Never before have so many children been labelled with ADHD – not just labelled but also given powerful amphetamines as a ‘treatment’. ADHD is described as impacting on school-aged children and resulting in restlessness, impulsive actions, and lack of focus impairing their ability to learn properly. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Autism and Communication Description Never before have so many children been labelled with ADHD – not just labelled but also given powerful amphetamines as a ‘treatment’. ADHD is described as impacting on school-aged children and resulting in restlessness, impulsive actions, and lack of focus impairing their ability to learn properly. It is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of children globally and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school-aged children. 30 to 50 percent of those individuals diagnosed in childhood continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Adolescents and adults with ADHD tend to develop coping mechanisms to compensate for some or all of their impairments. ADHD is diagnosed two to four times more frequently in boys than in girls. ADHD management usually involves some combination of medications, Applied behaviour analysis (ABA, the new term for Behaviour modification), lifestyle changes, and counselling. ADHD and its diagnosis and treatment have been considered controversial since the 1970s. The controversies have involved clinicians, teachers, policy-makers, parents and the media. Topics include ADHD’s causes, and the use of stimulant medications in its treatment. So join us on a reflective, creative day where we look deeper at this whole area – seeing what we can learn from other areas that may help us in our understanding and inclusion of children and young people with this label Learning Objectives Increased confidence and understanding regarding ADHD labelled pupils and their inclusion in mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on movement and behaviour issues New skills and processes to strengthen the inclusion of young people with ADHD labels in all settings Opportunity to reflect and understand more deeply what might be happening in situations for someone labelled ADHD Who Is It For ? Any professional, carer or parent concerned with the education and inclusion of children labelled ADHD Course Content We will explore what is known about: Movement differences and accommodations for these – starting, stopping, switching, continuing, combining and so on… Anxiety and its link to activity levels Emotional roots to activity – the Circle of Courage will guide us
Circles of adults is a process that ‘listens deeper’ to generate reflective problem solving that can create lasting behaviour change and effective behaviour intervention plans. This is a particularly valuable process for those looking to enhance their leadership and facilitation skills or to build such processes into their school or team approach to complex pupils. ‘The question is not should they be here anymore. Now it’s how can we figure out how best to include them?’ In this practical workshop session we will explore ways of problem solving around complex situations. The session will be practical and will aim to allow the sharing of experiences and good practice as well promoting innovative approaches to problem solving around systemic, organisational as well as individual inclusion issues. Behaviour problems, relationship challenges and personnel dilemmas can all be worked on with these team oriented problem solving processes. We will introduce participants to a powerful and effective approach. The ‘Circles of Adults’ approach addresses the need for a problem solving process that is able to take an in-depth look at meeting the emotional needs that commonly underlie challenging behaviour in schools. The approach is co-facilitated and is designed to enable the participation of teacher teams to reach a deeper understanding of a young person and to evolve a set of hypotheses and emerging strategies that better accommodate to unmet emotional and learning needs. The approach takes at least 90 minutes and is intended for use with the most challenging young people, those at high risk of being permanently excluded from the regular school system. Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding problem solving around inclusion in mainstream settings Access to a wider range of practical strategies and techniques to impact on communication, realtionship, learning and behaviour issues Learn new problem solving processes Course Content The course answers the questions : How to set up and run a Circle of Adults process How can we work out how to include this child best? How can we understand what lies beneath their behaviour? Is there a more structured way to run this meeting? Can we explore the emotional impact the person is having on us and still agree strategies? How can I get unstuck from this problem?
