This course is an exploration of our understanding of structural racism in the UK and provides a good foundation for anyone wanting to be a responsible ally. Are you working with young people, but struggling with conversations about race? Are you worried that you have been getting it wrong when it comes to race? Do you have questions about race that you are afraid to ask? This course is for you. Description Racism is a real problem in the UK, but it is much more hidden and covert than it has been in the past. People know its not ok to say the ’N-word’, but sadly, racism has permeated British society much more deeply than this. On this course we will help redefine the idea of racism and explain the complex nature of its modern day manifestation. We will explore how to talk with young people about race and particularly how to challenge when racism occurs. To achieve this, we need to start with ourselves. We will cover the idea of Unconscious Bias making us react differently to people based on our socialisation. We will cover the concept of White Privilege making it difficult for white people to get into the shoes of someone of another race. We will cover the concept of micro-aggressions that are difficult to report to a superior because they may be misconstrued as a mere “interpretation” of the situation and not an incident of racism. We will introduce the idea of the “racism binary”, and how we need to become more accountable for our own actions, and instead of getting offended, take responsibility when someone says something we did or said was racist. This can lead to a much more useful conversation than trying to defend yourself by saying “I’m not racist”. When we live in a world where racism doesn’t exist, only then can we say “I don’t see colour”, because it does exist, and it does have an impact on peoples lives. When racist incidents happen, people get hurt. Unfortunately, it is an all too familiar feeling for a lot of people in the UK who have been forced to accept it as part of life. Most of these situations will never be resolved, because they will never be reported. Poor handling of racist incidents teach young people not to say anything, thinking it will only make the situation worse. A lot of people believe that racism is never going away, because their experiences have confirmed this belief. There is a lot of work to be done, and the time is now. This course is an exploration of our own socialisation and personal expressions of race, which will leave you feeling positive and hopeful about the future. Be bold, and join us on this journey into the ever growing multicultural melting pot. Enquire for more information about this thought provoking training day. Learning objectives Develop understanding of modern racism in the UK Strengthen knowledge of key terminology Understanding how to think like an “Ally” Explore strategies for dealing with racism when we encounter it Developing our confidence and ability to hold conversations with young people about race Who is it for? Leadership teams seeking guidance and reflection Multi Agency Teams Social workers CAMHS teams Year Managers Primary and secondary staff teams College staff Early Years and School based Practitioners Heads and Deputies SENCOs Advanced Skills Teachers Primary and secondary teachers Local Authority Support Services Voluntary Organisations People who want to “get it right” Content AM What makes a good welcome? Why don’t we talk about race? History of racism in the UK Definition of modern racism – how racism manifests in a post-racist world Unconscious bias The ‘racism binary’ – taking accountability for our words/actions Examining our privilege What does your race mean to you? PM Trust and difference exercises – how can we become more trustworthy? What is good Allyship? What to do and what not to do Strategies for dealing with racism incidents Restorative Justice How can we create dialogue with young people about race? Affinity groups What does the ideal workplace/school look like? What actions will we take away?
