4893 Educators providing Courses delivered Online

focal point uk ltd

Visual Impairment training, Low Vision services and Vision Rehab training, consultancy, support Services and specialist equipment – over 25 years of experience working with people who have sight loss!! How to use this website For easier accessibility you can change the font size and choose the colour of text and backgrounds by using the buttons on the top banner of this site. Just click on the button of your preferred choice. Welcome to Focal Point UK if you are vision impaired and need a support service, or run a service for vision impaired people, we may be able to help!! Vision Impairment / Low Vision Training, Consultancy and Support Services About Focal Point UK Focal Point UK is a private sector company / agency providing high quality vision rehabilitation and low vision support and services to people with sight loss and professionals from all sectors at all levels, who work in the field of vision impairment throughout the UK and abroad. Focal Point UK employ qualified vision impairment professionals (Rehabilitation Workers/Officers – Visual Impairment) with many years of experience, they are fully insured and have enhanced level DBS clearance. Focal Point UK was formed in October 2005, is a registered limited company. Focal Point UK provides service contracts, consultancy days and training courses: Specialist vision rehabilitation assessments – full assessment identifying needs and goals Locum/spot contracts providing Vision Rehab Officers/Workers to service providers eg. Social Services Functional low vision assessments – specialist low vision assessments, recommending low vision aids/magnifiers Low Vision Therapy Training programmes – how to use low vision aids/magnifiers Orientation & mobility assessments & training – including use of mobility aids, and navigation and travel strategies Independent Living Skills (ILS) training programmes – activities of daily living activities/tasks Assessments & training in all aspects of communication – including use of IT / AT equipment Assessments & training in high tech low vision devices such as electronic video magnifies Supporting vision impaired students – undertaking full rehab, functional low vision and mobility assessments for education departments, further and higher education establishments (as part of the Disability Students Allowance), and provision of training programmes to meet individual needs. Supporting Vision Impaired people in work – employment work place assessments and training, provision of specialist equipment. Supplying assessments and training on behalf of the Access to Work scheme Lighting assessments – specialist ‘vision related’ lighting needs in the home/work place Vision awareness training packages – for all organisations, staff and professionals Training for professionals – a wide range of sight loss related training courses are available to meet all professional needs (see our training brochure for further details) Consultancy – service planning, delivery and evaluation of services, advice and support on rehab and low vision equipment Legal case work and ‘expert witness’ reports, and legal rehab therapy interventions Rehabilitation services contracts – locum provision to social services on long term or spot contract Professional Support Services – professional mentoring and supervision of rehab workers/Officers for vision impaired people, support staff, and other professionals in any sector Provide a wide range of magnifiers and optical and non-optical low vision aids Provision of a wide range of specialist high-tech equipment for vision impaired people Access consultancy and audits – provision of audits, advice and information on design of plans and adaptations for indoor and outdoor environments. Could be new build, or adaptations ie. under disabled facilities grant work. Focal Point UK staff are motivated and qualified professionals who fully understand the needs of people who are blind & partially sighted, and professionals in the field, Focal Point UK main aim is to improve the quality and standard of services available to d people with a visual impairment throughout the UK. At Focal Point UK we work with all sectors – Social Care, Education (schools, further and higher education), Employment, Voluntary, Employment, legal and private sector organisations – working on any project or service associated with visual impairment and with any professionals or staff, at any level. For further information and details about all of our services, use the main menu on the top left of this home page to navigate to the relevant page.