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
Need a PATH? A person-centred plan? This is a planning process not a training day. Let us facilitate your planning and refocus your story whilst strengthening you and your group, team, family, staff or organisation. This tool uses both process and graphic facilitation to help any group develop a shared vision and then to make a start on working out what they will need to do together to move towards that vision. Is your team or family stuck? Want to move on, but haunted by the past and cannot get any useful dialogue started about the future? Facing a challenging transition into a new school or setting? Leaving school? Bored with annual reviews, transition plans and review meetings? Want to find a way of making meetings and planning feel more real and engaging? Need an approach, which engages a young person respectfully together with his or her family and friends? Want the ultimate visual record of the process of a meeting, which will help everyone, keep track? Want to problem solve and plan for the future of a small or large group, service or organisation up to the size of an LA 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. Using the planning tool PATH (Pearpoint, Forest and OBrien 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. Outcomes To create a shared vision To name shared goals To enrol others To strengthen the group To explore connections and needs To specify an Action Plan To create a visual graphic record of the whole event Process Content PATH is a creative planning tool that utilises graphic facilitation to collect information and develop positive future plans. PATH goes directly to the future and implements backwards planning to create a step by step path to a desirable future. (Inclusion Press, 2000). These tools were developed by Jack Pearpoint, Marsha Forest and John O’Brien to help marginalised people be included in society and to enable people to develop a shared vision for the future. PATH can be used with individuals and their circle of support, families teams and organisations. Both MAP and PATH are facilitated by two trained facilitators – one process facilitator who guides people through the stages and ensures that the person is at the centre and one graphic facilitator who develops a graphic record of the conversations taking place in the room. Follow the link below to read a detailed thesis by Dr Margo Bristow on the use of PATH by educational Psychologists in the UK. AN EXPLORATION OF THE USE OF PATH (A PERSON-CENTRED PLANNING TOOL) BY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS WITH VULNERABLE AND CHALLENGING PUPILS The findings indicate that PATH impacted positively and pupils attributed increased confidence and motivation to achieve their goals to their PATH. Parents and young people felt they had contributed to the process as equal partners, feeling their voices were heard. Improved pupil- parent relationships and parent-school relationships were reported and the importance of having skilled facilitators was highlighted. Although participants were generally positive about the process, many felt daunted beforehand, possibly due to a lack of preparation. Pre-PATHplanning and post-PATH review were highlighted as areas requiring further consideration by PATH organisers. Recommendations to shape and improve the delivery of PATH are outlined together with future research directions.
Circle of Friends is an approach to enhancing the inclusion, in a mainstream setting, of any child or young person who is experiencing difficulties in school because of disability, personal crisis or because of their challenging behaviour towards others. The ‘circle of friends’ approach works by mobilising the young person’s peers to provide support and engage in problem solving with the person in difficulty. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Creating Circles ofFriends Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Inclusion Peer Support Behaviour and Relationships Autism and Communication Description Circle of Friends is an approach to enhancing the inclusion, in a mainstream setting, of any child or young person who is experiencing difficulties in school because of disability, personal crisis or because of their challenging behaviour towards others. The ‘circle of friends’ approach works by mobilising the young person’s peers to provide support and engage in problem solving with the person in difficulty. ‘Circle of friends’ is not the same as ‘circle time’ but many of the skills and techniques used by teachers in ‘circle time’ can be used to support the ‘circle of friends’ process. Over the past 12 years Colin Newton and Derek Wilson have been encouraging the use of ‘circle of friends’ in a wide variety of primary and secondary schools, often with very successful outcomes. Some of these are described in their books ‘Circles of Friends’, (Folens, 1999) and ‘Creating Circles of Friends’ (Inclusive Solutions, 2005). This is an excellent opportunity to learn from Colin Newton and Derek Wilson the educational psychologists who brought this Department of Education endorsed approach to the UK. Learn how to build teams around challenging pupils by drawing on a resource which is always there…. other children. Enjoy participating in a multi media workshop that will challenge, entertain and reach for your emotions. Circles of support are for us all, for life…. and they work! Testimonials ‘Absolutely fantastic session – so thought provoking and positive.’ ‘Well presented excellent course’ ‘Wonderful, mind blowing day. Lots of children and young people there we need to really see – not treat’ ‘Excellent presentation, lively, modern, current – definitely got the attention. Course gave great food for thought and I feel confident that this way of working will have a place in the future of our school. Learning Objectives To be able to understand the values and wider context of inclusion To be able to set up and run a ‘circle of friends’ to reduce likelihood of a pupil being excluded or segregated To understand and be able to maximise the power of the peer group in supporting relationships, achievement and behaviour Who Is It For ? 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 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: The importance of Welcome Inclusion values underpinning this work The Intentional Building of Relationships – ‘Circle of Friends’ work as an example Not doing it alone – The Importance of Teams in developing inclusive practice Practical setting up of circles of friends Lessons learned Stories of circles in primary and secondary mainstream schools ^ Circles of Friends Training in Kiev, Ukraine
Providing Guidance & Support for MHFAiders: giving reassurance they are not alone. Our MHFAider guidance & support forums are tailored to provide MHFAiders with the clarity they need to excel in their role. We believe it's important to offer a safe space for MHFAiders to discuss their role, while staying up to date with the latest best practices and information. Mental Health First-Aiders and Champions forum for open discussions, guidance, support, and focus topic learning with a registered Mental Health Nurse.
