38 Courses delivered Live Online

In this course we explore how we have attempted to build inclusive circles of support around individuals and contrast this with a radical approach to problem solving with parents – the Parent Solutions Circle. Parent Solutions is a brand new approach to problem solving with parents based on our live group work in schools. A focus on challenging behaviour brings interest, energy and commitment.  Course Category Inclusion Peer Support Parents and Carers Behaviour and relationships Description In this course we explore how we have attempted to build inclusive circles of support around individuals and contrast this with a radical approach to problem solving with parents – the Parent Solutions Circle Parent Solutions is a brand new approach to problem solving with parents based on our live group work in schools. A focus on challenging behaviour brings interest, energy and commitment. Essentially the approach involves gathering a group of parents and carers together who recognise how challenging their own children are and would like some help to figure out how to be with them or how to manage an aspect of their behaviour. The process is facilitated but majors on the parents offering each other their wisdom and ideas. The directness that only peers can provide to each other makes the work both powerful and effective. Mobilising the wisdom and experiences of parents in a safe way is a delicate art. In this training we will explore how this can best be done. Parents who have been on all the courses and had all the professional advice in world love this way of working because they get to offer each other their experience, ideas and wisdom. The approach is capacity focused, person centred approach to working with parents rather than the dominant deficit oriented and ‘medical model’ of viewing and planning for parents. We work with rather than do things to a group of parents. This training can be modelled with a group of parents or can be demonstrated with a group of professionals. We prefer mixed groups. Learning Objectives For participants to learn how to set up a Parent Solutions Circle For participants to understand the underlying rationale and ethos of this way of working To learn the facilitation process and stages of the Circle process Who Is It For? Anyone interested in working with parents and carers in a way that builds and makes use of their capacities rather than focus on their challenges and difficulties. School leaders and managers Social Care teams Community organisers Psychologists Course Content True parent empowerment Facilitating groups Problem solving process Handling group communication Allowing direct feedback and challenge between participants in a safe way Building relationships Creating natural circles of support that can provide peer support and mutual problem solving If you liked this course you may well like: Creating Community Circles

Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism will provide further learning in autism for those that have already completed the level 2 qualification.

Inclusion Facilitation (IF) is an approach to enhancing the inclusion, in a mainstream community of any child or young person who is experiencing difficulties in the world because of disability, personal crisis or because of their challenging behaviour towards others. The IF approach works by mobilising the young person’s natural supports to provide support and engage with the person in difficulty. Inclusion Facilitation is designed to create a better life for an individual by the provision of an intense input designed to being about social change. This usually entails a series of visits focused on getting the person out and about to increase confidence, social skills and presence in their local community and to pursue goals and dreams. Uniquely, the work is carried out under the close clinical supervision of a practicing psychologist. What is Inclusion Facilitation Work? ‘We do whatever it takes!’ Usually a Person Centred Planning event would be carried out using the PATHor MAP process – majoring on dreams and goal setting leading to precise action planning.  An experienced psychologist alongside the inclusion facilitator would carry out a PATH. A large graphic will be one of the outcomes of the meetings this is a great visual record and a shared memory of the event. This will also inform the priorities for the inclusion facilitation work Optionally following the PATH event a ‘scoping report’ is created outlining what Inclusion Facilitation could offer and highlighting what dreams and goals the individual has. The PATH is also provides a good opportunity for the Facilitator to meet the focus person in a comfortable positive environment. 12 weekly visits from the Inclusion Facilitator followed by 5 monthly visits is our preferred model but we can be flexible with the delivery of this input. This is just a guideline, however we have received good results using this time frame. After this intensive input the Inclusion Facilitator will hand over to the existing family, carers and PA team to carry on where he or she has left off. This transition time is planned from the outset. An experienced psychologist is there to support the facilitator at all times and will guide all work done by the inclusion facilitator.  Is this just Support work? No! This is proactive engagement – doing whatever is required. We are not just passively or reactively providing what is asked for – we are actively pursuing a good life for the individual. Our work is built on careful research around a person’s interests and what opportunities exist locally. We carry out community mapping.  We actively work to tackle an individual’s own resistance and reluctance to engage more socially. We actively engage with people in social settings that the individual attends to build bridges and connections – we are bridge builders. We build circles around a person. We create the conditions in which friendships can flourish. We have direct psychological supervision and support throughout. This work is short term and intense. Enjoy participating in a multimedia workshop that will challenge, entertain and reach for your emotions. Learning Objectives 1.To be able to understand the values and wider context of inclusion. 2.To be able to set up and run an ‘Inclusion Facilitation project to improve the life chances and connections of a child or young person. 3.To understand and be able to maximise the power of the peer group in supporting relationships, achievement and behaviour. Course Content The course answers the questions: What do you do with the child who is isolated by their aggression and anger, through being different, disabled or new to the school or community? Practically how do we go about including high profile children or young people? How can we help some children be friends? We will cover:  Inclusion values underpinning this work The Intentional Building of Relationships –‘Inclusion Facilitation’ work as an example Not doing it alone – The Importance of Teams in developing inclusive practice Practical setting up and running of IF work Lessons learned Stories of IF work