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nst

, Lancashire

Founded in 1967 by a maths teacher in Lancashire, NST has worked alongside thousands of teachers, like you, to create unique school trip experiences and memories that last a lifetime. That’s why so many schools choose to travel with us each and every year. NST has been awarded the Feefo Platinum Service award in 2020, an independent seal of excellence that recognises those businesses that go above and beyond to provide a consistently excellent service and dedicate themselves to providing quality customer experiences year after year. Read below to discover more about why NST is the right choice for you. The NST experience With NST, you can expect something a little different. From the moment you start planning a tour with us, we’ll work closely with you to bring your school trip ideas to life. With our unrivalled knowledge of destinations across the UK, Europe and worldwide, together with years of experience in planning unforgettable school trips, we’ll help you to create a learning experience that’s as unique as your group itself. We've been formally endorsed For students studying GCSE History - our 3-day accompanied tour to the First World War Battlefields really can enhance the teaching and learning process for Pearson Edexcel’s GCSE History - Option 11: The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches – and that’s not just our view, our itinerary has been formally endorsed by the exam board itself. Support before, during and after your tour From the moment you enquire, you’ll have our full support. Our in-house team have extensive school travel knowledge, from the ins and outs of destinations to planning and arranging your ideal itinerary from start to finish. Whilst you’re away, benefit from airport assistance and the support of NST’s representatives, Subject Experts, specialist escorts and local guides in many of our destinations – plus our 24 hour emergency cover. And we’ll always be here for you should you need us on your return too. Safe in our hands Safety is at the heart of every NST school trip and our vigilant approach to safety management will offer the reassurance that we know is so important to both you and parents. What’s more, we have been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Council’s Quality Badge, which is your guarantee that we manage safety on school visits effectively, whilst also creating high quality learning experiences. Visit our safety page to read more. Protecting your tour With NST, you’ll have financial protection from the moment you book your trip to your safe return because we’re fully protected through ABTA and ATOL, and we’re licensed by IATA too. Booking with us is the best way to protect parents’ money and give yourself peace of mind. Don’t forget, if you book direct with an airline, your group may not be covered. Visit our financial protection page to read more. Bringing you even greater value for money At NST, we work hard to bring you the best possible value school trips to help make every penny count and save both you and parents money. Here’s how we’re helping you to money... Free places – We offer a generous free place ratio of 1 in 10 for air travel and 1 in 8 for coach travel on all tours. Pre-tour visits – Qualify for a two nights complimentary stay for two people in your chosen destination ahead of your trip. Loyalty reward – Save an additional £5pp from your first consecutive year of travel onwards. Secure your seats – We can secure your seats on any airline with an initial deposit of only £125pp. Take a look at our current offers and discounts. What next? Take a look at our range of trips using the search tool on the homepage or if you’re looking for inspiration, you can browse through all of our trips. To discover more about taking an NST tour, watch our video which follows one group on their tour to Spain. Alternatively, give one of our Educational Travel Advisers a call on 0845 293 7970 to discuss your tour ideas.

