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124 Assistant courses in Knaresborough

Managing a Global Team

4.9(9)

By Sterling Training

Our teams are increasingly built from colleagues from around the world, each of whom has their own unique culture and communication style. We can help you embrace, enjoy and harness the diversity in teams for incredible outcomes! This course includes: The impact on the team of language and cultural differences Communication techniques for an effective global team The importance of clarity and commitment The difference in planning and scheduling across cultures Different perceptions of power and leadership Leveraging the diversity in your team

Managing a Global Team
Delivered in Southampton or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
Price on Enquiry

Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control (RQF)

By NR Medical Training

With the recent pandemic, infection prevention and control has never been so important. This regulated and nationally recognised qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the principles of infection prevention and control, and how best to protect those around them. The QA Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control (RQF) has been specifically designed for those who have a responsibility in infection prevention and control within their job roles, such as: care assistants, health care workers or other healthcare environments.

Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention and Control (RQF)
Delivered In-Person in Bury St Edmunds + 1 more or UK WideFlexible Dates
Price on Enquiry

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups for Managers

By Prima Cura Training

This is a specialist training course for senior managers or newly appointed safeguarding leads who are responsible for safeguarding adults from neglect and harm

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups for Managers
Delivered In-PersonFlexible Dates
Price on Enquiry

New business and lead generation (In-House)

By The In House Training Company

Generating new leads and new business can be both time-consuming and frustrating. It's not easy - it takes skill, careful preparation and the creation of effective models and methods, even perhaps using formal approaches and scripts. Once generated, a new lead or enquiry must also be carefully managed to maximise the potential revenue it can generate. But it's crucial to get it right. If your company can afford not to worry about getting new business - congratulations! If your company is completely confident that it is performing at peak potential in generating new leads - again, congratulations! But if your company is working in the real world, couldn't your team do with some help, to become even just that little bit more effective, to make the process just that little less painful? This highly practical, intensive workshop gives sales teams the proven strategies and tactics they need to build a sustainable new business pipeline. This course will help participants: Develop a clear and consistent process for new business development and lead-generation Master the secret of effective new business development and lead-generation - 'only sell the appointment or next stage of the sales process, not your product or service' Set and achieve the right level of new business development and lead-generation activity to achieve your personal and organisational sales goals Apply the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management using a proven toolkit and approach Overcome the most common 'put-offs' when conducting telephone or face-to-face business-development and lead-generation activities Develop an engaging telephone voice and manner - and a 'networking personality' Qualify potential opportunities with more accuracy on a consistent basis Prioritise opportunities and manage their time when sourcing new business Discover online sources of leads, contacts and referrals Overcome psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - theirs and the client's Identify potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Make outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improve the conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages Get past gatekeepers and assistants more effectively Make the most of your CRM software and systems 1 Online marketing - what works! Workshop overview and learning objectives Choosing your social media channels LinkedIn for sales and marketing Designing and implementing an effective new business email campaign online Creating a lead-generation strategy online - with case studies Avoiding common mistakes in social media marketing Case study: 'Best practice in social media sales and marketing' Using blogs and video-based marketing (eg, YouTube) New trends and how to keep your finger on the 'social media' pulse Twenty essential websites and online marketing tools 2 Making appointments by telephone Planning the call, telephone techniques, integrating with email and online marketing Developing a clear and consistent process to appointment-making Setting and achieving the right level of telephone activity to achieve your appointment goals Applying the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management generation, using a proven toolkit and approach Overcoming the most common 'put-offs' to seeing or engaging with you Overcoming psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - yours and the client's Identifying potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Making outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improving conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages The five keys to developing an engaging telephone voice and approaching manner 3 Power networking Strategies for networking and B2B referral-based marketing The importance, and different types, of networking How to work a room - preparation and strategy Communication dynamics in networking - the power of the listening networker Assumptions when networking Business networking etiquette Making connections, asking for cards, contact details and referrals, gaining follow-up commitments Building relationships - follow-up and follow-through 4 Developing new leads Strategies for first-time sales calls Gaining rapport and opening first-time and new business sales calls effectively Advanced consultative selling - questioning techniques to quickly and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and preferences Presenting your solution to a new or first-time customer - creating an enthusiastic and compelling personalised and persuasive summary of your proposal Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately, with tailored value statements Presenting the right initial USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest or leading on price Learn and use advanced techniques to determine customer needs, value and decision-making criteria in depth on a first-time call 5 Organised persistence - CRM and prospect-tracking Organised persistence - sales tracking, following up on 'sleeping' customers, gaining referrals, time and territory management Maintaining a good database for maximising new business ROI Developing a contact strategy with different types and levels of contact Analysing your contact base using state-of-the-art software and tools Making the most of your CRM systems and solutions Understanding that your attitude makes a difference when sourcing new business Setting SMART objectives for new business development and lead-generation Practical exercise - setting personal development and business goals Time management tips to improve daily productivity New business pipeline management strategies for peak sales performance 6 Workshop summary and close Practical exercise - developing your new business action plan Review and feedback

