'I'm an unusual foster parent' says Hemel Hempstead mum who gave up corporate career

Shirley Winterburn and her husband Paul have been fostering for a Hertfordshire-based company and are sharing their story in the hope of inspiring others.

They work with ISP Fostering, which has been finding placements for children in Hemel Hempstead since 2021. Shirley and Paul are currently looking after two boys who are not related.

Shirley believes her career gave her the transferable skills to foster, she said: “I'm an unusual foster parent because I come from the corporate world, when so many foster parents don't. I used to be a people manager, so I've always been very hands-on, knowing how to get the best out of people.

“I’ve always enjoyed getting to know someone and finding out the best way to help them reach their full potential, which is one of the skills I’ve brought into fostering.”

She also believes her professional experiences helps the couple think on their feet and adapt their parenting style to meet each child's individual needs. Shirley added: "I always say I've ad-libbed life. When I did presentations at work, I'd add things as I went along, always thinking on my feet, and I do the same with fostering.

“We had a girl come and stay with us one March. She had moved from house to house, and I wanted to put her at ease and let her know she could stay as long as she needed.

“I find visual aids really help, so I told her we were going to plant pumpkin seeds now, and they’d be ready in October for Halloween, so she knew she’d still be with us to pick them. That really helped her to settle.”

Data released by ISP Fostering shows that 999 children in Hertfordshire are currently in care and the charity warns that number is likely to increase.

Shirley has found the role rewarding, she said: “One of the joys of being a parent is seeing what your children can achieve, and I want to help the children I foster to do the same. I gravitate to people that I can help and I always want to make it right and fix it.”