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manchester montessori house

Manchester

Manchester Montessori House is the first bilingual English- French kindergarten in Manchester, in the United Kingdom for children ages 3 to 6. Initially it had started as a Montessori group for Home Educating families in Greater Manchester in 2008. There was, and still is, a big demand for alternative education and Montessori is one of these options. Montessori methodology, well known worldwide, does offer holistic approach and supports all areas of children’s development. It places the child in the centre, where he/she can develop his/her full potential through carefully and purposefully offered ‘hands on’ activities. The highly qualify staff ( with a lot of teaching experiences), implement valuable principals of Montessori philosophy while educating young children in their formative years of grow. The staff aims are to provide Prepared Environment that enables children to express their full potential over the most important and crucial first six years of life, but also later on. Teachers are ‘to offer the child an environment rich in motives for activity, in which he/she can choose what he/she will take and use. In this choice he/she is free from any teacher’s control, or indeed from adult control in general’ (Montessori, 2007, p. 186). Children who attend to our setting are carefully observed and ‘scaffold’ by the experienced practitioners on the way to ‘Normalisation’ as Dr Montessori called this process and cited it as “the most important single result of our whole work” (Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, 1949). Children natural phenomena, potential and internal energy horme, – ‘this universal force is not physical, but is the force of life itself in the process of evolution’ (Polk Lillard, 1972, p.42), are directed on the most natural way of holistic development. All the little learners are treated with the respect, are given attention they deserve, are being looked after as a unique individuals. Peers in our setting are given opportunity to grow in consistency and harmony which helps them to progress in all areas of grow ‘to follow the child, adapting himself to the child’s rhythm and the psychological needs of his growth’ (Polk Lillard, 1972, p.39). It is important for us that children grow in calm, safe and beautiful environment and are learning to be creators of the world around them. They acquire how to develop self-discipline, motivation and love of work as a natural response to their internal needs. Educational materials in our kindergarten are purchased from the licensed manufacturers of Montessori materials and are the same, which are taught in all over the world. The furniture are comfortable and accessible for children. All the apparatus are made of wood or natural resources and comply with high safety requirements. We focus on each child individually to help him/ her evolve the curiosity to the nature and to the surrounding world. We promote individuals who grow free, are independent, be self-motivated and confident. They are empathic and tolerant, can recognize their own feelings but also, which is very important, can respond to the needs of others. We give children the opportunity to develop according to their respective capabilities and to easily adapt themselves in multicultural societies. The Montessori system of education provides an environment rich in activities for every area of learning. Montessori called her schools “Casa dei Bambini” or “the children’s home”. In their home from home the children find room full of mysteries, challenges and discoveries. Our Montessori approach is holistic and aims to develop the whole child when they have the greatest capacity to learn. Follow by Montessori we aim to: help children become confident, compassionate, happy, calm, purposeful, free and independent, empower them and be creative. Awaken children’s interest in all subjects and to encourage in them a love of learning. Give children an understanding of the world and respect for all they find in it. The Montessori Method is a dynamic and complete approach to the enrichment of young children and as such represents the very best that a parent can give during these formative years. ‘The child is in a continual state of growth and metamorphosis, where as the adult has reached the norm of the species’ (E.M. Standing, 1984, p. 106).

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romain designs

London

Romain Designs provides education to enrich lives and expand our learners’ possibilities. “Learning does not stop after finishing school, college or university, it is a lifelong opportunity that can sharpen the skills, increase self-confidence and improve career prospects”. Our team of staff is by far our most valuable asset. Our expectations of delivering a high standard of service can only be met by carefully selected, motivated, and able individuals. To reflect and support this we have developed a number of initiatives to ensure that our team is given the opportunity to settle in as soon as possible, and gain an understanding of our business and the way we work. All of our staff, administrators, assessors, and internal verifiers are rigorously selected against carefully defined selection criteria. We use face-to-face interviews to determine their suitability and training requirements. As part of ongoing professional development to ensure the continued improvement of our services, a training plan is put in place for each worker. Online/distance learning offers high-quality training and the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognized qualification. They offer technical knowledge whilst practical experience, along with functional and personal skills are obtained in the work environment. These are acquired through a mix of learning online and in the workplace, providing real training and the opportunity to practice and embed new skills in their everyday job role. Romain Designs offer courses that are completely online. Whether your training need is large or small, we can provide the resources and solutions you need to get the job done right. Our track record for consistency, timely service, and subject matter expertise make insurmountable tasks possible to overcome. We especially enjoy supporting our students, where english is a second language, new to the country wanting to rebuild their work history or those wanting to rejoin the workforce. Our multifaceted company is here to assist by providing a wide range of services at affordable prices. For more information, simply contact us at info@romandesigns.uk Romain Designs engages with learners from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Supporting diversity and inclusion is very important to us, whether it is helping those expanding their skill set, or providing individuals with an access point to education for the first time. We have progressively developed our service is to ensure sustainability and high working relationships in order to provide a friendly and professional approach and training service. Our specialisms are currently in : Quality Assurance Consultancy Adult care Advisory and Employability Childcare Education and Training Basic, intermediate, and advanced ICT Courses Creative and Digital Media Family Learning Information Advice & Guidance Supporting teaching and learning Business Consultancy Website Development and Graphical Design We have experience in Employer Engagement, building, and maintaining strong relationships with both clients and candidates to achieve successful outcomes. We adhere to our employer’s needs. We work together to contribute to the success of the companies’ objectives as well as enhance and develop our own business achievements. Our goal is to provide a valuable service for Adults, Young People, Schools, businesses and employers. Our aim is to provide professional, engaged and successful outcomes. that is taught at a high level and quality. Our aim is to encourage self-esteem and enable opportunities in the community, partnering with others, to improve skills, knowledge, and experience. Romain Designs is constantly working for the community. . Take a look around the site and access the service most appropriate to you. We look forward to supporting you, with your next project or learning journey. Accessible and Affordable We work hard to keep course costs to an absolute minimum. In addition, we offer a range of flexible payment options for even greater affordability. All course materials are included as standard, with no hidden extras to pay at any time. Enrol today and spread your payments with a finance plan. We have multiple payment options available and will help you choose the best plan to suit you. We also accept international students on specific courses, so browse through our courses to get started. Complete our pre-enrolment form and we will contact you to discuss this further