New business and lead generation (In-House)
Delivered in Harpenden or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
Price on Enquiry

Online Options

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Phlebotomy Training - Beginner to Advanced PACKAGE

4.6(39)

By Geopace Training

THIS COURSE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1: INTRODUCTION TO PHLEBOTOMY COURSE (GPT003) - Level 3 (Ireland Level 5) 2: ADVANCED PHLEBOTOMY COURSE (GPT005) - Level 4 (Ireland Level 6) 3: GEOPACE COMPETENCY CERTIFICATE - CPD Certified (optional with Virtual Classroom) Learn how to take blood ... train as a Phlebotomist FAST-TRACK YOUR PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING WITH OUR COMPLETE TRAINING PACKAGE 20% off - Multi-Course Discount Cover all stages from beginner through to Level 4 Available as Classroom or Virtual Classroom Complete your beginner to advanced training in 2 days Awards 2 accredited qualifications - Introduction to Phlebotomy and Advanced Phlebotomy qualifications Both courses are dually accredited (OCN & CPD) Geopace Certificate of Competency included with classroom attendance or available as an option when booking virtual classroom Covers all steps up to live blood draw Learn advanced skills and techniques Virtual Classroom options include comprehensive Practise@Home Training Kits (yours to keep) Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS

Phlebotomy Training - Beginner to Advanced PACKAGE
Delivered in Southend on Sea + 22 more or Online + more
£495

MHFA England Mental Health First Aid

By Mindmaps Wellbeing

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Training with Mindmaps Wellbeing Enhance workplace wellbeing and mental health awareness with MHFA England-certified training by Mindmaps Wellbeing. Our expert-led courses, delivered by Registered Mental Health Nurses and Healthcare Educators, equip you with the skills to recognize, support, and respond to mental health challenges. Whether online or in-person, our training ensures flexible learning options without compromising quality. Join us to gain certification as a Mental Health First Aider and access exclusive benefits like ongoing peer support, expert forums, and resources for self-care. Book now with Mindmaps Wellbeing and take the first step toward a healthier, more supportive environment for all.

MHFA England Mental Health First Aid
Delivered Online + more
£300

Advanced Phlebotomy - Skills & Techniques (GPT005)

4.6(39)

By Geopace Training

The UK's first and only Level 4 qualification in Phlebotomy (equivalent to Ireland Level 6) FDSc (Foundation Degree Level) qualification Nationally Recognised certificate Dually accredited: Open College Network and CPD Covers both aspirated and evacuated systems Covers specialised blood collection systems & methods Classroom or Virtual Classroom learning options Comprehensive Training Kit is provided when booking our Virtual Classroom option (yours to keep) Complete your training from beginner to advanced level This course either follows on from our Introduction to Phlebotomy Course or can be combined with our introductory course as part of a course package (see below) Available to candidates who have completed (or are currently enrolled to complete) our Introduction to Phlebotomy Course or have previous phlebotomy practical experience.

Advanced Phlebotomy - Skills & Techniques (GPT005)
Delivered in Southend on Sea + 22 more or Online + more
£195

VIRTUAL DENTAL NURSING DIPLOMA

4.4(67)

