Course Category Team Building and Leadership Visioning and Problem Solving Strategic Work Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Chairing Meetings Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Description Meetings can be dreadful and bad chairing makes them worse. On this day we look at transformational person centred approaches to approaching the chairing of meetings. We provide deeper insights into the psychological processes that make this role challenging. ‘Best Saves’ for those really difficult moments when chairing meetings are creatively explored. We provide a practical, skill based and creative approach best delivered over 2 days. Testimonials “One of the most valuable things I have come across in the whole year” Learning Objectives To identify characteristics of meetings that matter- what excellent chairing looks like To strengthen person centred dimensions to chairing meetings To clarify the meetings we never want to be part of To create a visual graphic and words that uniquely illuminate what great meetings and chairing looks like To explore the various hats that group members and chairs can wear For participants to improve their chairing skills by receiving feedback To explore how to bring creativity into stuck meetings To Explore psychodynamic processes of resistance, projection, splitting and transference- as well as how to process these dynamics Who Is It For? Anyone who has to chair meetings Course Content Setting a Good tone/Exploring the ‘whole elephant’ – story so far of experience in chairing meetings – good and bad meetings – graphiced timeline and highs and lows of story so far Meetings I do not want – negative chairing…. Thinking Hats and Values – linked to role of chair – where are hats when things are going well and where are they when things are not? Our shared vision for great meetings and excellent chairing? Personal planning for future chairing – what do I need to get better at – what should I manage? Specific skill teaching – re when things go wrong – eg tears, personal attacks, talking in side conversations, silent members, lack of contribution, anger and so on…‘best saves’ explored with group – using live role play – with one chair Solution Circle demonstration – chairing skills/problem solving modelled – approach when teams stuck… Emotional elements of chairing – ‘its not personal’ – splitting, projection, transference explored and ‘handling projections’ activity Vision and Road Blocks – small groups chaired and minuted – creative problem solving – Blocks to vision of great meetings creatively removed or worked around
Many leaders and managers working on the front line of inclusion lack emotional support from Local Authority staff or anyone else despite the challenging nature of their work. There is a massive need for active listening, containment and opportunities to problem solve and reflect confidentially with someone trusted. Course Category Peer Support Meeting emotional needs Strategic Work Early Years Description We can tailor make and deliver personalised 1:1 or group support and supervision sessions with a particular focus on emotional support. Many leaders and managers working on the front line of inclusion lack emotional support from Local Authority staff or anyone else despite the challenging nature of their work. There is a massive need for active listening, containment and opportunities to problem solve and reflect confidentially with someone trusted. Some leaders may prefer a group setting for mutual support. We can provide this numbers permitting. Book a set of 3/10/20 sessions or why not set up monthly meetings with a psychologist, head teacher or other suitable practitioner to meet your needs. Testimonials Be the first… Learning Objectives Emotional support in a confidential space To listen and offer practical support Joint problem solving around hard issues To build a trusting relationship Who Is It For ? Headteachers Children Centre Managers Heads of Service Directors Early Years Mangers Course Content Active and supportive listening and exploration of named issues Supportive and safe problem solving Consultation processes In groups to use processes such as Circle of Adults If you liked this you may like: STORY TELLING: STRENGTHENING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF COMMUNITIES
This training gives an opportunity to focus on how to embed effective approaches to meeting emotional needs in schools. We explore a range of ways into meeting emotional needs of pupils across a school. We focus on including pupils with extreme emotional needs. Course Category Meeting emotional needs Description This training gives an opportunity to focus on how to embed relevant ideas and materials in schools. We explore how to make these materials really come to life as we explore a range of ways into meeting emotional needs of pupils across a school. We focus on including pupils with extreme emotional needs. There are lots of opportunities for personal and professional reflection on engagement with challenging pupils as we provide processes to support reflection, visioning and problem solving. 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.”NOTTINGHAM SEAL COORDINATOR “I was totally blown away, when I realised how passionate people were about SEAL” “So nice to reflect and realise what a long way we have come” “That was so powerful and motivational”.’ Learning Objectives Shared vision of a school that is truly meeting all social and emotional needs Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on meeting emotional and behaviour problems Deeper understanding of how to embed positive Mental Health approaches in a school Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards children with emotional challenge Who Is It For? All practitioners who are leading on Mental Health work in schools or on behalf of a Local Authority Full range of agencies committed to meeting social and emotional needs in schools Course Content The training explores the questions: What would a school look like when Mental Health was truly part of everything that was happening, a shared vision? How can we truly embed Mental Health approaches and materials in our school? What can we do to meet complex and challenging emotional needs in schools? Can we learn a process to understand at a deeper level highly complex social and emotional needs? This training will cover: Bringing positive Mental Health approaches to life in schools: creating a shared vision and a set of grounded goals together Circle of Adults process for self-reflection and understanding emotional needs of high profile pupils. We will model and teach how this process links in and strengthens PSHE work in schools. If you liked this try: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS or: RESTORATIVE INTERVENTIONS
Grief & Bereavement Training Certification programme to help others heal from grief, loss and emotional pain.