All person centred planning tools and processes are driven by a commitment to achieve inclusive outcomes for the person whose plan it is, and the young people involved are always present throughout their planning session. The focus of all person centred approaches is the whole person irrespective of the label they carry. Two people, a process facilitator and a graphic facilitator, typically facilitate plans. Course Category Person Centred Planning Inclusion Strategic Work Visioning and Problem Solving Description Person centred planning is a way of expressing a set of inclusive values through a unique range of tools and techniques. The most commonly used person centred tools – MAPS and PATH – create a hands-on demonstration of these values in action. All person centred planning tools and processes are driven by a commitment to achieve inclusive outcomes for the person whose plan it is, and the young people involved are always present throughout their planning session. The focus of all person centred approaches is the whole person irrespective of the label they carry. Two people, a process facilitator and a graphic facilitator, typically facilitate plans. The role of the support service staff in this work is as a facilitator not as an expert participant, problem solver, assessor or provider of consultation. MAPS and PATH are especially effective tools in planning transitions and annual review processes for young people with additional support needs and for through-care planning for young people who are looked after or accommodated. Over time person centred working will reveal areas of unmet need in current provision and thereby inform the ongoing strategic planning within any particular region. Testimonials “Thanks again for a superb day which from my perspective as Principal Educational Psychologist has been a real boost and uplifted my spirits about helping move the Educational Psychology Service forward as well as gaining greater insight and understanding of individual Educational Psychologists. Several EPs have said that they are planning to use MAPS and PATHS in their work and I will be joining them.”DR MICHAEL HYMANS, PRINCIPAL EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, LONDON BOROUGH OF Learning Objectives To Explore the values underpinning person centred working To show how person centred planning naturally captures young people’s strengths and capacities A demonstration of how person centred planning encourages meaningful consultation and participation with young people (particularly for those who cannot make their views known in typical ways To show how Person Centred Planning leads to the building of stronger parent/school partnerships To indicate how person centred planning can promote multi-agency teamwork and shared responsibilities To increase understanding the how of process and graphic facilitation in person centred work. Who Is It For ? Teachers and School Staff Education Services Social Care Staff Health Professionals Transition Coordinators Family Support Workers Link Workers Course Content An introduction to the person centred planning tools PATH live demonstration in action followed by real time coaching of facilitation skills. We would stress that this is an introductory day and that participants will be expected to make plans for their own follow up and further practice of the tools covered in the course of the day.
This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people who have experienced serious trauma in their life. We work to strengthen understanding of children who have faced issues of trauma emerging from abuse, violence, loss and family breakdown. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Impact of Trauma Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Teaching and Learning Description This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people with serious issues arising from trauma. Drawing from the international research and literature and our own experience over many years as educational psychologists of the challenges of children with major social and emotional needs, we will explore together what the best practice can and could look like. We explore the language and key concepts of trauma and outline very practical classroom strategies. We look at what Psychology may help us in our understanding of children who have faced trauma. We explore the themes of: Hyperarousal Intrusive thoughts Constricted lives We look at triggers, self-regulation and unpack a range of strategies. We explore what young people with these difficulties really need from us. We also spend time looking at the emotional impact on practitioners working with children with such needs and what helps at a personal and team level. We can all do something – we do not have to wait for expert therapists to arrive! Testimonials I had no idea… It had a huge impact Belonging and feelings are so important Excellent! Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for traumatised children in mainstream schools Simple understandable explanation trauma understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on social and behavioural needs Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards parents and pupils with complex emotional needs New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For? Practitioners working in schools and other settings with children and young people of all ages Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions:What does it take for a child to:Feel safe and secureMourn the past traumaReconnect with ordinary relationships with children and adults?How can we start to develop an understanding of traumatised children?What is the true impact of trauma?What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs?What useful psychological constructs can we use to guide us?This course also explores practical strategies, concepts and language for key adults rebuilding relationships with individual pupils.This is a participative day that aims to be explorative and practical. Opportunities to develop empathy with the children of concern will be created.If you liked this course you may well like:FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS
Peer mediation is an approach to impacting on conflict resolution and bullying in primary and secondary schools by training pupils to be mediators or ‘counsellors’. This well proven, highly effective method of impacting on school based bullying is still viewed by some as radical. In this workshop participants are introduced to the key components of successful schemes. Our trainers have first hand experience of setting up school based schemes and sustaining these over time. Peer Mediation Training Guide Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Peer Mediation Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Peer Support Description Peer mediation or peer counselling is an approach to impacting on bullying in primary and secondary schools by training pupils to be ‘Peer Mediators’ or ‘counsellors’. This well proven, highly effective method of impacting on school based bullying is still viewed by some as radical. We can provide training for staff or direct training with students across the age range – typically delivered over 6 short high impact, interactive learning workshops. For staff training, participants are introduced to the key components of successful schemes. Our trainers have first hand experience of setting up school based schemes and sustaining these over time. Enjoy participating in a multi media workshop that will challenge, entertain and reach for your emotions. Watch young people doing their stuff! Testimonials Thank you for the course – I really enjoyed it 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 ? Year 5 or Year 10 pupils 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 major bullying problems in school? Practically how do we go about recruiting and training pupils as counsellors? Will pupils be hurt if we involve them with bullies? Key Themes covered within the direct student training as well as in the staff development sessions- include: Issues of Confidentiality Welcoming your ‘client’ Using active listening skills Using Open and Closed Questions to enable your client to tell you his or her story How to reflect back feelings and how to check you have understood what the client has told you Exploring options for resolving the bullying issue with your client This video gives a brief taster of the work in a Nottingham Primary school. If you liked this course you may well like: PEER SUPPORT AS AN ANTI-BULLYING STRATEGY AT LOCAL AUTHORITY LEVEL
Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – How do People Learn? Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Inclusive education Neurodiversity Description The course offers a rare opportunity to learn from two eminent educators -one a widely esteemed and talented trombone player and teacher and the other a very experienced inclusive educational psychologist. Drawing upon shared knowledge and direct experience the two educators explore dominant psychological models of learning and how they make sense in the real world of teaching trombone or children and young people with the most complex needs in our schools. By listening deeply and making connections to your own experiences you will be able to consider more deeply how to improve your own or the teaching of others. The day involves an exploration of major learning theories and their applications in the real world. There will be a range of practical activities designed to deepen your understanding of the best teaching and learning. Dennis Rollins MBE https://www.dennisrollins.com/ A passionate performer and educator, British trombone player Dennis Rollins MBE has established a reputation as an artist of excellence, and has lent his unique and stylish talents to some of this country's, and indeed the world's top jazz and pop personalities such as Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, US3, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Monty Alexander, Pee Wee Ellis and Jean Toussaint, amongst others. As a bandleader, in 2006 his jazz/funk outfit Badbone & Co won a prestigious BBC Jazz Award in the Best Band category. In the following year he picked up both Trombonist of the Year at the British Jazz Awards and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Awards. Dennis was nominated twice in the 2008 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for Jazz Musician of the Year and for Jazz Education; he won the latter. Other awards include British Trombone Society (BTS) Player of the year Award 2013 and JazzYorkshire Award 2012 Best Band for his band Velocity Trio. In his hometown of Doncaster UK, Dennis was given Honorary Freedom of the Borough in recognition of his successful musical career and for his constant inspiration to the regions musical youth. As part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018, Dennis was honoured with an MBE for Services to music. Most recently in June 2022, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Wales, UK. Colin Newton Colin has over 40 years experience as a teacher of children and adults and as an educational psychologist across the UK as well as some work internationally. He has written books on a range of subjects mainly related to inclusive education of those with most complex behaviour and learning needs. He is know for his passion for the inclusion of all children in mainstream schools, and for his practical applied work around person centred planning, restorative justice and in depth problem solving. Colin loves to demonstrate approaches as well as provide training with often very large groups - always with a clear focus on facilitation and inclusion of all. His love of drama and participation are as clear as his drive to revolutionise educational psychologist practice across the UK. Colin says: ‘Instinctively from an early age I was against children being sent away to boarding schools and later to special schools and settings. Later I was inspired by disabled activists and Canadian and North American inclusionists who were working to change the world of education with radical innovative thinking and approaches - the work was political, social and spiritual - I was in and never looked back!’ Colin’s career has been values driven, but also practical using applied psychology in training and real life problem solving with schools, families and individual children and young people. Learning Objectives Formulate deeper understanding of learning processes for all children and adults Differentiate understandings and insights into emotional complexity of teaching and learning Learn Techniques to support teaching and learning Invite reflection on importance of relationships for effective learning Gain key phrases, key questions and key processes to support teaching and learning with adults and children Appraise different psychological models of learning Conjecture on how to inspire deeper learning and motivation in students To create insights into thinking of exceptional teachers teaching complex skills Differentiate inclusive insights and reflections on the learning of all children whatever their barriers may be Critique psychological models of learning and how they can be applied in a teaching context Investigate how to inspire deeper learning and motivation in students Formulate insights into the emotional complexity of teaching and learning Who Is It For ? Any Teacher, Psychologist or Educator who wishes to understand the learning processes of children or adults Course Content Fun, engagement and interest are key ingredients of the the most memorable learning. Imitation - (Bandura) Social learning theory- we can assume that 80%of learning is done by imitating others around us in the social world. We are particularly drawn learning from our peers as well as significant role models and key adults in our lives. We copy each other. Learning takes place In meaningful contexts. (Bruner argued that you cannot strip learning of its content, nor study it in a ‘neutral’ context. It is always situated, always related to some ongoing enterprise. Learning and motivation to learn can be sparked or inspired by people around us including teachers but not only them. Structured steps help to facilitate and scaffold learning in most children and adults. With person centred encouragement eg a focus on interests and passions - individuals are more likely to learn effectively. This also ensures motivation and ‘buy in’ from the learner. The ultimate goals for teachers is to nurture self-efficacy and confidence in learners to the point whereby they can set their own goals
This can be introduced in one day but is better offered over a series of twilight or half day workshops with individualised coaching. We will provide background context for this approach and will directly model the process with real live issues facing participants. So bring your most challenging concerns to this training. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Visioning and Problem Solving Team Building and Leadership Description ‘Insights and Solutions Circle’ a new expanded version of Solution Circle that uses some of the best of the Circle of Adults process. Its a 50 minute process and works really well with families and professionals! Contact us today for a live demo or training… Steps Problem presented Questions asked Theories Shared Strategies listed Dialogue regarding selected strategies Next steps Testimonials Excellent! It was great how we all cam up with ideas and theories including us parents I wish all meeting about my child’s behaviour were like this The whole world is going to be interested in this… The empowerment is great The buzz after the meeting says it all. Learning Objectives Deeper understanding of what is actually happening underneath the presenting behaviour Increased confidence in managing and building relationships with challenging pupils in mainstream schools Learn process for locating richer and wider range of practical strategies to impact on behaviour problems Deeper understanding of yourself and the psychodynamic processes happening between pupils, staff and pupils and families Opportunity to reflect on professional practice Mutual support established with other front line practitioners Who Is It For ? Team Around the Child agencies Parents and Professional working together Families Multi Agency Teams Social workers CAMHS teams Year Managers Primary and secondary staff teams Early Years and School based Practitioners Heads and Deputies SENCOs Advanced Skills Teachers Primary and secondary teachers Local Authority Support Services Course Content This can be introduced in one day but is better offered over a series of twilight or half day workshops with individualised coaching. We will provide background context for this approach and will directly model the process with real live issues facing participants. So bring your most challenging concerns to this training. The course answers the questions: Can we find an alternative to permanent exclusion or special unit or school placement? Cannot understand why a child is behaving as they do? Struggling with a child for whom praise is ineffective? Feeling isolated in your responses to a child’s needs? Worried about where your instinctive reactions are leading you? Cannot seem to get any consensus view of a young person’s behaviour/needs amongst all the family and professionals involved – is everyone pulling in different directions? We will cover: Setting the tone Background and detailed teaching of process Inclusion values underpinning this work Graphic and process facilitation skills Processes modelled and opportunities to try process out with coaching Practical setting up of insights and solutions circles Lessons learned If you liked this you may like: CIRCLES OF ADULTS…
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