By London Waterloo Academy

Our Virtual (via Zoom) course provide the same high-quality tuition as our classroom-based sessions. Quarterly meetings will take place at the Academy Dental Nursing Diploma with National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) is an internationally recognised qualification that will allow you to work as a Dental Nurse in hospitals, NHS and private dental practices. Successful completion of Dental Nursing Diploma course will enable you to register as a Dental Care Professional with the General Dental Council (GDC) and practice as a qualified Dental Nurse. Discover the exciting world of dental nursing and be a part of a growing field that offers endless opportunities for growth and development. How will you learn? In addition to our traditional class-based tuition, we also offer Virtual (via Zoom) Learning courses to cater to different learning preferences. Our Virtual Learning courses provide the same high-quality tuition as our classroom-based sessions. To participate, you will need a laptop, PC, smart phone or tablet with a built-in or external camera and microphone. From the comfort of your own home, you will have the opportunity to communicate with your tutor and classmates through video chat, using your phone or computer camera. This allows for seamless interaction, discussions, and collaborative learning. Quarterly meetings at the Academy To ensure a well-rounded learning experience, you will be required to attend face-to-face lessons at the Academy on a quarterly basis, which means every three months. These sessions serve several important purposes: Practical Units: Some aspects of the course require hands-on practical training. The face-to-face lessons will cover these practical units, allowing you to gain valuable experience and apply the knowledge you have acquired during the virtual learning sessions. Tests and Mock Exams: These assessments are important for evaluating your progress, identifying areas for improvement, and preparing you for the final exams. The Academy will provide a controlled and supervised environment to ensure the integrity and fairness of these assessments. Attending quarterly face-to-face lessons provides a balanced approach to your learning journey. It combines the convenience and flexibility of virtual learning with the benefits of in-person interactions, practical training, and assessments. By participating in these sessions, you will have the opportunity to reinforce your knowledge, receive personalized feedback, and build a stronger connection with your tutor and classmates. The Academy is dedicated to supporting your growth and success in dental nursing field, and the face-to-face lessons are an integral part of that commitment. Being a Dental Nurse can be an exciting and fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on people’s lives while enjoying a variety of work and opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll get to work with an amazing dental team and get to know patients, helping them to feel at ease and comfortable during their visit. You’ll be the one behind the scene making sure everything runs smoothly, and you’ll be the one that patients will turn to for assistance. You’ll also get to be a part of the latest advancements in dental technology and treatment. And on top of all that, you get to have a flexible schedule and a good earning potential, with the potential to advance in your career. All in all, being a dental nurse is one of the most exciting and fulfilling career that you can have, and you’ll get to leave work every day knowing you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others. The course is delivered by Team of Dental Professionals who are examiners, dentists and experienced Dental tutors with years of experience in teaching Dentistry. Dental Nurses are involved in a wide range of procedures, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries, which can make the job interesting and varied. Patient-centered care: Dental Nurses have a direct impact on the patient’s experience and can make a positive difference in people’s lives by providing them with quality care. Professional development: Dental Nurses have the opportunity to continue their education and expand their skills, leading to advancement and new opportunities in the field. No previous experience required – we will teach you from A to Z. Do you need a job? Yes, you will have 3 months’ time from the start of your course to find a placement. The Academy provides a list of Private and NHS Dental Surgeries, who are regularly contacting us when looking for more Trainee Dental Nurses, so you can contact them directly as a registered student at the Academy. This is a paid job, unless you would like to work voluntary for personal reasons. We also provide a reference letter to the employee in case you need it. The course is ideal for you if: You are looking for a qualification that leads to employment You intend to participate within dentistry and make a positive contribution to the dental health You wish to learn how to maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, health & safety You enjoy interacting with multidisciplinary team and different people The curriculum is based on the GDC (General Dental Council) registration requirements for dental nurses. It sets out the knowledge, skills and behavioural requirements that should be developed and demonstrated. These are set out in terms of professional competencies, with the assessment method clearly outlined (e.g. how the skills and knowledge will be assessed in the final examinations – via written questions such as multiple choice (MCQ) or extended matching questions (EMQ) or via Objective Structured Clinical Examinations – OSCEs). We are proud to announce that our Dental Nursing students has the highest examination pass rate in OSCE examinations! Free services– workshops, mock exams, eRoE marking and internal moderation. Earn while you learn could be another benefit for doing this course. We provide a list of Private Surgeries who have been working with us for the last 14 years and looking to recruit more Trainee Dental Nurses. Working together – At our Dental Department, we prioritise working together with our learners every step of the way. We firmly believe in providing unwavering support, equipping you with the necessary tools, skills, and assistance to ensure your success. We take immense pride in the achievements of our students, with a long list of graduates boasting remarkable success stories. Our commitment to your success serves as the foundation for our own accomplishments What Can You Expect to Earn as a Dental Nurse? Compared to other caring professions, Dental Nursing is well paid and offers plenty of opportunity for continued training and development. This is great for those looking on a the long-term plan for their career and those who wish to work their way up the ladder through continued learning, experience & hard work. Trainee Dental Nurse salary for standard working week will be around £23,000 per annum. Average wage for a qualified Dental Nurses between £40,417 to £42,350 p.a. When are the exams? There are two exams: 1. Multiple choice theory exam. November and March. 2. Practical exam. January and June. Record of Experience (eROE) To be eligible to sit your first exam, you have to complete your electronic Record of Experience (eROE). The eROE has to be submitted to your tutor by 31st Jan for March exam, and 31st August for November exam. London Waterloo Academy supports Mouth Cancer Research Foundation and encouraging learners to raise the awareness and participate in annual 10k walk. Study mode – virtual (via Zoom) live stream lessons combined with a quarterly meetings Saturday/Sunday at the Academy Duration – 1 year (part time) Virtual (via Zoom) classes – once a week Quarterly meetings at the Academy – date are discussed with the group in advance Next Intake/start dates (please choose one for your course to start): 21 September 2024, Saturday classes from 9am to 11am Registration fee – £300 (includes: administration, workshops, mock exams, RoE marking, internal moderation of RoE) Tuition Fees – £1,400 (we offer payment plan, and accept instalments) Exam fee – £510 will be charged at the point of candidate registration with NEBDN One day introduction course – for those who are considering/not sure whether to step up into the Dental Industry £50.00 Call us +44 (0) 7484 014980 or email to info@waterlooacademy.co.uk or Facebook – London Waterloo Academy Office location: The Foundry, 156 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8EN (Southwark Station (2-3 min walk) and Waterloo/Blackfriars Station (10 min walk))