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. 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 tools – MAPS and PATH – create a hands-on demonstration of 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. 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 “Thanks again for a superb day which from my perspective as Principal Educational Psychologist has been a real boost and uplifted my spirits about helping move the Educational Psychology Service forward as well as gaining greater insight and understanding of individual Educational Psychologists. Several EPs have said that they are planning to use MAPS and PATHS in their work and I will be joining them.”DR MICHAEL HYMANS, PRINCIPAL EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, LONDON BOROUGH OF Learning Objectives To Explore the values underpinning person centred working To show how person centred planning naturally captures 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 tools PATH live demonstration 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.
Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Course Category Relationships Racial bias Description Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organise social worlds by categorising. So join us on a reflective, engaging day where we tackle real life issues in depth and create action plans for future practice. Learning Objectives Increased confidence and understanding regarding Unconscious Bias Action planning New skills and processes to strengthen the inclusion of diverse groups Opportunity to reflect and understand more deeply on what might be happening due to unconscious bias’ Who Is It For? Any professional, carer or parent Course Content We will explore what is known about:Restorative JusticeDiversityAttitudes and ValuesProfessional dutiesReflective practice
This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people who have experienced serious trauma in their life. We work to strengthen understanding of children who have faced issues of trauma emerging from abuse, violence, loss and family breakdown. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Impact of Trauma Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Teaching and Learning Description This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people with serious issues arising from trauma. Drawing from the international research and literature 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 the language and key concepts of trauma and outline very practical classroom strategies. We look at what Psychology may help us in our understanding of children who have faced trauma. We explore the themes of: Hyperarousal Intrusive thoughts Constricted lives We look at triggers, self-regulation and unpack a range of strategies. We explore what young people with these difficulties really need from us. We also spend time looking at the emotional impact on practitioners working with children with such needs and what helps at a personal and team level. We can all do something – we do not have to wait for expert therapists to arrive! Testimonials I had no idea… It had a huge impact Belonging and feelings are so important Excellent! Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for traumatised children in mainstream schools Simple understandable explanation trauma understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on social and behavioural needs Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards parents and pupils with complex emotional needs New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion successful 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 secureMourn the past traumaReconnect with ordinary relationships with children and adults?How can we start to develop an understanding of traumatised children?What is the true impact of trauma?What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs?What useful psychological constructs can we use to guide us?This course also explores practical strategies, concepts and language for key adults rebuilding 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
In this course we deepen participants understanding of systemic racism and the spectrum of privilege. It challenges the participants to examine their behaviours and take close looks at some of the views they have held since a very young age, e.g. this area is a “bad” area, because it has a high proportion of black/brown people living in it, or that young black men in tracksuits are “thugs”. We think about where these messages come from and how people are indoctrinated by the media. Course Category Inclusion Team Building Leadership Emotional needs Description In this course we deepen participants understanding of systemic racism and the spectrum of privilege. It challenges the participants to examine their behaviours and take close looks at some of the views they have held since a very young age, e.g. this area is a “bad” area, because it has a high proportion of black/brown people living in it, or that young black men in tracksuits are “thugs”. We think about where these messages come from and how people are indoctrinated by the media. We explore the reasons why white people are so defensive when it comes to talking about race. We discuss having racial biases and the implications of them, such as unconsciously insulting people around us in the workplace. When we become aware of how our behaviours can affect people, we then look for solutions. The course is designed for groups of professionals to come together as a team to try and take responsibility for the racism that goes on in their workplace – empowering the leadership to have difficult conversations with team members and create a paradigm shift across the entire organisation. Please come with an open mind, and you might be surprised at what you find out. We are striving for a world where racism is an open conversation and not a topic that we shy away from. Testimonials “That was a really insightful session and thought provoking. I would love to attend more sessions on racism. Thank you for the engaging questions and delivery” “Lots of things to reflect on!” Learning Objectives Participants will: Confront their own racism and unconscious biases Become aware of the ways they treat people differently based on race Think about practical changes they can make in their workplaces Who Is It For? Leadership teams seeking guidance and reflection Educators who want to get it right People who have had not had much contact with people outside their own race People who believe they are “not racist” Course Content Background – brief history of systemic racism Racism as a binary – the problem with thinking only “bad” people can be racist Trust – how do we feel around people we don’t trust? Difference – how do we act when we feel different? What do Good Manners look like around people of different cultures? What does Good Allyship look like in the workplace? Why don’t we talk about race? What does your race mean to you? Examining our privilege – activity Interracial friendship video Visioning – what does the ideal workplace look like? Setting Actions – what achievable actions can we set to bring us closer to our dream future?
