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
In this course we explore Mental Health and address how such needs can be met in mainstream classrooms. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting Emotional Needs Description This is our lead workshop/training day on understanding mental health, behaviour and relationship work in schools other settings and is both a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and young people of all ages. Not just another day on ‘Behaviour Management’ – Our Mental Health Day goes well beyond a rewards and sanctions approach to ‘behaviour’. We will be focused on those young people for whom rewards and punishments do not always work and who confuse the adults who work with them. We aim to take a relationships-based approach and to give those attending an opportunity to think more deeply about why young people do the things they do and what our part as adults is in creating, sustaining and changing these behaviours. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to children’s behaviour and relationship building. If your usual approaches to managing tackling mental health needs aren’t working with particular individuals then take a tour through this range of cutting edge strategies for bringing about positive behaviour change, and for meeting challenging emotional needs Learning Objectives reinforce and affirm good practice re-energise, stimulate and challenge thinking about inclusion of challenging pupils and children increased understanding of mental health increased confidence in managing challenging pupils in mainstream schools access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards mental health in families and pupils Who Is It For ? Anyone concerned with understanding and meeting emotional and mental health needs Course Content Circle of Courage – belonging-achievement-generosity – independence – model for understanding mental health Compass of Anxiety – understanding and going deeper Active listening – Listening to the person underneath the behaviour Involving other children and young people in solutions and interventions - Circles of friends: peer support, counselling and mediation Team Problem Solving – Solution Circles: a 30 minute group problem solving process to get Teams ‘unstuck’ and to generate positive first action steps Restorative justice and restitution: principles and practice of this approach to repairing harm and restoring relationships without reliance on punishment Understanding the effects of Separation, Loss, Trauma and Neglect on children’s learning and relationships in school and what adults can do to reach and support these children
In line with OFSTED expectations make sure NQTs are up to speed on effective behaviour management and relationship building in the classroom. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Inclusion Description This is our lead workshop/training day on behaviour and relationship work aimed at NQTs. Recent OFSTED changes make Behaviour and Classroom management of NQTs a particular focus for inspections. Are your NQTs teaching the behaviours children need to succeed? Can they articulate these behaviours? This training provides a values primer and a practical guide to successful innovative strategies for improving behaviour and strengthening relationships for challenging children and young people of all ages. Not just another day on ‘Behaviour Management’ – our day goes well beyond a rewards and sanctions approach to ‘behaviour’. We will be focused on those young people for whom rewards and punishments do not always work and who confuse the adults who work with them. We aim to take a relationships based approach and to give those attending an opportunity to think more deeply about why young people do the things they do and what our part as adults is in creating, sustaining and changing these behaviours. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to children’s behaviour and relationship building. If your usual approaches to managing behaviour aren’t working with particular individuals then take a tour through this range of cutting edge strategies for bringing about positive behaviour change, and for meeting challenging emotional needs. Learning Objectives Reinforce and affirm good practice Re-energise, stimulate and challenge thinking about inclusion of challenging young people and children Increased understanding about behaviour and emotions Increased confidence in managing challenging pupils in childcare settings mainstream schools Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards families and children and young people Learn new skills and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For? Primary and secondary NQTs Course Content The course answers the questions: Are there any new ways to include our most challenging young people? Should we focus on behaviour or relationships? How do we go about including high profile children or young people? Can we find an alternative to exclusion? – What would a relationship policy look like? The following are some of the key themes and tools we are likely to explore during the day Getting the welcome right for the most challenging Encouraging Getting the best from the most challenging Circle of Courage Belonging Achievement Generosity Independence Active listeningV Listening to the person underneath the behaviour Compass of Shame – which directions do children and young people head when they feel shame? And what helps children work through these feelings in more healthy ways? Involving other children and young people in solutions and interventions Circles of friends:Peer supportCounselling and mediationTeam Problem Solving Solution Circles:A 30 minute group problem solving process to get Teams ‘unstuck’ and to generate positive first action steps
One of the most frequent telephone queries we receive at Inclusive Solutions is from parents whose disabled son or daughter is about to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. Typically there is a tale to be told of LA planning procedures that are too little and too late, and a severe lack of confidence from all parties that the transition will be successful. Little wonder that transfers from mainstream to special schools continue to peak at Year 7! Course Category Peer Support Strategic Work Visioning and Problem Solving Person Centred Planning Description One of the most frequent telephone queries we receive at Inclusive Solutions is from parents whose disabled son or daughter is about to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. Typically there is a tale to be told of LA planning procedures that are too little and too late, and a severe lack of confidence from all parties that the transition will be successful. Little wonder that transfers from mainstream to special schools continue to peak at Year 7! Because of this we have put together a different kind of support plan that aims to maximise the chances of Primary/Secondary transitions being successful. In essence our approach brings together a person centred planning tool called ‘MAPS’ and a ‘Circle of Friends’ recruited from within the Year 7 tutor group. The Circle of Friends forms the core of