VIRTUAL DENTAL NURSING DIPLOMA
Delivered Online + more
£50 to £1,400

SOLD OUT! 25th March Kesia Lupo #Agent121. Looking for: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION

5.0(1)

By I Am In Print

LOOKING FOR: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION Kesia Lupo joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2024 after 11 years working across the publishing industry. She started out as an editorial assistant at Pan Macmillan London in 2013, transitioning to children’s fiction in 2015 when she moved to Chicken House (a UK imprint of Scholastic), where she worked her way up from junior to senior editor. Here she acquired and edited bestselling, internationally successful and prize-winning fiction for middle grade (MG) and YA readers. In 2023 she transitioned over to the US and agenting, working with the Bindery Agency before finding a home with DMLA. At DMLA, Kesia is building a list leaning 60/40 towards MG and YA fiction, with the rest consisting of adult fiction and a smattering of adult non-fiction. She is especially, but not exclusively, interested in underrepresented voices, whether BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled writers or other identities not listed here. Across all age-groups, she’s seeking: Fantasy/Science Fiction: High fantasy, low fantasy, cosy fantasy. Particularly interested in fantasy and SF inspired by underrepresented cultures with unique world-building. Romantasy is fine but the fantasy elements MUST be strong! Horror: Psychological and paranormal horror in particular but will consider slashers. Kesia loves gothic horror and is not generally fazed by gory content. Thrillers: Upmarket thrillers with a unique spin. Loves plot twists! Historical: Open to everything with a strong hook and informed by excellent research. Would love to find non-Eurocentric historical fiction. For adult fiction only, she’s seeking: Bookclub/women’s fiction: Voice-driven, high-concept novels across these categories. Romance: Upmarket romance with a great one-line pitch. Happy with spice. For adult non-fiction, she’s interested in accessible political, cultural or historical topics with broad appeal. Please don’t self-reject – if you are unsure about whether your story might be a good fit, Kesia would rather see it. In one single word document, Kesia would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first three chapters or 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document, whichever is shorter. (In addition to the paid sessions, Kesia is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Monday 17th March 2025

SOLD OUT! 25th March Kesia Lupo #Agent121. Looking for: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION
Delivered Online + more
£72

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Training online via Zoom

By Dementia Pathfinders Community Interest Company

This one day training will give learners an overview of how to deliver Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). CST is a brief evidence-based group treatment for people with dementia. This interactive course will include a background about CST and how it can be used, research overview and detailed presentation of the treatment, including video footage and role-play.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Training online via Zoom
Delivered Online
£120

Introduction to Phlebotomy Course (GPT003VC) - 1 DAY Virtual Classroom

4.6(39)

