115 Courses

Youth Options offers bespoke programmes of learning for children and young people (either 1:1 or in groups). Our aim is to support children and young people to feel inspired and capable to achieve something worthwhile, address issues they are facing, improve mental and physical wellbeing whilst appreciating the importance of the world we live in.

🧠💬 Support Young Minds. Make a Difference. The RQF Level 2 First Aid for Youth Mental Health course is designed to help you understand and respond to the unique mental health challenges faced by young people today. 📘 What you’ll learn: ✅ Common youth mental health conditions ⚠️ Risk factors and early warning signs 🛠️ Early intervention strategies 📍 Where and how to access support resources Whether you're a teacher, youth worker, parent, or mentor — this course gives you the tools to be a trusted ally for young people in need. 📅 Take the first step toward creating a safer, more supportive environment for youth. #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthFirstAid #SupportYoungPeople #MentalHealthAwareness #BeThere #EarlyIntervention #RQFLevel2

In line with OFSTED expectations make sure NQTs are up to speed on effective behaviour management and relationship building in the classroom. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Inclusion Description This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work aimed at NQTs. Recent OFSTED changes make Behaviour and Classroom management of NQTs a particular focus for inspections. Are your NQTs teaching the behaviours children need to succeed? Can they articulate these behaviours? This training provides a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and young people of all ages. Not just another day on ‘Behaviour Management’ – our day goes well beyond a rewards and sanctions approach to ‘behaviour’. We will be focused on those young people for whom rewards and punishments do not always work and who confuse the adults who work with them. We aim to take a relationships based approach and to give those attending an opportunity to think more deeply about why young people do the things they do and what our part as adults is in creating, sustaining and changing these behaviours. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to children’s behaviour and relationship building. If your usual approaches to managing behaviour aren’t working with particular individuals then take a tour through this range of cutting edge strategies for bringing about positive behaviour change, and for meeting challenging emotional needs. Learning Objectives Reinforce and affirm good practice Re-energise, stimulate and challenge thinking about inclusion of challenging young people and children Increased understanding about behaviour and emotions Increased confidence in managing challenging pupils in childcare settings mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards families and children and young people Learn new skills and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For? Primary and secondary NQTs Course Content The course answers the questions: Are there any new ways to include our most challenging young people? Should we focus on behaviour or relationships? How do we go about including high profile children or young people? Can we find an alternative to exclusion? – What would a relationship policy look like? The following are some of the key themes and tools we are likely to explore during the day Getting the welcome right for the most challenging Encouraging Getting the best from the most challenging Circle of Courage Belonging Achievement Generosity Independence Active listeningV Listening to the person underneath the behaviour Compass of Shame – which directions do children and young people head when they feel shame? And what helps children work through these feelings in more healthy ways? Involving other children and young people in solutions and interventions Circles of friends:Peer supportCounselling and mediationTeam Problem Solving Solution Circles:A 30 minute group problem solving process to get Teams ‘unstuck’ and to generate positive first action steps

