Foster carers considering private care arrangements must keep on the right side of the law.

Gloucestershire County Council is reminding them that they must notify social services. Coun Maureen Rutter (Labour, Stroud West), cabinet member for children and families, said it was necessary "to ensure the child's welfare".

She added: "Parents, schools or those doing the fostering, must notify social services and supply details about the child before placement begins."

Private fostering is where an arrangement is made, usually by a parent, for a child under 16, or 18 if a child is disabled, to be cared for by someone outside the immediate family for more than 28 days, or for regular short periods.

The social services' private fostering co-ordinator for Gloucester can be contacted on 01452 418661.