Give your team the opportunity to pause and reflect on what matters most to them about the work they do. The act of listening to each other creates relationship and strengthens trust and inclusion within the team – in creating a shared vision, groups of people build a sense of commitment together. Using the PATH or MAP processes of group facilitation and the creating of a large wall sized graphic we will provide a School Improvement Plan to be proud of!  Course Category Visioning and Problem Solving Person Centred Planning Strategic Work Team Building and Leadership Description There is an old Japanese proverb, “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare” “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about” MARGARET WHEATLEY – ‘TURNING TO ONE ANOTHER’ (2002) Give your team the opportunity to pause and reflect on what matters most to them about the work they do. The act of listening to each other creates relationship and strengthens trust and inclusion within the team – in creating a shared vision, groups of people build a sense of commitment together. They develop images of ‘the future we want to create together’, along with the values that will be important in getting there and the goals they want to see achieved along the way. Unfortunately, many people still think ’vision’ is the top leader’s job. In schools, the ‘vision task’ usually falls to the Headteacher and/or the governors or it comes in a glossy document from the local authority or the DfES. But visions based on authority are not sustainable. Drawing on the planning tools MAPS and PATH (Pearpoint, Forest and O’Brien 1997) and other facilitation sources we use both process and graphic facilitation to enable the group to build their picture of what they would love to see happening within their organisation/community in the future and we encourage this to be a positive naming, not just a list of the things they want to avoid. ??Let us join you to explore your vision and the ‘roadblocks’ to your vision. Testimonials “Thank you so much for the work you did with us yesterday – I have since been in 2 schools today and have spoken to an number of other colleagues who were present – all were totally overwhelmed by the session – they loved it.” “I was totally blown away, so nice to reflect and realise what a long way we have come” “That was so powerful and motivational” “Our Primary is now an OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding School’ – we were in Special Measures – the Visioning and Planning using the PATH process for 3 years has seriously contributed to this”. Learning Objectives To create a far reaching and shared vision of the future for the school team/group you are working with and ensure that each person present contributes to this To create a visual representation (a graphic) of the vision and use this to plan future actions and to inform school improvement and development plans To facilitate the group in thinking through what some of the barriers to achieving their vision are and to begin work on how these can be removed To build a sense of commitment, common purpose and trust within the team/group Who Is It For ? Headteachers School managers EIP Managers Whole staff – including everyone Course Content The facilitation of a shared vision can be delivered as a full or a half day but, unlike our other training days this day depends on your and your team’s needs and the time you have available The course will cover: Creating the vision The Story So Far Headline Themes Naming the Nightmare A Year from Now Naming Roadblocks and Barriers Building strength Who will we need to take with us on the journey towards the vision Who are we? – Gifts, Strengths and Talents Charting Specific Actions

The HoardingUK National Hoarding Conference is back in 2024! This year we're looking at what IS working. Our expert panel will include housing, environmental health, fire service, social care and other relevant professionals. Attend to hear how we've jointly overcome hurdles to deliver a successful, integrated, cost-effective, time managed programme.