This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of children and young people and how to meet these. We lift the lid on an emerging urgent inclusion issue, meeting the emotional well being of all children. In one year 1300 young men committed suicide in the UK. In the UK the commonest cause of death among those aged 16-35 is suicide. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Understanding children’s Emotional Needs Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Early Years Inclusion Description This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of children and young people and how to meet these. We lift the lid on an emerging urgent inclusion issue, meeting the emotional well being of all children. In one year 1300 young men committed suicide in the UK. In the UK the commonest cause of death among those aged 16-35 is suicide. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence and 2 women a week are killed by a current or ex partner. We need to find ways to allow children to unclench their hearts and learn to experience, process, communicate and manage their own emotional lives for their own and for the good of the wider community. Testimonials Be the first…. Learning Objectives Increased understanding of 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 children and their emotional challenges New skills and processes to make emotionally challenged children’s 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 Shared experiences of teaching and parenting around emotional well being Circle of Courage as away of understanding emotional needs Fathers, mothers and sons and daughters Drinking and drugs, filling the emotional void Depression and suicide Anger and violence Solution Circle Problem Solving What children really need
In this practical and engaging workshop there is input on building an effective team around a child, problem solving as a team, improving communication and handling conflict. Communication with parents, problem solving and collaborating is explored. Empathy with parents who are ‘labelled’ is encouraged. Course Category Parents and Carers Description In this practical and engaging workshop there is input on building an effective team around a child, problem solving as a team, improving communication and handling conflict. Communication with parents, problem solving and collaborating is explored. Empathy with parents who are ‘labelled’ is encouraged. A key aspect of this day is ‘reframing’ how we think about the most difficult, hard to work with parents who attract many labels. Participants soon discover that they are more similar than they realise to those labelled ‘others’. The day gives those present opportunities to reflect on their attitudes and practice in relation to parents who are different. Practical ideas for joint problem solving and active engagement are fully explored. Testimonials “Made me more aware of how to approach parents and carers” “It (the conference) couldn’t have been improved. All the speakers were good” “I’ll have a more positive approach to welcoming people” “It will encourage us as practitioners to listen and think a little more. Learning Objectives Increased confidence in working with parents Access to a wider range of practical and thoughtful strategies when collaborating with parents and carers Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of disabled children in collaboration with parents and carers Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards parents with a focus on labelling and stigmatisation New skills and processes to make joint work successful Who Is It For ? Early Years and School based Practitioners Children Centre Staff Heads and Deputies SENCOs Advanced Skills Teachers Primary and secondary teachers Local Authority Support Services Social Workers Health Workers Course Content The course answers the questions: Why is this parent impossible to work with? Where do I begin to communicate with some parents? How can I collaborate with parents and carers to include high profile children or young people? Best delivered over the course of a full day we will cover: The importance of WELCOME Labelling and reframing: Setting the tone: Reframing language to describe parents Providing parents with insights about children’s behaviour using stories Circle of Courage as applied to parents Circles of Support The Intentional Building of Relationships Not doing it alone – The Importance of Teams in developing inclusive practice Problem solving: Circles of Adults/Solution Circles Community Guides If you liked this you may like: COMMUNITY CIRCLES
Learn how to create easy to read accessible person centred profiles for children of all ages and young adults. Course Category Person Centred Planning Inclusion Description Person centred planning is a way of expressing a set of inclusive values through a unique range of tools and techniques. The most easily used approach is called creating a one page plan or a person centred profile. All person centred planning tools and processes are driven by a commitment to achieve inclusive outcomes for the person whose plan it is, and the young people involved are always present throughout their planning session. The focus of all person centred approaches is the whole person irrespective of the label they carry. Two people, a process facilitator and a graphic facilitator, typically facilitate plans. The role of the support service staff in this work is as a facilitator not as an expert participant, problem solver, assessor or provider of consultation. One Page Plans are especially effective tools in planning and supporting children and young people with additional support needs and for through-care planning for young people who are looked after or accommodated. Over time person centred working will reveal areas of unmet need in current provision and thereby inform the ongoing strategic planning within any particular region. Testimonials Be the first… Learning Objectives To Explore the values underpinning person centred working To show how One Page Plans naturally capture young people’s strengths and capacities A demonstration of how person centred planning encourages meaningful consultation and participation with young people (particularly for those who cannot make their views known in typical ways To show how Person Centred Planning leads to the building of stronger parent/school partnerships To indicate how person centred planning can promote multi-agency teamwork and shared responsibilities To increase understanding the how of process and graphic facilitation in person centred work. Who Is It For ? Teachers and School Staff Education Services Social Care Staff Health Professionals Transition Coordinators Family Support Workers Link Workers Course Content An introduction to the person centred planning tool of creating a One Page Plan We would stress that this is an introductory day and that participants will be expected to make plans for their own follow up and further practice of the tools covered in the course of the day. If you liked this course you may well like: PERSON CENTRED REVIEWS