This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work in Primary and Secondary schools and Academies, as well as Early Years, FE and adult settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and people of all ages. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Early Years Inclusion Description This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work in schools and other settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and young people of all ages. Not just another day on ‘Behaviour Management’ – our ‘Fresh Approaches to Behaviour and Relationships’ day goes well beyond a rewards and sanctions approach to ‘behaviour’. We will be focused on those young people for whom rewards and punishments do not always work and who confuse the adults who work with them. We aim to take a relationships based approach and to give those attending an opportunity to think more deeply about why young people do the things they do and what our part as adults is in creating, sustaining and changing these behaviours. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to children’s behaviour and relationship building. If your usual approaches to managing behaviour aren’t working with particular individuals then take a tour through this range of cutting edge strategies for bringing about positive behaviour change, and for meeting challenging emotional needs. Testimonials ‘Thank you so much for the excellent training day you delivered last week. I found the whole experience quite uplifting and inspirational.’ ‘Thought provoking and empowering. Probably the best training day we’ve had in school’ ‘There was already evidence on the first day of school for pupils that staff were adopting a different approach. Thank you so much for helping us to make a difference.’ ‘Today has to have been one of the very best INSET days I have personally been to – full of practical tips and techniques to use in the classroom; and also proof that this approach does work in practice. It really was inspirational and an excellent start to the term.’ ‘Very motivating and exciting course.’ ‘Another fantastic Colin and Derek training session’ ‘Enjoyed this course very much. Derek and Colin worked very hard and I understood it. Thank you.’ Learning Objectives Reinforce and affirm good practice Re-energise, stimulate and challenge thinking about inclusion of challenging young people and children Increased understanding about behaviour and emotions Increased confidence in managing challenging pupils in childcare settings mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards families and children and young people Learn new skills and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For ? Primary and secondary staff teams All Childcare Providers – Out of School club staff/Childminders/Youth Workers Early years and school based practitioners Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary teachers Year Managers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course answers the questions: Are there any new ways to include our most challenging young people? Should we focus on behaviour or relationships? How do we go about including high profile children or young people? Can we find an alternative to exclusion? What would a relationship policy look like? The following are some of the key themes and tools we are likely to explore during the day Getting the welcome right for the most challenging Encouraging – getting the best from the most challenging- Circle of Courage – belonging-achievement-generosity – independence Active listening – Listening to the person underneath the behaviour Compass of Shame – which directions do children and young people head when they feel shame? And what helps children work through these feelings in more healthy ways? Involving other children and young people in solutions and interventions – Circles of friends: peer support, counselling and mediation Team Problem Solving – Solution Circles: a 30 minute group problem solving process to get Teams ‘unstuck’ and to generate positive first action steps Circle of Adults: a process that ‘listens deeper’ to generate reflective problem solving creating lasting behaviour change and effective behaviour intervention plans. A particularly valuable process for those looking to enhance their leadership and facilitation skills Restorative justice and restitution: principles and practice of this approach to repairing harm and restoring relationships without reliance on punishment Understanding the effects of Separation, Loss, Trauma and Neglect on children’s learning and relationships in school and what adults can do to reach and support these children

This is a workshop focused on getting the welcome right for children who are starting for the first time at a new school when we know the welcome will be difficult. Perhaps they have been excluded from elsewhere, they are new to this culture, they have complex needs or they are just very different or highly anxious? Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Now available as an online course Description This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day or half day workshop or twilight session for front line practitioners working with children and young people that will find starting at a new school or setting difficult.  Drawing from international research and literature, reports from inclusive schools and our own experience over many years as educational psychologists of the challenges of children with major social and emotional needs, we will explore together what the best practice can and could look like.  We explore: Creating a welcoming team or ‘committee’ of young people Training the team in effective ‘welcoming’ and supporting Building a support circle around a new child and running this circle effectively Auditing what makes for a successful welcome of any new child at the school Facilitating the involvement of young people in successful welcoming activities and preparation Links between this work and building ‘circles of friends’ and peer mediator training Testimonials Belonging and feelings are so important Definitely made me reflect a lot on the go-to behaviour management techniques we use! Excellent! Never thought of it like this before Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for newcomer children in mainstream schools The challenge of a good ‘welcome’ fully understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on settling an individual’s social and behavioural needs on joining a new setting Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on involving children and young people in effectively welcoming and including new students New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion and relationships in school fulfilling and restorative Who Is It For? Practitioners working in schools and other settings with children and young people of all ages Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions : What does it take for a child to: Feel safe and secure as they transition into a new school or setting?Feel supported by their new peer group?Understand how a new setting or school operates and to feel confident there?What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs?How can we best enlist the involvement of children and young people in the early work of inclusion with a new member of the school or setting? This course also explores practical strategies, concepts and language for key adults building relationships with individual pupils. This is a participative day that aims to be explorative and practical. Opportunities to develop empathy with the children of concern will be created. If you liked this course you may well like: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS

FAA Level 3 Award In Principles Of Safeguarding And Protecting Children, Young People Or Vulnerable Adults (RQF) Face to Face Classroom: One day course Virtual Classroom: 3 session of 2 ½ hours For those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults Promotes awareness of safeguarding, enabling learners to identify problems and show where to report these to Course Contents: Safeguarding and protecting children, young people or vulnerable adults How to respond to evidence or concerns that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been abused Safeguarding legislation and guidance Indicators of abuse or neglect Making judgements Communicating worries and concerns Roles and responsibilities Sharing information Allegations and complaints Reporting allegations and complaints Benefits of this Course: In 2018/2019, 415,050 concerns of abuse were raised In 2018/2019, there were nearly 400,000 children in need 52,300 children were subject to a child protection plan 63% of adult safeguarding concerns are for people over 65 1 in every 42 adults aged 85+ have required safeguarding enquires... Child abuse often goes unreported and unrecorded - till it is picked up on by someone who then does something about it. This Level 3 Safeguarding course gives people the skills and knowledge to make a real difference to a person's life! Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults training course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualifications accredited by First Aid Awards Ltd. This means that you can be rest assured that your Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults Certificate provides information for best practice to make a real difference to protect the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 601/8471/1

