Benefits and discounts for our foster carers

As an approved foster carer you’ll be able to take advantage of these exclusive offers.

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Schemes for foster carers

Max Card

We are delighted to be able to offer all approved foster carers the Max Card scheme. You'll receive the card as soon as you are approved as a carer.

The Max Card is a concessionary card which allows foster families to visit attractions nationwide at a free or discounted rate. Partners include Tenpin Bowling, Go Ape, Skiplex, Namco Funscape and many, many more.  Some attractions are located in Oxfordshire but you can also access many more nationwide.

Visit mymaxcard.co.uk, for a list of available attractions in Oxfordshire and across the country.

The Max Card is our way of ensuring that foster families get lots of opportunities to enjoy days out at a more affordable cost.

Kaarp benefits

As an approved foster carer you are entitled to access Kaarp employee benefits. 

The scheme features discounts and deals on national attractions, entertainment, days out, theme parks, holidays, insurance and many national retailers. This service is free to local government staff and you can take advantage of any of the offers available including:

  • entertainment - discounted theme park entry and days out
  • finance - special deals on wills, insurance and personal finance
  • health - money off gym membership and fitness centres, pamper treats and golf courses
  • motoring - reduced breakdown cover and money off driving lessons
  • shopping - shopping and leisure vouchers, flowers, mobile phones and much more
  • travel - fantastic deals on holidays, hotels, UK breaks, travel insurance and airport parking.

To view all the offers available visit the Kaarp website. If you do not know your username and password - just ask your social worker.

Libraries

Children in care

Children in care can have a card which exempts them from fees for lost or damaged items and from late books. They can borrow audiobooks with no hire charges and reserve items for free.

Registered foster carers

As a registered foster carer, you can have a special library card (in addition to any that you have). To get the card, take your social worker letter or ID badge with you to the library.

  • You can borrow up to 20 books as well as other resources.
  • There are no hire charges to borrow audiobooks.
  • There are no fines for late book returns.
  • There are no charges for requesting books.

Find out about Oxfordshire libraries.

Football clubs - free family tickets

Foster families can get free tickets to Oxford United home games. It's an exciting day out for the whole family while supporting your local football club. The tickets are for two adults and two children per home game.

Contact Nigel at ofcatickets@gmail.com for availability and tickets. Nigel can tell you about other opportunities, for example, stadium tours, birthday call outs.

For match fixtures visit www.oufc.co.uk.

Leisure facilities

Foster carers are eligible to receive up to 60 per cent off most activities at local leisure centres. The following Oxfordshire leisure centres offer discounts to foster families. Just take your ID badge with you.

Oxford City Council

Oxford City also offers free swimming and swimming lessons to those living in Oxford City.

South Oxfordshire District Council

West Oxfordshire District Council

Oxfordshire Outdoor - Hill End Centre

Foster children have the chance to experience bushcraft outdoor activities at the Hill End Centre. There is an emphasis on learning by doing, nature awareness, self-reliance and creativity. The event is appropriate for family groups and children and young adults from 7-18. For more information about this and other events visit the Hill End website.

The Parasol Project

The Parasol Project is an Oxford-based charity committed to redressing the balance for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people experiencing, or at risk of, social exclusion. Visit parasolproject.org for more information.

Summer activities

Summer activities are available for foster children. For information about these activities speak to your supervising social worker.

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How to get your discount

In order to apply for some discounts, you may be asked to show proof of being a foster carer. Use your foster carers ID badge. If you don't have an ID badge, ask your supervising social worker.

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Free Fostering Network membership

We pay the Fostering Network membership fees for all approved foster carers.

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading charity for everyone involved in foster care. The member's helpline brings together nearly 40 years of expertise. It provides information and guidance on all issues affecting foster carers and fostering services, including:

  • foster carer finances
  • delegated authority
  • safer caring
  • standards and legislation.

As a member, you'll have access to expert advice when you need it.

  • 24-hour dedicated helplines
  • Expert legal assistance
  • Legal expenses cover
  • Advice on tax, national insurance and benefit
  • Mediation Service

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Resources and information for Fostering Network members

Dedicated members helpline

The helpline is staffed by a team of experts from our practice support team, who work with hundreds of fostering services across England, and our advice and mediation workers, who work with foster carers daily.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the member helpline if you have a query about anything to do with fostering.

Members of The Fostering Network can call us on 020 7401 9582 from 10 am - 3 pm, Monday to Friday.

The latest information and support when you need it

  • Email newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Online resources

Connections to the whole fostering community

  • Online community
  • Regular free events

The influence you need on the issues that matter

  • The voice of foster carers

Exclusive discounts

Special rates our publications, training and events.

Endsleigh

Forty per cent off the fee for a completed mortgage. As well as providing expert financial advice, Endsleigh can also help you find a suitable mortgage for a discounted fee.

Towergate Insurance

Ten per cent off home insurance for foster carers. Members get an exclusive discount on Towergate's comprehensive household insurance for foster carers.

Days out

Up to 52 per cent off days out for the family. Members and their families can enjoy savings on tickets for a host of attractions across the UK, including Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Tower, Warwick Castle and Sea Life centres.

Holidays

Our partnership with Hoseasons Lodges and Parks and cottages4you provides members with 10 per cent off holidays across the UK and Europe.

Visit the Fostering Network website for more information.

Insurance for foster carers

As an approved foster carer, it is your responsibility to tell both your home and car insurance providers. Your membership with Fostering Network includes insurance to help you in certain legal situations. Some companies provide house insurance packages designed for foster carers.

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