path of yoga school

Welcome to the Path of Yoga family! Path of Yoga teacher training school was founded in 2017 by James French and Rory Trollen – experienced yogis, teacher-trainers and good friends. Between them they have taught dozens of trainings all over the world. Since then, Path of Yoga has evolved to become one of the best yoga teacher training schools in the world, helping to educate and nurture a huge number of YTT students. Our teacher training graduates have gone on to teach in their own communities, start businesses, and run retreats. Although we have grown to offer several yoga teacher trainings each year, we have never lost our small family vibe which is at the heart and centre of everything we do. As we are always striving for the highest quality, all of our 200 hour and 300 hour YTT courses are Yoga Alliance certified. This means you will be eligible to become a Yoga Alliance certified teacher, enabling you to teach world-wide. Live Yoga Teacher Training Programs Whilst our roots started in the UK, we now offer yoga teacher trainings in Thailand, India, and Peru. This gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a month of yoga, experience a different culture, and be grounded by a supportive group of teachers and peers on the same path. Upon successful completion of our yoga teacher training program, you will gain your well earned 200 hour or 300 hour RYT certification. During the course, you will stay in bespoke accommodation with modern comforts and have three delicious vegan meals each day. Our venues are always beautiful retreat centres, nestled in nature, carefully selected to provide a comfortable and safe space for you to develop your practice. Online Yoga Teacher Training Even through challenging times we have found ways to adapt and grow, whilst staying true to our values and authentic in our teaching. One of the most exciting developments has been the birth of our 200 hour Online YTT in 2021. This has meant that the Path of Yoga teacher training program has been able to reach a wider community, and given more people the opportunity to learn and practice with us and our incredible teachers. This flexible model allows you to become a 200 hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher, whilst working around your own personal schedule and commitments. Our teachers… …are world class experienced yogis, from a variety of backgrounds, yogic styles and lineages. We are honoured to have this amazing teaching team come together, to create exceptional online and in-person Level 1 200 hour and Level 2 300 hour courses. Our style… …is a blend of traditional hatha and dynamic vinyasa. We have created our own unique and authentic union of the two, resulting in a strong yet nourishing practice. The essence and heart of our YTT courses is the philosophy and sacred traditions of the East, combined with a science based, modern approach from the West. Our Yoga Alliance certified trainings will immerse you in hatha, vinyasa, breathwork, meditation, self-development, self-healing, conscious communication and conscious living. This is combined with workshops on anatomy, asana and adjustments, giving you all the skills necessary to become a successful yoga teacher. Become a RYA certified yoga instructor today! Join us on a transformational YTT. We will live and breathe yoga together, develop ourselves physically and mentally, and learn how to teach these transformative techniques to others. At the end of the month you will be able to become a certified Yoga Alliance 200 hour teacher. More importantly though, you will have the confidence, knowledge, and skills to evolve into a world class yoga teacher. A Yoga Teacher Training is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It is not the final objective or goal, but a beautiful step on the Path of Yoga. Practice with James and get a feel for our courses, with this free 75 minute Chakra Flow. We’re always happy to help with any questions you may have, so please feel free to contact us, or book a call with one of our teachers. We look forward to practicing with you and welcoming you to the Path of Yoga family!