FAA Level 2 Award In First Aid For Youth Mental Health (RQF) Classroom (1 day course), Virtual (3 x 2½ hour sessions) Gives learners knowledge of Youth Mental Health First Aid Gives learners the skills to help young people with mental health problems and improve their mental health Course Contents: What is Youth Mental Health? The role of the mental health first aider Identifying mental health conditions Recognising and managing Stress Mental health conditions Recognising a range of mental health conditions:DepressionAnxietyPsychosisEating disordersSuicideSelf-harmPost-traumatic stress disorderConduct disorders - BullyingDrugs and alcohol Mental health first aid action plan Benefits of this course: These figures, taken from the Young Minds website show clearly how many young people suffer with their mental health... One in six children aged five to 16 are identified as having a probable mental health problem That means that, on average, five children in every classroom have a mental health problem 80% of young people with mental health needs agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse Suicide was the leading cause of death for males and females aged between five to 34 in 2019 Around half of 17-19 year-olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder has self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point In 2018-19, 24% of 17-year-olds reported having self-harmed in the previous year, and seven per cent reported having self-harmed with suicidal intent at some point in their lives So please, learn more about how to help these youngsters, and give them the chance to live happy, healthy lives Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our Mental Health First Aid Courses are nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualifications accredited by First Aid Awards Ltd in association with NUCO Training. This means that you can be rest assured that your Mental Health First Aid Certificates fulfill the upcoming legal requirements and are a very good way to make sure you and your employees have a supporting workplace to deal with staff's mental health conditions. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/7176/6

Learn how to create easy to read accessible person centred profiles for children of all ages and young adults. Course Category Person Centred Planning Inclusion Description Person centred planning is a way of expressing a set of inclusive values through a unique range of tools and techniques. The most easily used approach is called creating a one page plan or a person centred profile. All person centred planning tools and processes are driven by a commitment to achieve inclusive outcomes for the person whose plan it is, and the young people involved are always present throughout their planning session. The focus of all person centred approaches is the whole person irrespective of the label they carry. Two people, a process facilitator and a graphic facilitator, typically facilitate plans. The role of the support service staff in this work is as a facilitator not as an expert participant, problem solver, assessor or provider of consultation. One Page Plans are especially effective tools in planning and supporting children and young people with additional support needs and for through-care planning for young people who are looked after or accommodated. Over time person centred working will reveal areas of unmet need in current provision and thereby inform the ongoing strategic planning within any particular region. Testimonials Be the first… Learning Objectives To Explore the values underpinning person centred working To show how One Page Plans naturally capture young people’s strengths and capacities A demonstration of how person centred planning encourages meaningful consultation and participation with young people (particularly for those who cannot make their views known in typical ways To show how Person Centred Planning leads to the building of stronger parent/school partnerships To indicate how person centred planning can promote multi-agency teamwork and shared responsibilities To increase understanding the how of process and graphic facilitation in person centred work. Who Is It For ? Teachers and School Staff Education Services Social Care Staff Health Professionals Transition Coordinators Family Support Workers Link Workers Course Content An introduction to the person centred planning tool of creating a One Page Plan We would stress that this is an introductory day and that participants will be expected to make plans for their own follow up and further practice of the tools covered in the course of the day. If you liked this course you may well like: PERSON CENTRED REVIEWS

