As 2025 comes to an end, Surrey Fostering Service reflects on a year of progress and pressing challenges. Across the county, foster carers have helped hundreds of children remain connected to their schools and communities, ensuring stability in education and emotional wellbeing. Despite these successes, the need for more local foster carers has never been greater. When placements cannot be found nearby, children are moved far from familiar surroundings, breaking links with teachers, friends, and vital support plans.

This year saw the launch of The Run, a short film that premiered in October and toured cinemas and community venues across Surrey. The story of a young boy finding hope through fostering resonated widely, sparking conversations and inspiring new enquiries. Alongside this, community events such as Foster Care Fortnight and the Farnham Foster Walk brought people together to celebrate carers and raise awareness. Information sessions at local hubs offered practical guidance to those considering fostering, reinforcing the message that every new carer makes a difference.

The figures underline the urgency. Surrey recorded 35 new fostering approvals in 2025, but 40 households ceased fostering, leaving a net shortfall. Nationally, mainstream fostering numbers have continued to decline, placing additional pressure on local authorities and increasing the risk of children being placed out of county. This shortage has a direct impact on education. Children with Special Educational Needs often rely on carefully planned support, and moving schools can disrupt Education, Health and Care plans and delay progress.

Surrey County Council has invested heavily in SEND provision, creating new specialist places and opening facilities such as the Fordway Centre. Guidance on Ordinarily Available Provision is being developed to strengthen inclusion in mainstream schools. These steps are vital, but they work best when children can stay close to home—and that depends on fostering.

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus will remain on recruiting and retaining foster carers, expanding Fostering Friendly employer partnerships, and continuing outreach through community events and screenings of The Run. By increasing local placements, Surrey can keep children connected to their education and support networks, ensuring that care and learning go hand in hand.

Watch The Run here.

More facts about fostering can be found here.

For more information on fostering and how you can help, visit Fostering with Surrey County Council.