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pop up play village in and around cleethorpes

Our aim is to provide a safe and inviting space in which children and their parents can unleash their creativity and let their imaginations go wild. Pop Up Play village is made up of role play areas. We’d call these sets or scenes if we worked in the glamorous worlds of TV or theatre – but sadly we don’t! We have a hospital, vets, baby nursery, supermarket, café, construction site, library, baby play area, art studio and outdoor explorer zone. Each one filled with high quality toys, props and dressing up kits – specially sourced and impeccably clean. What Makes Us Different? We’re often asked whether we’re a playgroup or a drop in toddler play session. Yes, we have toys to play with, things to dress up in and caffeine on tap but our village is about much more than that… Our play sessions have been specially designed by an expert in early years education to help children learn and develop through play. Each of our areas provides them with the tools to develop socially and learn more about themselves, their peers and the world we live in. And whilst this is about education and development, our key priority is having fun. That means fun for everyone. There are no adult wallflowers here. Parents and carers are welcomed into our village and actively encouraged to lose their inhibitions and play together with their children in a way that’s often just not possible at home. And whilst we love our village and all the characters who live in it, we realise it’s good to shake things up a bit from time to time. That’s why we often invite guests to play – dinosaurs, pirates, mermaids, unicorns and dragons – to name a few. We also mark events and the seasons as we pass through the year. Laying The Foundations It was back in 2007 when I started teaching my first ever class that the first foundations of the Play Village were laid. Watching the children in my reception class acting out real-life scenarios in the role play corner, I realised the true value of learning through play. I’d always worked hard to create engaging and realistic areas in which the children could let their imaginations run free. I absolutely loved teaching and gained six fantastic years of experience before having my first child. When my son was 2, I found at weekends it was really hard to find fun, exciting places to take him. It was on one cold, dreary Sunday afternoon in February that the idea of running pop up role play events came into my head along with the name Pop Up Play Village! I thought about it for many months after this vision and it wasn’t until after my daughter was born in June 2016 that I decided it was time to go for it by opening up the world of mobile role play to children and their parents in my local area. Of course, Pop Up Play Village didn’t pop up overnight and as with any build, a great deal of research and testing came before. I wanted every element of the village to be the best it could possibly be and so sourcing the right toys and props took time. Safety, durability and play-ability were key and thankfully, as well as many years of teaching experience behind me, I had two excellent testers in the shape of my children – who were inspiration and guinea pig in equal measure! The doors finally opened on Pop Up Play Village in 2017 and we’re proud to say we’ve undergone huge expansion since. We’re now popping up all over Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. We run sessions for families and schools, entertain children at weddings and events and host their birthday parties. We’ve already been accredited by the Approved Franchise Association and also have the support of two major high street banks – Lloyds and NatWest. But we’re not sitting back. We’ve got ambitious plans and there’s plenty more to be done if we are to bring the Pop Up Play Village experience to many more families across the country and beyond.

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the rochester grammar school

Kent

The Rochester Grammar School is a high-performing secondary which is part of the TSA Trust where diversity is celebrated as we create a safe and inspiring place for children to learn; where their rights are respected and they are able to develop their talents and abilities to their full potential. We started our RRSA journey in September 2021 and have achieved the Bronze Right Respecting School Award (RRSA) and are now working towards achieving our Silver Award. The RRSA (Rights Respecting Schools Award) is awarded by Unicef. Unicef is the world’s leading organisation working for children and young people and their rights. In 1989, governments across the world agreed that all children have the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential. The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice. All children are taught about their rights at the Rochester Grammar School. Rights are the focus each week during form time with key discussion points and reflections activities. We also have a steering group where children come together to discuss their Rights. We celebrate our diversity as a school community as we endeavour to develop young people who are fully cognisant of their rights whilst respecting the rights of all members of our school community. As we work towards the SILVER accreditation we have: Weekly form assemblies where students use RRSA’s resources to explore the articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These are linked to mental health, online safety, identity or equality and other topics. Planned for each form to create their own Form Charter that encourages children to behave in a 'rights respecting' manner. Established a 'Steering Group' of adults and children who help to drive the programme across the school. This captures the voice of the child and adds to the important jobs our Student Leaders already do. Undertaken staff CPD to secure a commitment from the whole staff to the principles of the RRSA and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Conducted a planning review: We are in the process of reviewing the KS3 curriculum to embed issues and themes of the UN Convention across our subject areas so that the children visit and revisit important concepts throughout their learning journey.