the MAPS session and are central in developing (with parents and staff) a Plan for embedding the focus child in the new school setting. Community Circles bring together disabled and non disabled pupils in a network of mutual support. Peer support is an approach to impacting on inclusion and transition in primary and secondary schools by actively involving other pupils. Enjoy participating in a multi media workshop that will challenge, entertain and reach for your emotions. Watch young people doing their stuff! Testimonials ‘It had a huge impact on all levels’ ‘Very user friendly’ Learning Objectives To be able to understand the values and wider context of peer support To be able to set up and run a peer counselling scheme to reduce bullying To understand and be able to maximise the power of the peer group in supporting relationships, achievement and behaviour change 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 explores the questions : How can we improve our transition arrangements? Practically how do we go about involving pupils in this process? Do you have any fresh ideas on transition processes? Take a tour through this range of strategies for bringing about smooth transitions, meeting challenging emotional needs and to develop inclusion. Circles of friends: peer support and inclusion. Pupils work to problem solve with and actively support the inclusion and behaviour change of one of their peers Community Circles of Exchange and Mutual Support set up between disabled and non disabled group Peer support, counselling and mediation: reduce bullying and address emotional needs as older pupils offer active listening support and interventions Cross Age Mentoring: older pupils offer supportive mentoring to younger pupils in the same school or in feeder primary schools MAPS and PATH as person centred planning for transitions
Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Leaders and professionals who manage teams or groups and are responsible for their outcomes will benefit from this course. Overview Apply techniques to encourage participation and reach consensus Utilize facilitative questioning techniques Recognize indicators to facilitate each stage of the team process Deal constructively with disruptions and typical problem behavior Implement interventions appropriately Plan and run a focused discussion, meeting or event Students will learn how to develop and apply facilitation techniques to support their team at every stage of the team life cycle. Students will enhance their interpersonal competencies and observational abilities to deal with disruptions and more. Private classes on this topic are available. We can address your organization?s issues, time constraints, and save you money, too. Contact us to find out how. 1. The Importance of Facilitation Being an Effective Facilitator Harnessing Knowledge, Experience, and Diversity Encouraging Group Motivation and Commitment Observing the Team Process 2. Facilitating Process and Content Identifying Process and Content Elements Managing the Flow Resolving Tensions and Disagreement 3. Setting the Stage for Facilitation Laying the Groundwork, Educating Participants, and Securing Support Selecting the Right Facilitator Planning for a Facilitated Meeting 4. Facilitating Team Development Encouraging Participation Recognizing Stages in the Team Life Cycle Supporting the Team through the Stages 5. Building Consensus and Reaching Decisions Gathering and Presenting Data Synthesizing and Summarizing Identifying Options and Brainstorming Facilitating SWOT Analysis Creating a Short List Using the Multi-Option technique 6. Disruptions, Dysfunctions and Interventions Handling Disruptions and Difficult Behavior Addressing Dysfunction Agreeing on Ground Rules Restating and Reframing
This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of girls and how to meet these. We lift the lid on a less well explored inclusion issue, meeting the emotional needs of girls. Everyone knows a girl or woman. They may be pupil, daughter, sister, parent or partner. Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Early Years Description This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of girls and how to meet these. We lift the lid on a less well explored inclusion issue, meeting the emotional needs of girls. Everyone knows a girl or woman. They may be pupil, daughter, sister, parent or partner. Girls will often withdraw, attack or even hurt themselves when under emotional stress and this is not always obvious in the way it is with boys. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence and every week 2 women are killed by a current or ex partner. Whilst the world assumes girls have no problems processing their emotions, we lift the lid on this and question what is really happening for girls this century? Testimonials Learning Objectives Increased understanding of girls’ emotional needs Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on meeting emotional and behaviour problems Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards girls and their emotional challenges New skills and processes to make girls’ inclusion and achievement more successful Who Is It For ? Early years and school based practitioners 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 : Is there an invisible problem with girls? What can we do to meet the emotional needs of girls? What helps? What should our priority be with girls? This workshop will explore: Cultural and historical expectations of girls in our society Shared experiences of teaching and parenting girls Circle of Courage as a way of understanding emotional needs Fathers, mothers and daughters Solution Circle Problem Solving around girls’ needs What girls really need If you you want something similar, but not gender specific try: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS or you may like: RESTORATIVE INTERVENTIONS
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
Course Overview The Psychology of Alcohol and Drug Addiction course provides a comprehensive insight into the complex psychological factors behind substance misuse and dependency. It explores the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects that contribute to addiction, offering learners a thorough understanding of its causes and effects. Designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world relevance, this course prepares learners to engage more confidently in fields related to mental health, counselling, and addiction support. By completing this course, learners will develop a stronger foundation in recognising addiction patterns, understanding psychological interventions, and applying evidence-based approaches. Whether you are looking to build a career in addiction services or deepen your understanding of this critical area of psychology, the course equips you with valuable insights and knowledge that are highly relevant to today’s social and healthcare settings. Course Description Delving into the psychological roots of alcohol and drug addiction, this course covers a wide range of essential topics including the biological basis of addiction, theories of dependence, psychological treatment models, and societal