support from her team, training, and supervising social worker. She reflects on situations, works with the team around the child to find solutions, and models positive ways forward, showing children that challenges can be overcome. She values contributing her knowledge and experience to the wider support team, knowing it helps build a bigger plan for the child’s success.

Saira encourages anyone thinking about fostering to take the first step, fill out the form, and connect with the team. A mentor can provide extra guidance, and carers bring important skills to provide a safe, stable, and loving home for a child or young person.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:

Saira is an outstanding example of the difference a foster carer can make. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to every child she cares for show exactly what it means to be part of the ‘village’ that surrounds and supports young people. Saira’s work has changed lives, and she is an inspiration to anyone thinking about fostering.

The Foster for East Midlands Councils recruitment hub, managed by Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire Councils, helps people make a real and lasting difference in a child’s life. Covering these areas, the hub supports potential foster carers from their first enquiry through to approval, offering full training, clear guidance, and ongoing support.

Those interested in fostering can contact Foster for East Midlands Councils by calling 03033 132 950, emailing hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, or visiting fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk.

Prospective carers can also visit the FfEMC events web page to learn more about online and in-person fostering information events.