Restorative Interventions in Schools A “Restorative Solution” is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution where the person who has done something wrong in a given situation becomes accountable to those s/he has harmed. This person is then given the opportunity to “make up” for their inappropriate behaviour through agreement and reparation. An intervention can involve a formal conference, or it can be a simple conversation on a corridor or playground. Restorative Interventions work with all ages of young people, and the techniques can be used in parental meetings, can prevent exclusions and challenge poor behaviour. Our feedback tells us that when problems between young people are addressed in this way, those problems rarely reoccur. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Teaching and Learning Description Restorative Interventions in Schools A “Restorative Solution” is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution where the person who has done something wrong in a given situation becomes accountable to those s/he has harmed. This person is then given the opportunity to “make up” for their inappropriate behaviour through agreement and reparation. An intervention can involve a formal conference, or it can be a simple conversation on a corridor or playground. Restorative Interventions work with all ages of young people, and the techniques can be used in parental meetings, can prevent exclusions and challenge poor behaviour. Our feedback tells us that when problems between young people are addressed in this way, those problems rarely reoccur. Also Available on line– self paced learning… give it a try! Testimonials ‘Interesting. A different approach. Another ‘weapon’ in the armoury. Will try to use.’ ‘Made me think how I can approach confrontations differently. Useful, reminded me where my focus should be and that things will be difficult at times, but that’s no excuse to stay in the comfort zone!’ ‘Excellent day. Lots of ideas to take away and use on a daily basis. Thanks.’ ‘Nice to do some work on behaviour without sanctions and restraints in mind’ Learning Objectives To introduce participants to Restorative Interventions To develop understanding of value and role in developing inclusive practice of Restorative Interventions To develop and practise Restorative Intervention skills processes Opportunity to reflect on professional practice Mutual support established with other ‘front line’ practitioners Who Is It For ? Multi Agency Teams Social workers CAMHS teams Year Managers Primary and secondary staff Early Years and School based Practitioners Heads and Deputies SENCOs Advanced Skills Teachers Primary and secondary teachers Local Authority Support Services Course Content This can be introduced in one day or as a workshop but is better offered over a series of sessions. The course answers the questions: What should we do if rewards and punishments do not work? Can we find an alternative process to recommending permanent exclusion or special unit or school placement? Struggling with a child for whom praise and sanctions seem ineffective? Want to develop a more restorative school or team? I need a process which works with relationships not just behaviour. What will work for our relationships policy? This day’s training will enable participants to facilitate Short Restorative Conferences, and will suggest ways of working with young people and others that will help to repair broken relationships, and challenge some difficult behaviour. Including all those affected by an incident in its resolution is a powerful way of producing significant improvements in behaviour. We will cover: What are restorative solutions? Background and detailed teaching of processes Inclusion values underpinning this work Processes modelled and opportunities to try process out Practical setting up of restorative conferences Stories and outcomes

Learn how to carry out a Person Centred Review based on the values of person centred thinking. Course Category Person Centred Planning Inclusion Strategic Work Visioning and Problem Solving Description Person centred planning is a way of expressing a set of inclusive values through a unique range of tools and techniques. The most commonly used person centred tool is a Person Centred Review – and it shows these values in action. All person centred planning tools and processes are driven by a commitment to achieve inclusive outcomes for the person whose plan it is, and the young people involved are always present throughout their planning session. The focus of all person centred approaches is the whole person irrespective of the label they carry. Two people, a process facilitator and a graphic facilitator, typically facilitate plans. The role of the support service staff in this work is as a facilitator not as an expert participant, problem solver, assessor or provider of consultation. Person Centred Reviews like MAPS and PATH are especially effective tools in planning transitions and annual review processes for young people with additional support needs and for through-care planning for young people who are looked after or accommodated. Over time person centred working will reveal areas of unmet need in current provision and thereby inform the ongoing strategic planning within any particular region. Testimonials Be the first…. Learning Objectives To Explore the values underpinning person centred working To show how person centred planning with Person Centred Reviews naturally captures young people’s strengths and capacities A demonstration of how person centred reviews encourage meaningful consultation and participation with young people (particularly for those who cannot make their views known in typical ways To show how Person Centred Planning leads to the building of stronger parent/school partnerships To indicate how person centred planning can promote multi-agency teamwork and shared responsibilities To increase understanding the how of process and graphic facilitation in person centred work. Who Is It For ? Teachers and School Staff Education Services Social Care Staff Health Professionals Transition Coordinators Family Support Workers Link Workers Course Content An introduction to the person centred planning Person Centred Reviews – live demonstrations of process in action followed by real time coaching of facilitation skills. We would stress that this is an introductory day and that participants will be expected to make plans for their own follow up and further practice of the tools covered in the course of the day. If you liked this course you may well like: PERSON CENTRED PLANNING USING PATH AND MAPS