By Geopace Training

Learn how to take blood ... train as a Phlebotomist Nationally Recognised Qualification No previous experience or qualifications needed OCN Accredited - Level 3 (advanced) CPD Accredited (The CPD Certification Service) Covers all steps up to live blood draw Practise on artificial arm and fake blood! Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS

Introduction to Phlebotomy Course (GPT003VC) - 1 DAY Virtual Classroom
Delivered Online + more
£285

Teaching Assistant Qualification (RQF)

4.5(212)

By The Learning College Group

The Learning College Group offers this Teaching Assistant qualification that is fully Regulated and accepted in all schools across the UK. It enables you to work with children between the ages of 5-18 years. The Teaching Assistant - TQUK Level 3 Certificate (RQF) Recognised Qualification is for those looking to work as a Teaching Assistant / Classroom Assistant.

Teaching Assistant Qualification (RQF)
Delivered Online On Demand
£425

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification

4.5(212)

By The Learning College Group

The Learning College Group offers this Teaching Assistant qualification that is fully Regulated and accepted in all schools across the UK. It enables you to work with children between the ages of 5-18 years. Train to teach with this Government Recognised Teaching Assistant Qualification. This Teaching Assistant Qualification is accepted in all UK schools and covers the role of both Classroom Assistant and Teaching Assistant positions. Learn in your own time at your own pace. The Teaching Assistant materials are accessible 24/7 along with full 1-2-1 Tutor support.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification
Delivered Online On Demand
£49 to £299

Teaching Assistant Qualification Level 3

4.5(212)

By The Learning College Group

The Learning College Group offers this Teaching Assistant qualification that is fully Regulated and accepted in all schools across the UK. It enables you to work with children between the ages of 5-18 years. This Level 3 Teaching Assistant course is a recognised (RQF) qualification that can be studied in your own time from home. 1-2-1 Tutor support is provided with this Teaching Assistant course. OFSTED accepted and regulated by OFQUAL this qualification will be the required course to secure your job as a Teaching Assistant.

Teaching Assistant Qualification Level 3
Delivered Online On Demand
£49 to £299

Educators matching "Assistant"

Show all 12
Summitpeople

summitpeople

Ripon

John is a highly experienced consultant with over twenty-six years of applied practise in the fields of education, coaching, mentoring and leadership within the context of sport. John is a skilled educator. He is a qualified teacher, specialising in physical education. John is also a higher education lecturer, teaching leadership and coaching and mentoring practise at Manchester Metropolitan University and elite coaching practise at Sheffield Hallam University to sports professionals and coaches. John has also educated internationally having worked in the USA, Asia, Africa and South America. John is an accomplished and experienced executive coach/mentor. John has a master’s degree in coaching and mentoring, accredited globally by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) at senior practitioner level. John coaches/mentors numerous individual and team clients within corporate and elite sports performance settings. Current and recent clients include, The Football Association, the Brazilian National Football Federation (CBF), Malawi Football Association, Denmark Football Association, Thailand Football Association Technical Director and MK Dons, Sporting Director. “Excellent. Our meetings are really insightful. Overall, John has been able to clarify specific aspects of my approach to the team and also promote further discussions in terms of the reach and possible tools to use as a coach and leader.” (Cleber Xavier, Assistant Coach, Brazil Men’s National Football Team) Further, John has educated and supervised mentors, executive coaches and teachers. He is highly experienced at developing, implementing, and evaluating coach and teacher education programmes, having done this successfully as part of his role at The Football Association. John has developed executive education and coaching programmes as an expert consultant for large corporates, such as, Bidpath Global and is currently a FIFA Expert in technical leadership, providing training and supervision to FIFA mentors and Technical Directors globally. Additionally, John is skilled at directly delivering training and action learning to coaches and mentors in the fields of education and executive education, such as his recent work with University Academy 92. Underpinning John’s coaching and mentoring expertise is his experience as a professional sports coach and coach educator. John holds numerous UK national governing body coaching awards. Being a level 4 qualified coach, John has coached The FA England Partially Sighted National Football Squad to a world ranking of third. John has also coached elite children between the ages of 8 and 18 within boys, girls and disability performance environments within the UK. In addition, John has coached and mentored children and adults within grassroots clubs both in the UK and USA. Further supporting John’s executive coaching and mentoring is his experience as a strategist and business leader. John is a successful business owner, having established his growing consultancy, Summitpeople Ltd. John has been a CEO for an award-winning County Football Association and Regional Manager and National Manager for the Football Association. He successfully achieved continual performance improvement through the education and skilful mentoring of many senior leaders within The Football Association and County Football Associations in the UK. “I have been working with John for several months on a 1 to 1 basis. He is able to connect quickly with clients and provide insightful and professional coaching relevant to the environment I currently work within. It’s without doubt I have developed my thinking and leadership qualities from the experience so far.” (Liam Sweeting, Sporting Director, MK Dons Football Club) Finally, John is also a scholar; he believes in a growth mindset and the human drive for self-actualisation. Further, he uses this belief to establish relational and engaging learning environments where individuals can grow and discover for themselves. John uses these beliefs to inform his own continual growth. John’s research to date includes, leadership, coaching and mentoring and inclusive education. John has helped me become more self aware, expand my thinking and unlock extra (hidden) potential. I love our regular sessions as we shape and evolve my personal development plan. Leading can often be lonely and isolating, so these sessions are critical to me. Thanks for everything to date John, I'm truly grateful and look forward to what lies ahead. (David Brindley, CEO, Bidpath)