FAA Level 2 Award In First Aid For Mental Health (RQF) Classroom (1 day course) or Virtual (3 x 2½ hour sessions) Gives learners knowledge of Mental Health First Aid Gives learners the skills to help those with mental health problems and improve mental health in the workplace Course Contents: What is Mental Health? Why people develop mental health conditions What the role of a mental health first aider is Knowing how to provide advice and practical support Knowing how to recognise and manage stress Understand the impact of substance abuse on mental health Understand the first aid action plan for mental health and be able to put it in place Know how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace Recognising a range of mental health conditions: Depression Anxiety Psychosis Eating disorders Suicide Self-harm Benefits of this course: 37% of all work-related ill-health is due to mental health problems Problems with mental health cover 45% of all working days lost A whopping 12.8 million working days, or 49, 042 years, were lost due to mental health problems in 2018/19 602,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2018/19 One in four people will have a mental health problem at some point during their lives Whether work is causing or aggravating mental health problems, employers have a legal responsibility towards their employees Work-related mental health issues must to be assessed to measure the levels of risk to staff Where a risk is identified, steps must be taken to remove it or reduce it as far as reasonably practicable This full day Mental Health First Aid course gives a good grounding to help others in the workplace Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our Mental Health First Aid Courses are nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualifications accredited by First Aid Awards Ltd in association with NUCO Training. This means that you can be rest assured that your Mental Health First Aid Certificates fulfill the upcoming legal requirements and are a very good way to make sure you and your employees have a supporting workplace to deal with staff's mental health conditions. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/3769/2
This qualification is designed to provide benefit to learners on the basis that it prepares them for deployment as an Activator in Multi-Skills. Minimum numbers apply. Successful achievement of the qualification will enable Activators in Multi-Skills to facilitate extra-curricular activities within educational settings including schools, further and higher education and community participation programmes. The qualification is designed to support community development, with the aspiration to be able to tackle physical inactivity and social exclusion whilst supporting health, wellbeing, and participation initiatives. Who is the course for? Learners that attend this course can be volunteers in a range of sport and community environments, young people, parent helpers or anyone that wishes to become an activator in multi-skills. What will I achieve? The qualification will enable successful learners to progress to a sports specific coaching qualification. The skills and knowledge developed may also be used to enable learners to progress to other industry-relevant qualifications in coaching sport, activity leadership, higher education institution activity programmes, supporting PE in school sport and sports development. Informal ongoing assessment throughout the course. Learners will be required to: Complete short answer question and written tasks Identify Multi-Skills Activities, adapting for difference audiences. The course is usually delivered over 6 hours.
A one-day training course for all staff in special schools and colleges, to increase confidence and skills providing RSE and pastoral support to learners.
1:1 wellbeing programmes for parents and carergivers in neurodiverse families to help you feel less overwhelmed, more energised, and present. Are you exhausted from the constant demands of neurodivergent parenting? Do you find yourself caught in an endless cycle of stress, worrying about what tomorrow might bring? You deserve to prioritise yourself without feeling guilty. After all, taking care of yourself benefits your whole family. And what's even better is that you don't need to sacrifice your time or energy to do so! Who are these programmes for? This programme is designed especially for parents and caregivers, in neurodiverse families, who: Want to feel calmer in daily life Are ready to start prioritising their mental and emotional wellbeing with 1-to-1 support Desire a deeper connection with themselves and want to rediscover their sense of identify outside of their caring responsibilities. Because you deserve to be someone outside a parent/carer. By the end of the programme you'll: Feel less stressed Have new healthy habits that nurture your wellbeing Have more energy, because running on empty isn't good for anyone Feel grounded and present, even during challenging times Notice a calmer mind and feel more intentional with your time and energy. How it Works A mindful approach to escape the cycle of burnout. Based on my Burnout Prevention Method and 4-step ARIA Framework: Awareness Reflection Insight Action A 12-week journey to reset your energy and stop burnout before it happens Tailored guidance, support, and encouragement via voice notes & messaging x2 days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Monthly reflection to acknowledge your journey and celebrate yourself A personalised self-care plan, so you can continue taking care of yourself beyond our time working together. Plus you'll get… Lifetime access to: Online course ‘The Mindful Reconnect’ (worth £399), so you can continue your mindfulness journey and be supported beyond the programme. Self Care Bundle People pay £77 for this, but you get it for free! Have more tools to support you on your wellbeing journey. Next Steps Imagine the calm and joy you can create with ongoing support and encouragement. It's a investment in you and your family’s wellbeing. Due to the personalised support offered, spaces are very limited. Don’t let another day slip by feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Please note: The booking will ask you to select a date after the payment page. Please select the date as the day you are booking. Take the first step today