Click to read more about this training, in which we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. Course Category Inclusion Parents and Carers Behaviour and relationships Problem Solving Description In this training we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. ‘Family Circles’ is an evolving new approach to problem solving with families and is based on our years of family work and the development and use of the Circle of Adults process. Inspired by our own Parent Solutions work and the Circle of Adults process as well as Family Group Conferencing and other Restorative Interventions we bring you Family Circles. Essentially the approach involves gathering a family together for a process that is facilitated but majors on the family members offering each other their wisdom and ideas. The approach is capacity focused, person centred approach to working with families rather than the dominant deficit oriented and ‘medical model’ of viewing and planning for or doing things to families. This training can be modelled with a group of professionals or better still with a family. In our work with families we develop the importance of naming stories or theories and seeking linkages and synthesis between what is found out and explored about the family situation and its history. We like participants to sit with the uncertainty, to reflect on the question ‘why’ but without judgement of each other. Deeper reflections may span a whole range of perspectives from ‘within person’ considerations, to situational or systemic possibilities. Health or emotional issues can be reflected on alongside organisational or transactional aspects of what is going on for the family. The better the shared understanding the better the strategy or actions which emerge from these meetings. Quality hypotheses with a close fit to reality lead to more effective implementation in the real world. We encourage ‘loose’ thinking, a search for connections, deeper listening, an ‘open mind’, speculation and exploration without moral judgements. From this stance self-reflection as well as reflection on the situation can produce remarkable insights. The quality of theories or new stories generated is directly influenced by family members’ experiences and the models of learning, behaviour and emotion, systems, educational development, change and so on that they have been exposed to.  Learning Objectives To provide opportunities for: Shared problem solving in a safe exploratory climate in which the family will find its own solutions. Individuals to reflect on their own actions and strategies An exploration of whole-family processes and their impact Emotional support and shared understandings of issues at a child, parent, family, school and community level. Feed back to each other on issues, ideas and strategies that are agreed to be worth sharing with them. Who Is It For? Anyone interested in working with families in a way that builds and makes use of their capacities rather than focus on their challenges and difficulties. Social Care teams School staff Community organisers Educational Psychologists Course Content True family empowerment Deepening shared stories and understandings Facilitating groups Problem solving process Handling family group communication Allowing direct feedback and challenge between participants in a safe way Building relationships Process: Family members are welcomed: Introductions are carried out, ground rules and aims clarified whilst coffee is drunk. A recap from the last session is carried out: To follow up developments and reflections after the last meeting. One issue is selected for the main focus Issue presentation: The family member who raised the concern is asked questions to tell the ‘story’ of the issue or problem. Additional questions/information from the group about the problem are gathered: Ground rules may need to be observed carefully here. Individual participants need to be kept focused and prevented from leaping to premature conclusions or to making ‘helpful’ suggestions about strategy. Relationship aspects to the problem are explored. Metaphors and analogies are invited. How would a fly on the wall see your relationship? If you were alone together on a desert island, what would it be like? Impact of previous relationships/spillage from one relationship to another are explored. Eg what situation they are reminded of? For instance, does this situation remind you of any of those angry but helpless feelings you had with your other son when he was an adolescent? This provides opportunities to reflect on how emotions rub off on other people. The parent feels really frustrated, and on reflection we can see that so does the child System/Organisation factors (Family system/school and community systems and so on): What aspects help or hinder the problem? For instance, does the pastoral system of the local school provide space, or time and skilled personnel able to counsel this young person and work actively with their parents? Synthesis. At this stage the Graphic facilitator summarises what they have heard. They then go on to describe linkages and patterns in what they have heard. This can be very powerful. The person doing the graphic work has been able to listen throughout the presentation process and will have been struck by strong messages, emotions and images as they have arisen. The story and meaning of what is happening in the situation may become a little clearer at this point. Typical links may be ‘mirrored emotions’ strong themes such as loss and separation issues, or repeated processes such as actions triggering rejection. This step provides an excellent grounding for the next process of deepening understanding. What alternative strategies/interventions are open to be used? Brainstormed and recorded. ’Either/ors’ need to be avoided at this time also. This needs to be a shared session in which the family member who is presenting the concern contributes as much as anyone. Care is needed to ensure that this person is not overloaded with other people’s strategies. The final selection of strategy or strategies from the brainstormed list is the problem presenter’s choice. Strategies might include: a special time for the young person, a meeting with the child’s parents to explore how she is being managed at home and to share tactics, a home-school diary, counselling, or an agreed action plan that all are aware of, agreed sanctions and rewards and so forth. Strategies may productively involve processes of restitution and restoration, when ‘sorry’ is not enough. Making it right, rather than punishments or rewards, may then becomes the focus. First Steps. The problem presenter is finally asked to agree one or two first steps which they can carry out over the next 3-7 days. It can help to assign a ‘coach’ who will check in with them to ensure they have carried out the action they have named. This is a time to be very specific. Steps should be small and achievable. The person is just ‘making a start’. A phone call, or making an agreement with a key other person not present at the meeting would be ideal examples. Final reflections. Sometimes referred to as a ‘round of words’ help with closure for all involved. Reflections are on the process not the problem. In large families this is best done standing in a circle. In smaller groups all can remain sitting. Passing around a ‘listening stick’ or something similar such as a stone or light heighten the significance of the process ending and improve listening. Finally the problem presenter is handed the ‘Graphic’ this is their record of the meeting and can be rolled and presented ceremoniously by the facilitators for maximum effect! If you liked this course you may well like: Parent Solutions