Elsa-support

elsa-support

5.0(63)

York

Hi everyone, I am Debbie and I created and run the Elsa Support website. My motto is ‘Together we can make a difference’. One of the things I noticed very quickly when I was working in school was that there was a real lack of ELSA resources. I am a bit of a Google queen but even so it was difficult, without spending a huge amount of money on things, to find anything really suitable. I ended up writing my own planning and coming up with ideas and thought why not share them, that was the start of Elsa Support…… It is all about the BEES I love my bees and you might wonder why? Bees are: Busy, they work incredibly hard Work as a team always Social creatures and do communicate with each other Co-operate with each other for the same aim All have very different roles and divide their ultimate job between them all Create honey that feeds them, and us, they even store it for lean times Adaptable and do so when environmental factors change Bees work together for a common goal or aim, we can learn so much from them. They are the reason my very first ‘nurturing’ group was called ‘Busy Bees’. Well that and the fact I managed to buy some fabulous ‘bee cushions’! My vision for that first group was a group of children who belonged. We all know belonging boosts self-esteem. Feeling part of a community can have such an impact on children. Creating a group where children worked together as a team, who supported each other and socialised with each other. In fact, after the very first group I ran I overheard one of the very quiet and shy children organising for them all to meet up at playtime the next day. A major part of my role was helping children with social and emotional issues. It became a huge interest to me to try and break down barriers to learning. I am a big fan of group work and have written many interventions over the years which you can find on the website. I try to keep the cost of resources as low as I can because to me it is important that you do use them, but it is important to me that you can have some free resources to work with children, I know how difficult it is with school budgets. Every Friday I create something for free and share with you all. The website has grown from strength to strength and I have had many emails and messages to tell me how useful it has been to people setting out on the ELSA journey but also helpful to teachers, teaching assistants, learning mentors, counsellors and many other professionals. Please read my testimonials page and do email me if there is something you want to say about the website. Back to the Bees and community My vision of my very first ‘nurturing group’ was based on Bees and my vision includes that for ELSA’s and other professionals working with children on social and emotional issues. Mental health awareness, quite rightly, is becoming a huge thing due to so many factors. I really wanted to create community amongst all those people working for the same aims. This is to support you in your role supporting children. Some ELSA’s/adults do work alone in school and just need a bit of support, a listening ear, reassurance and some kind words. Our main group on Facebook has nearly 3000 members, who are all so supportive of each other. It is a wonderful community of like minded people. We have a mentoring section where you can be paired up with another person if you feel you need that extra bit of support. I listen to you, I get involved in discussion, I suggest resources, I suggest ideas and I create resources for you. You tell me what you want, and I try my best to create it for you. Do join us, together we can make a difference! What is ELSA? An ELSA in a school is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. There is a recognised ELSA training course aimed specifically at Teaching Assistants in schools. Examples of things covered on the course are social skills, emotions, bereavement, social stories and therapeutic stories, anger management, self-esteem, counselling skills such as solution focus and friendship. To find out more about this course, contact the Educational Psychologists in your LEA and ask them if they are running one, if not ask them if it is possible for the future. Also check out neighbouring LEAs, they will sometimes take people out of their area to make up numbers. The founder of ELSA, Sheila Burton, has her own website, ELSA Network site, where there is lots of information about the ELSA Role, so do also have a look on there.