Because foster carers work alone in their own home, it is important that they have as much support as possible.

So Mackworth College in Derby has set up a course for carers to build on their skills and raise confidence.

Foster carers registered with Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council are given the opportunity to take the course. They attend 40 weekly four-hour sessions to study for NVQ Level Three in Caring for Children and Young People.

Jacqui Dakin, business manager at Mackworth College, said: "Foster carers work in isolation. This course gives them the opportunity to share experiences and ideas and to brush up on their skills.

"The course builds on what carers already know. And it raises the profile of foster caring so that skills are recognised and accredited."

Course tutor Debbie Peacock said: "The course covers child development and psychology, behaviour management, child protection, equal opportunities and social and emotional development."

Foster carers Theresa and David Dakin (no relation to Jacqui) took the course last year and received their NVQs in August 2000.

The Derby couple (pictured below)look after two brothers aged 12 and 13 and a girl aged 17.

Mrs Dakin, 41, said: "I felt it was a very powerful tool. It gave us a lot of knowledge and understanding of the needs of foster children.

"It has built friendships with other carers and enhanced the skills we already had. We are more equipped to deal with difficulties."

Mr Dakin, 42, who is now an assessor for the course, said: "A lot of adults might be daunted by the prospect of college but it is very laid-back and there is nothing to be worried about."

Denise and Edward Simpson look after a three-year-old girl and two boys aged nine and 14. The couple from Sinfin in Derby also completed the course last year.

Mrs Simpson, 52, said: "It has really helped us cope with difficult situations and when dealing with natural parents. It gives you a wide base of knowledge and even though I have been caring for ten years I still learned something new.

"The course isn't the only support on offer. Every individual or family approved as foster carers will have a social worker allocated to them.

They receive regular visits and phone calls and access to specialist support from education specialists or psychologists if necessary.

The city council also has an out-of-hours telephone helpline for foster carers. In office hours carers contact their social worker.

To find out more information about becoming a foster carer call Derbyshire County Council's Fostering Information Line on 01629 772211 or clicking here to find out more information and register online.