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daisy first aid mid & west hertfordshire, enfield & barnet

Wallington

Baby and Child First Aid – 2 hour course suitable for parents, parents, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends, family, NCT groups, babysitters and anyone else who looks after your child award winning 2 hour course fun and practical hands on training includes training for burns, bleeding, fevers, choking, resuscitation, Meningitis, CPR and much more – see a list of all topics covered here babies under 1 welcome at all classes Cost of class – £25 per person We can come to your home or you can join us at a local venue. Alternatively, we are running ‘venue’ and ‘home classes’ via Zoom. Book a venue class: click here Book a home class (minimum spend of £100 applies): hannah.allsop@daisyfirstaid.com Baby and Child First Aid – 1 hour classes 1 hour Baby Essentials class This 1 hour class is perfect for anyone that is expecting or recently had a baby and wants to learn just the basic life saving skills of: Baby CPR Baby Recovery Position Baby Choking Febrile Convulsions (Seizures) Cost of class – from £15 per person Book a home class or a Zoom ‘home’ class: hannah.allsop@daisyfirstaid.com Paediatric First Aid (12 hour) Emergency Paediatric First Aid (6 hour ) These certificates are suitable for childcare professionals and school staff, providing the assessed Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Certificate which meets Ofsted requirements. Details of the qualification and a full list of the topics covered can be found here. suitable for childcare professionals & those that work with children follows the most up to date guidelines meets EYFS and Ofsted requirements blended learning available (12 hour face to face class also available on request ) classes in your own home/setting for groups Cost of course for individuals 12 hour blended PFA: £95 per person 6 hour EPFA: £80 per person Venue class booking: click here Cost of course for groups 12 hours blended PFA: £150 base plus: £70 per person for 1-2 people £65 per person for 3-8 people £60 per person for 9-12 people 6 hours EPFA: £150 base plus £50 per person for 1-2 people £45 per person for 3-8 people £40 per person for 9-12 people Private group booking: hannah.allsop@daisyfirstaid.com E-learning courses E-learning Baby and Child course engaging and interactive course created for parents, grandparents and anyone caring for babies and young children takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete can be completed on any PC or mobile device study at your own pace and log in and out as often as you wish view the course content here Cost of course – £25 Book Online Here Infection control in Childhood Settings course for all staff working within childhood settings including schools, nurseries, adventure playgrounds, holiday playschemes, youth clubs, family entertainment centres and childcare provision takes approximately 2-3 hours verifiable CPD points: 3 to provide staff working with children with an understanding of how infections including COVID-19 are transmitted and what measures can be put in place to prevent and control their spread. view the course content here Cost of course – £20 Book Online Here Risk Assessment for Early years Settings E-learning course Target Audience: This course is aimed at everyone working in Early Years settings including childminders and nursery staff. Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours Features: Appeals to all learning styles with interactive quizzes, video and audio features Allows learners to work at their own pace, testing their knowledge as they progress through the course Provides a very thorough resource for those with English as a Second Language Access: This online course can be completed on any PC or mobile device. Learners can study at their own pace, and log in and out as often as they wish. View the course content here Cost of course – £14.99 Book Online Here Safeguarding & Child Protection for Early Years E-learning course Target Audience: This Level 2 course is aimed at childcare practitioners working in Early Years settings including childminders and nursery staff. Our online module appeals to all learning styles with interactive quizzes, video and audio features. It allows you to work at your own pace, testing your knowledge as you progress through the course. Duration: Approximately 4 hours Course Aims: To provide important information regarding the safeguarding of children, enabling learners to respond confidently and appropriately to concerns about the safety and welfare of a child Access: This online course can be completed on any PC or mobile device. Learners can study at their own pace, and log in and out as often as they wish. View the course content here Cost of course £24.99