Local authorities are being encouraged to seek the views of young people in relation to the services they receive. Schools and the whole range of support services (e.g. behaviour support, youth offending teams, social services, CAMHS etc.) are being expected to routinely ask young people for their views. This goes beyond involving young people in plans that concern them e.g care plans, individual education plans, pastoral support plans etc. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Ask the Children Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Peer Support Description Local authorities are being encouraged to seek the views of young people in relation to the services they receive. Schools and the whole range of support services (e.g. behaviour support, youth offending teams, social services, CAMHS etc.) are being expected to routinely ask young people for their views. This goes beyond involving young people in plans that concern them e.g care plans, individual education plans, pastoral support plans etc. This training will focus on how young people can be effectively engaged in giving their views and will present a model for use in evaluating services to young people based on the concept of resilience. This model enables young people to be clear about what has helped and hindered them in being able to overcome difficulties. It also provides a framework for evaluating the extent to which services are reducing risk and increasing protective factors to enable young people to develop the resilience. Testimonials ‘Yet again inspiring and opening more doors than I can go through’? ‘This opened a lot of avenues for thought and reflection. It will help me to help colleagues to see where they can improve practice to create a more inclusive environment within the whole school.’ ‘Some great ideas and restored my self belief! Fantastic’ Learning Objectives Strategies for engaging young people Knowledge and Understanding of resilience In relation to system and environmental factors Strategies for reducing risk and increasing protective factors In relation to Individual young people and services Evaluation framework for services to young people Who Is It For ? Youth offending teams Social services CAMHS Primary and secondary teachers Heads and Deputies SENCOs Learning Support and Guidance staff Advanced Skills Teachers Parents Local Authority Support Services Community Development workers Early Years and School based Practitioners Social work staff Health Services Course Content The course answers the questions : How can we truly involve pupils? Practically how do we go about listening to pupils views? What if we do not like what they tell us? How can we involve our most disaffected young people? Key themes Tools for engaging young people and gaining their views The concept of resilience System and environmental risk and protective factors that impact on young people’s resilience Reducing risk and Increasing protective factors Resilience planning for Individuals and services Evaluating services to young people If you liked this course you may well like: CIRCLES OF FRIENDS
A Solution Circle is a 30 minute creative Problem Solving Process for getting unstuck…Ideal for busy people! lt was designed by Marsha Forest & Jack Pearpoint. This is a short and powerful tool. It is effective in getting “unstuck” from a problem in life or work. Solution Circles are tools of “community capacity”. It assumes and demonstrates that nearby people – in any community or work place have the capacity to help – if asked. It requires a person to ASK – not an easy thing in our culture of privacy and “do it alone”. This tool puts all the values we espouse into practice and demonstrates that TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER. Course Category Problem Solving Description A Solution Circle is a 30 minute creative Problem Solving Process for getting unstuck…Ideal for busy people! lt was designed by Marsha Forest & Jack Pearpoint. This is a short and powerful tool. It is effective in getting “unstuck” from a problem in life or work. Solution Circles are tools of “community capacity”. It assumes and demonstrates that nearby people – in any community or work place have the capacity to help – if asked. It requires a person to ASK – not an easy thing in our culture of privacy and “do it alone”. This tool puts all the values we espouse into practice and demonstrates that TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER. In this training you will learn how to set up and facilitate Solution Circles Learning Objectives For participants to learn how to facilitate a Solution Circle For participants to understand the underlying rationale and ethos of this way of working For participants to learn the power of team work and problem solving when including challenging individuals Who Is It For? Team Around the Child agencies Parents and Professional working together Families Multi Agency Teams Social workers CAMHS teams Year Managers Primary and secondary staff teams Early Years and School based Practitioners Heads and Deputies SENDCOs Advanced Skills Teachers Primary and secondary teachers Local Authority Support Services Course Content This can be introduced in a twilight, half day or even a full day workshop with individualised coaching. We will provide background context for this approach and will directly model the process with real live issues facing participants. So bring your most challenging concerns to this training. The course answers the questions: What to when you are stuck Can we find an alternative to permanent exclusion or special unit or school placement? Struggling with a child for whom praise is ineffective? Feeling isolated in your responses to a child’s needs? Worried about where your instinctive reactions are leading you? Cannot seem to get any consensus view of a young person’s behaviour/needs amongst all the family and professionals involved – is everyone pulling in different directions? We will cover: Setting the tone Background and detailed teaching of process Inclusion values underpinning this work Graphic and process facilitation skills Processes modelled and opportunities to try process out with coaching Practical setting up of insights and solutions circles Lessons learned