Course Overview The Care Certificate (15 Standards) course offers a foundational introduction to essential standards for individuals working in health and social care roles across the UK. Covering all 15 standards required by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), this course is designed to ensure learners understand their responsibilities, safeguarding protocols, and person-centred care approaches. It supports individuals in developing the knowledge needed to meet industry expectations in line with the Skills for Care guidelines. Upon completion, learners will be able to demonstrate a firm grasp of care values, communication techniques, infection control, and equality and diversity awareness, helping them integrate confidently into care settings. The Care Certificate provides an excellent starting point for those new to care roles or seeking to align their current practices with professional benchmarks. Course Description This course comprehensively covers the 15 core standards of the Care Certificate, including duty of care, communication, privacy and dignity, safeguarding adults and children, and health and safety. It provides detailed theoretical understanding to help learners develop a values-based approach aligned with UK care sector expectations. The course is structured to improve understanding of policies, legal frameworks, and workplace responsibilities in social care environments. Learners will explore topics such as person-centred support, infection prevention, mental health awareness, and handling information in care settings. The course supports learners in enhancing their understanding of the principles and frameworks that underpin professional conduct in care roles, helping them demonstrate competency across a wide range of subject areas relevant to both domiciliary and residential care roles. Course Modules: Module 01: Understand Your Role Module 02: Your Personal Development Module 03: Duty of Care Module 04: Equality and Diversity Module 05: Work in a Person-Centred Way Module 06: Communication Module 07: Privacy and Dignity Module 08: Fluids and Nutrition Module 09: Awareness of Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities Module 10: Safeguarding Adults Module 11: Safeguarding Children Module 12: Basic Life Support Module 13: Health and Safety Module 14: Handling Information Module 15: Infection Prevention and Control (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to start a career in health and social care. Professionals aiming to meet mandatory training requirements for care roles. Beginners with an interest in understanding care standards and regulations. Volunteers or support workers looking to formalise their knowledge in care settings. Career Path Care Assistant Support Worker Domiciliary Carer Healthcare Assistant Residential Care Worker Adult Social Care Professional

Course Overview The Health and Social Care Level 5 Diploma is a comprehensive qualification designed to enhance learners' understanding of the UK’s care sector, including the ethical, legal, and professional frameworks that govern it. This course explores the critical responsibilities of care professionals, including safeguarding practices, communication strategies, and equality promotion within diverse care environments. Learners will gain a deep appreciation for the significance of person-centred care and the regulatory policies shaping health and social care in the UK. By the end of the course, participants will be well-prepared to step into leadership and supervisory roles, offering informed guidance and supporting quality standards in a variety of care settings. Course Description This diploma covers essential concepts such as safeguarding vulnerable adults, managing risks, promoting diversity, and upholding individual rights within health and social care environments. Learners will develop a solid grasp of professional ethics, communication relevance, and policy implementation within the scope of their roles. The course is delivered in a structured format, ensuring clarity and coherence as learners progress through each module. Participants will understand the intricacies of caregiving responsibilities, from legal duties to organisational procedures, gaining the confidence to uphold high standards in care delivery. Designed to align with industry expectations and UK compliance requirements, this qualification empowers learners with the knowledge needed to support individuals with dignity, empathy, and a firm understanding of professional obligations. Course Modules: Module 01: Introduction to Health and Social Care Module 02: Communication and Its Relevance Module 03: Rights and Responsibilities as a Health and Social Care Worker Module 04: Role as A Caregiver and Healthcare Professional Module 05: Working in Health and Social Care: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Rights Module 06: Important Principles and Policies in Health and Social Care Work Module 07: Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Module 08: Health and Safety Responsibilities Module 09: Risk Management in Health and Social Care (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to build a foundation for supervisory roles in care. Professionals aiming to deepen their knowledge of care standards and regulatory responsibilities. Beginners with an interest in health, social care, or community support. Volunteers or support workers aspiring to gain formal recognition. Career Path Health and Social Care Supervisor Residential Care Manager Community Support Worker Health Services Coordinator Care Quality Assurance Officer Social Care Team Leader