Foster carers play a key role in supporting a child’s education and healthcare, but there are limits to the decisions they can make. The local authority remains legally responsible for the child, so some decisions—such as major medical treatment or changes to schooling—must be made by the local authority or in consultation with them.
Foster carers are expected to work closely with social workers, teachers, and health professionals to ensure the child’s needs are met. Day-to-day decisions, such as attending school events or routine medical appointments, are usually managed by the foster carer, but significant decisions require agreement from the local authority.