Courses
Adolescent Sexual Development & Sexual Risk
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This awareness training will give a brief overview on the role of forensic CAMHS and how it differs from generic CAMHS services. It will define typical presentations of adolescent sexual development in terms of behaviour & functioning & go on to explore what constitutes disrupted & adverse sexual development in children & young people. It will consider how this might impact on a range of sexual behaviours, attitudes & beliefs in a developing adolescent. On completion of the training, delegates should be able to determine what constitutes healthy ‘normal’ adolescent sexual development vs unhealthy ‘abnormal’ sexual development & begin to understand its implication for future sexual behaviour & risk in young people. It will be made clear of when a referral to forensic CAMHS is appropriate and how this can be made. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask any questions at the end of the session.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- TBC
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Anxiety, Worries, Fears & Phobias Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will enhance awareness of anxiety, worries, fears & phobias with children & young people. Some of the key elements in the training will be to try & identify & explore anxiety, worries, fears & phobias that can be present in children & young people. It will raise awareness of & clarify the difference between different types of anxiety. The session will also highlight self help/supportive strategies & resources & pathways for appropriate referrals. The trainers use a variety of learning approaches & welcome information & anonymous case discussion to improve & develop the practice of course attendees.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 22 February 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
- Tuesday 14 March 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Attachment Difficulties Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will enhance awareness of the subject of attachment in children & young people. Some of the key elements in the training will be to define attachment difficulties in children & young people & identify the behaviours associated with it alongside the factors that influence the development of secure or insecure patters of attachment. The trainers use a variety of learning approaches & welcome information & anonymous case discussion to improve & develop the practice of course attendees.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 28 February 2023 form 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
- Tuesday 11 April 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Attentional Difficulties (ADHD/ADD) Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will enhance awareness of the subject of attentional difficulties in children & young people. Some of the key elements in this training will be to gain an understanding of attentional difficulties & consider the core symptoms. The training will also give an understanding of ADHD along with the assessment process. There will be an opportunity to share strategies provided by teachers & other professionals. The trainers use a variety of learning approaches & welcome information & anonymous case discussion to improve & develop the practice of course attendees.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 28 February 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
- Tuesday 18 April 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Childhood Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This training raises awareness of the importance of recognising the sources and impacts of childhood developmental trauma including the impact on the developing brain. It identifies the symptoms & patterns of behaviour which can be seen as well as the underlying hidden needs & considers the potential longer term impacts on physical & emotional well-being. Delegates should be aware that discussing childhood trauma involves looking at sensitive & difficult information. Also Adverse Childhood Experiences are common and this training may raise difficult memories for some.
Target Audience
All practitioners working with children and families in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 21 February 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
- Wednesday 12 April 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Deliberate Self Harm Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This half day session will enhance participant’s awareness of the use of self harming behaviour within children & young people. Some of the key elements of the training are to become familiar with presentations of self harm & to develop an understanding of the reasons why young people self harm. Due to the sensitive nature of this subject an emotional opt out is available.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 7 March 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
- Tuesday 18 April 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Eating Difficulties Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will enhance awareness of the subject of eating disorders in children & young people. Some of the key elements of the training will be to define eating disorders in children & young people, identify the types of eating disorders & to understand some of the possible causes and triggers. Treatment options will also be considered & practitioners responsibilities in accordance with their role. The trainers use a variety of learning approaches & welcome information & anonymous case discussion to improve & develop the practice of course attendees.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 31 January 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
- Tuesday 7 March 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
- Wednesday 26 April 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will raise awareness of emotionally based school avoidance. It will look at potential causes & explore options for supporting families.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 7 February 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
- Tuesday 11 April 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Low Mood & Depression Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This training session will enhance awareness of low mood with children & young people. Key elements will be to try & identify & explore low mood, looking at triggers & strategies to support children & young people. It will raise awareness of & explore the difference between low mood & depression. Session will also highlight self help/supportive strategies & resources & pathways for appropriate referrals. The trainers attempt to use a variety of learning approaches & welcome informal & anonymous case discussion to improve & develop the practice of course attendees.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 14 March 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
- Tuesday 25 April 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Social & Communication Difficulties Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will enhance awareness of social communication difficulties with children & young people. Some of the key elements in the training will be to try & identify some common behaviour that is associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & hopefully this will raise awareness. It will identify & explore the triad of impairments: social interaction, social imagination & social communication. The training will also include some helpful strategies for better communication that would enhance the skills professionals already demonstrate to ensure further consistency and encourage good practice across all services. The trainers attempt to use a variety of learning approaches & welcome informal & anonymous case discussion to improve & develop the practice of course attendees.