influences on substance use. Learners will explore how addiction develops, how it impacts mental health, and the key strategies used to address it within professional settings. The course combines theoretical frameworks with an exploration of real-world applications to enhance understanding and critical thinking. Upon completion, learners will possess a clearer perspective on addiction psychology, be familiar with intervention methods, and understand the psychological principles underpinning treatment and recovery. The course is suitable for those seeking to enter mental health support roles, enhance existing professional skills, or simply broaden their knowledge in psychology. It offers a structured learning experience that emphasises both academic understanding and professional development, aligned with contemporary psychological research. Course Modules Module 01: Understanding Addiction: Psychological and Biological Perspectives Module 02: Models of Addiction: Cognitive, Behavioural, and Social Theories Module 03: Psychological Approaches to Treatment and Recovery Module 04: Societal Impact and the Future of Addiction Studies (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to understand the psychological foundations of addiction. Professionals aiming to expand their knowledge in mental health and addiction services. Beginners with an interest in psychology, counselling, or behavioural sciences. Volunteers or support workers involved in community or rehabilitation programmes. Students considering further study in psychology or health-related fields. Career Path Addiction Counsellor Mental Health Support Worker Substance Abuse Research Assistant Rehabilitation Case Worker Community Outreach Coordinator Health and Wellness Coach Youth Support Worker Social Work Assistant
Speech & Language Therapy Training - Child Course Overview The Speech & Language Therapy Training - Child course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of speech therapy, with a focus on children's speech and language development. It explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of speech therapy, helping learners understand the complexities of speech disorders. Throughout the course, participants will gain valuable insights into the nature of speech and language difficulties in children, as well as approaches to treatment and intervention. The course is designed for anyone interested in pursuing a career in speech therapy or working with children who have speech and language needs. Upon completion, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and provide effective support for children with speech and language challenges. Course Description This course offers a detailed exploration of speech therapy, covering essential topics such as the science of speech, anatomy, and the linguistic characteristics of speech. Learners will delve into the stages of language development, with a focus on the specific speech and language disorders that affect children. The course also examines child-specific speech difficulties and provides evidence-based approaches for helping children overcome these challenges. Through interactive modules, learners will gain a deeper understanding of language acquisition, literacy development, and the neurological aspects of speech disorders. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify the signs of speech and language difficulties in children and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world cases. This course is ideal for those pursuing a career in speech therapy or those looking to develop a deeper understanding of speech and language issues in children. Speech & Language Therapy Training - Child Curriculum Module 01: An Overview of Speech Therapy Module 02: The Science of Speech Module 03: The Anatomy of Speech Module 04: Characteristics of Speech: Linguistic Discipline Module 05: Literacy and Language Development Module 06: Child Speech & Language Disorders Module 07: Adult Speech & Language Disorders Module 08: How to Help a Child with SL Difficulties (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to pursue a career in speech and language therapy. Professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in working with children. Beginners with an interest in speech and language disorders. Teachers and childcare professionals seeking to support children with communication challenges. Career Path Speech and Language Therapist Child Development Specialist Educational Support Assistant Early Childhood Educator Child Psychologist or Therapist
Mental Health First Aid Level 5 Course Overview: The "Mental Health First Aid Level 5" course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and the role of a mental health first aider. This course explores various mental health conditions, their symptoms, and how to respond appropriately. Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health, the challenges individuals face, and the resources available for support. Upon completion, learners will be equipped with the necessary skills to identify and offer initial support to individuals experiencing mental health issues, while promoting positive mental health and well-being in their environment. Course Description: This course covers a wide range of topics crucial for understanding mental health and supporting individuals in distress. Learners will explore the fundamentals of mental health first aid, common psychiatric disorders, and effective response strategies. Topics include childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and more. The course will also examine relevant mental health legislation, workplace issues, and approaches to managing mental health crises. Learners will develop skills in identifying mental health concerns, providing initial support, and knowing when and how to refer individuals to appropriate services. The knowledge gained will help learners enhance their professional capacity to manage mental health situations in various settings. Mental Health First Aid Level 5 Curriculum: Module 01: Introduction to Mental Health Module 02: Overview of Mental Health First Aid Module 03: Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders Module 04: Stress and Anxiety Disorders Module 05: Schizophrenia Module 06: Personality Disorders Module 07: Mood Disorders Module 08: Eating & Sleeping Disorders Module 09: Self-Harm and Suicide Module 10: Medication and Therapy in the Treatment of Mental Illness Module 11: Social Attitudes to Mental Illness Module 12: Mental Health Legislation and Services Module 13: Mental Health in the Workplace Module 14: Approach and React To People in Mental Health Crisis (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to improve their understanding of mental health and well-being. Professionals aiming to develop skills in managing mental health crises. Beginners with an interest in mental health support. Those wanting to pursue a career in healthcare or mental health services. Career Path Mental Health Support Worker Healthcare Assistant Crisis Intervention Specialist Mental Health Awareness Trainer Human Resources Specialist in Mental Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Coordinator