early intervention aberdeen

Aberdeen

Lara Goldie is a dedicated and passionate Speech and Language Therapist and mother to 4 young children. She has a BS in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, and a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders and she is fully certified in the United Kingdom and the United States (CCC-SLP, MRCSLT, and HCPC-cert) and has 12 years of post graduate experience. Lara has worked in a variety of settings including Early Intervention, hospitals, Schools and voice clinics. She is skilled at treating a wide range of speech, language and voice disorders. Lara has worked extremely hard in her education and training in order to understand communication difficulties and to know the most efficient way to treat them. She is committed to providing current, research-based, and effective treatment and it brings great satisfaction for her to be a part of someone's journey to improve. linda Linda Lumsden is a local business woman and mother to 4 children, she became one of the United Kingdom’s youngest entrepreneurs, at the age of 18 with the assistance of the Princes Scottish youth business trust. She has owned and operated her businesses for over 21 years. In the late 1990s - early 2000s, She was one of three entrepreneurs involved in a Scottish government initiative “Think Business” which was part of the secondary education curriculum to inspire the next generation of Scottish entrepreneurs. Linda has a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Management and various SVQs and HND units in Business, Law and Childcare, She recently completed a Post Graduate certificate in Autism and Practice and is currently in her final year studying a Masters in Education at The University of Aberdeen. Her final research project is focussed on Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA). Linda was deprived of schooling at the age of 14, when she was failed by the education system. She also has vast experience navigating the local authorities social care system following her brothers aquired brain damage. One of Lindas sons is twice exceptional and has an Autism Spectrum Condition diagnosis. His progress since working with Lara at the age of two has been phenomenal. The lack of funded support and services offered to improve the life chances of neurodivergent children, particulary those considered to be at the high functioning end of the spectrum, has given her the determination to help empower other families in similar circumstances. amanda Amanda Nicolson is a dedicated and passionate Social Care Professional with substantial experience at senior management level and comes with a proven track record managing large services and staff teams. Amanda started her career in care homes for the elderly as a Carer. She also has vast experience working with various vulnerable groups including children and adults with learning disabilities, the elderly and those with mental health challenges. Amanda is passionate about quality service provision, social justice and meaningful inclusion. Amanda met Linda while they were both studying at university. They both believe that everyone can flourish if they are given the support and resources to access the same opportunities that many of us can take for granted. Amanda has a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Management where she opted for modules that were relevant to her work experience including Child Care Law. She also has various SVQs and HND units in Business, Law, Health and Social Care. Amanda is currently studying several courses covering health and wellbeing topics at the Open University. Michelle Blake is a self-employed neurodivergent counsellor/coach with extensive experience working with neurodiversity. Michelle has lived experience of being both Autistic and ADHD as well as having children who are Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, and hearing impaired as well as a deep theoretical understanding of both ASD and ADHD. Michelle’s professional background includes working as a counsellor/coach primarily within educational settings specifically working with students who are neurodivergent. In 2013 she co-founded a Social Enterprise Company specialising in delivering Ecotherapy projects outdoors, supporting neurodivergent clients to access green space. The projects developed through Michelle’s love of research when she identified that ‘those who are more active in natural spaces have a greater sense of wellbeing and have lower rates of depression and anxiety (www.mind.org.uk/ecominds). All her work centres around her core passion for supporting and advocating on behalf of neurodivergent individuals and their right to be included. Michelle has an Honours Degree in Person-Centred Counselling as well as being a qualified Clinical Supervisor and is BACP registered. She has recently completed her PG Cert in Autism and Learning at the University of Aberdeen and is currently completing her PG Cert in ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Once finished Michelle plans to complete her Master’s degree with a research project on Autism and ADHD