Target Audience
Professionals working with children & young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Tuesday 31 January 2023 from 1.30-3.45pm via MS Teams
- Wednesday 1 March 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
- Tuesday 25 April 2023 from 9.30-11.45am via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Co Durham & Darlington Primary Mental Health Team
Access 27 Ltd Theatre Performance & Training Session 'Hashtag Blue'
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Touching on issues such as drugs & alcohol, crime, consent, mental health & politics, the theatre performance explores the effects of living adolescent life in an adult work. The workshop aspect will look at:
- ‘sexting’ - defining inappropriate images, the impact & the law
- exploring consent - how to help YP understand it
- exploring MDMA - the law, the facts & the effects
- spotting the signs of CCE & substance misuse
- explore self-care - tips to support YP & their mental health & understand ways to support your own.
For more information click on following flyer: Hashtag Blue Flyer [pdf document]
Target Audience
Any practitioner working with young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 1 February 2023 from 2.00-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Access 27 Ltd
Access 27 Ltd Theatre Performance & Training Session 'Like Glue
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session explores teenage relationship abuse & the impact of witnessing domestic abuse. The theatre performance will explore abusive behaviours in a variety of teenage relationships, including YP with additional needs, boys as victims of abuse & LGBTQIA+ relationships. The workshop aspect will explore:
- 7 types of relationship abuse
- healthy & unhealthy behaviours
- the cycle of abuse
- vulnerabilities
- signs & symptoms
- signposting for further support.
Target Audience
Any practitioner working with young people in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 1 February 2023 from 10.00-12.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Access 27 Ltd
Child & Adolescent Parental Violence & Abuse (CAPVA) Training: Ask & Act
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
The Child & Adolescent to Parent Abuse (CAPVA) training is a one day session for professionals who have contact with children, young people & families & aims to increase a professional's ability to recognise CAPVA. The full day of training will involve a half-day online self-learning module & a half-day interactive teams session. You will complete the online self-learning module first & then take part in the half day interactive session. The course aim is to:
- increase a professionals ability to recognise CAPVA
- help the professional to understand the dynamic involved
- provide the confidence to approach the subject of CAPVA with families.
Target Audience
Professionals who have contact with children, young people & families in a range of settings including early help, domestic abuse services, education support, youth offending, targeted family support & children’s social care
Dates, Times & Venues
- To be confirmed
Cost
Free to agencies who are members of the Darlington Safeguarding Partnership Board - this includes the voluntary & charitable sector. For private organisations there is a charge of £30 per person per course.
Facilitator/s
RESPECT
Diploma in Health & Social Care Levels 2 & 3 (Adults)
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Sessions will cover the following:
- promote communication
- engage in personal development
- promote equality & inclusion
- principles for implementing duty of care
Staff will then choose a specific pathway relevant to their role. Qualification will take between 6-18 months to complete.
Target Audience
DBC ONLY - Direct care staff who work with adults on a regular basis
Dates, Times & Venues
The diplomas are run on a rolling programme & can be accessed at any time during the year. Please note this qualification is no longer run by the Workforce Development Team, please contact Learning & Skills for further information: l&[email protected]
Cost
This course is free to DBC staff who require the qualification as part of their job role
Facilitator/s
Learning & Skills, Darlington Borough Council
Equality & Diversity
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This 2 hour Equality & Diversity session is designed to be engaging & thought provoking. It will look at:
- equalities legislation
- the nine protected characteristics
- types of discrimination
- dignity & respect
- the Council’s duties.