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wills & wills mentoring

Wilmslow

BOSTON – MENTOR, the unifying champion of the mentoring movement, announces the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of Tim Wills who joins as the organization’s first Chief Impact Officer on March 7. Tim will drive strategy, coordination, integration, and effectiveness of MENTOR’s teams focused in the areas of training and technical assistance; product design, development and ongoing usage; field research and evaluation; strategic partnerships and systems innovation; and Affiliate partnership, support, effectiveness, sustainability, and expansion. MENTOR CEO David Shapiro says, “We are so fortunate Tim is bringing his decades of experience as an advocate for youth, an innovator, a communicator, and local leader in one of the nation’s oldest and most expansive youth development organizations to our team and the mentoring movement. His personal and professional journey, commitment to supporting others’ development, community building talent, and deep commitment to young people will be such key drivers in our expanded and dynamic efforts to ensure all young people have the relationships they need to strive and thrive.” A native of Ferguson, Mo., Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. As a college student, he developed his passion for youth by covering human interest stories as on-air talent for his college television and radio stations which led to a 17-year career in youth development, including at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Chicago, the District of Columbia, and Harford County, Md. In 2016, because of his extensive experience in organizational transformation and increasing club membership, quality improvement, innovative programming and funding, Tim was named the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama. In this role over the last six years, Tim led twelve year-round sites, three summer only programs, a 150-acre campground, and POINTE Academy, a school for detained and adjudicated youth. He’s received several honors and awards, including Boys & Girls Clubs Professional of the Year for his leadership, Mobile Bay 40 Under 40, and Benjamin Mays Excellence in Mentoring Award. Tim is an active member of the Lion’s Club and a member of the board of directors for Voices for Alabama’s Children and Linking All So Others Succeed (LASOS) in Maryland. He’s completed executive-level training in leadership, non-profit management, and advanced philanthropy from Harvard Business School, Stanford University, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For 12 years, Tim has been a single foster parent and has fostered 20 children. He also has spent significant time teaching in VolunTourism trips to Haiti. “I’m thrilled to join the MENTOR community to continue the work of elevating the voices of young people across our country,” said Tim. “This new role will further deepen our ability to impact systematic change in order to open doors of opportunity and to close the mentoring gap. I am excited to get started working with our team, board, and stakeholders to continue strengthening and expanding the mentoring movement.” The role of Chief Impact Officer provides a critical new link and integration between so many of MENTOR’s core functions, key stakeholders, valued partners, and Affiliate network which provides local delivery, leadership, and innovations in service to the youth mentoring field nationwide. It will drive expanded impact, efficiency, and responsive servant leadership. Currently, MENTOR operates in collaboration with 24 local Affiliates across the country that galvanize their regional or statewide mentoring movements and provide leadership and structure to support quality mentoring through training, advocacy, and public awareness. Operating under the framework of One MENTOR, MENTOR Affiliates share resources and strategies to strengthen the national mentoring movement. Sadiq Ali, Executive Director of MENTOR Maryland | DC and a member of the CIO interview committee added, “I am greatly excited about Tim joining our One MENTOR family in such a critical role and at such a critical time. His perspective, having been on the frontlines of both local and national youth serving work, will be invaluable as he helps lead us into our next chapter as an Affiliate network, champions for young people, systems change advocates, and a sustainable, impactful organization.” ABOUT MENTOR MENTOR is the unifying champion for expanding the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships across the United States. 30 years ago, MENTOR was created to expand opportunities for young people by building a youth mentoring field and movement. The result: a more than 10-fold increase in young people in structured mentoring relationships. Today, MENTOR is the expert voice representing a movement that meets young people everywhere they are – from schools, to workplaces, and beyond. MENTOR operates in collaboration with 24 local Affiliates across the country. For more information, visit mentoring.org.

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