Target Audience
DBC ONLY - Mandatory for any member of staff who has not completed E&D in the last 2 years
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 1 February 2023 from 2.00-4.00pm via MS Teams
- Thursday 16 February 2023 from 10.00-12.00pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Eleanor Walker, Corporate Training Officer - Equality & Diversity, Darlington Borough Council
Family Group Conference Service Briefing
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Family Group Conferencing is a family led decision making meeting in which a child’s wider family network come together to make a plan about the future arrangements for the child. This briefing will look at:
- the function of a Family Group Conference
- the process of requesting a Family Group Conference
- when is the best time to discuss a Family Group Conference.
Target Audience
Any member of staff within Children's Services who is likely to be involved in a Family Group Conference, particularly those new to the department including agency workers
Dates, Times & Venues
- Friday 10 February 2023 from 10.00-11.30am via MS Teams
- Friday 10 March 2023 from 10.00-11.30am in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
- Friday 21 April 2023 from 10.00-11.30am via MS Teams
- Friday 19 May 2023 from 10.00-11.30am in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
- Friday 16 June 2023 from 10.00-11.30am via MS Teams
- Friday 18 August 2023 from 10.00-11.30am in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
- Friday 20 October 2023 from 10.00-11.30am via MS Teams
- Friday 15 December 2023 from 10.00-11.30am in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Brooke Fenwick or Faith Hirst, Darlington Borough Council
Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering - Level 2
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This course is accredited by City & Guilds. The module covers the following areas:
- individual responsibility for food safety
- the importance of personal hygiene
- how to keep the working area clean & hygienic
- how to receive & store food safely
- preparing, cooking and handling food safely.
Target Audience
DBC People Group - it is recommended that anyone who has NOT already completed Food Safety training should complete the Train4Food e-learning module. For further details contact: [email protected] If you only require a refresher then you should complete the Food Safety e-learning module through Academy 10.
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Train4Food
Food Safety & Hygiene - Level 2 (Refresher)
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This course is RoSPA accredited. At the end of the module, delegates will:
- understand the impact of food-borne illness
- be able to identify food hazards & take steps to reduce this risk
- be able to recall & implement the four Cs of food safety
- know the importance of using HACCP to comply with food safety laws.
Target Audience
DBC People Group - this is available through Academy 10
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Academy 10
Introducing the Solution-Focused Approach
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
By the end of this 3 day programme days, participants will:
- have a clear understanding of the principles of the solution-focused approach
- be able to apply the approach in their work contexts
- be able to follow the whole solution-focused process in planned ways, and also use parts of the approach more spontaneously during conversations that arise in their work
- have resources, including their own ideas, for adapting the approach to fit their roles and tasks.
For more information about the Solution-Focused Approach & the 3 day programme, please click on the following link: Course Outline & Learning Objectives [pdf document]
*Please note this is a 3 day programme & you must be able to attend all 3 days*
Target Audience
DBC ONLY - Practitioners from Children’s & Adults Services who want to be able to use solution focused practice in their daily work, increase your confidence in using SFP, understand SFP more clearly & share with others developing SFP skills.
Dates, Times & Venues
- Cohort 1: Friday 3 March 2023 & Thursday 9 March 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre & Thursday 20 April 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm via MS Teams
- Cohort 2: Monday 11 September 2023 & Monday 18 September 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre & Monday 30 October 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm via MS Teams
-
Cohort 3: Thursday 5 October 2023 & Thursday 12 October 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre & Thursday 23 November 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm via MS Teams
Cost
Facilitator/s
Liquid Logic Adults / Children's - Module 1
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session is aimed at staff who have never used Liquid Logic before & require training on how to log on, navigate, change basic demographic information & access historical information on the system.
Target Audience
DBC People Group – staff who would benefit include social workers, team managers, business support staff & others who only require ‘read only’ access to Liquid Logic
Dates, Times & Venues
- To be confirmed
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Chris Burnside, Systems Trainer, Darlington Borough Council
Liquid Logic Adults / Children's - Module 2
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session is aimed at staff who have either completed module 1 or who are familiar with the Liquid Logic system. This module will focus on inputting information onto the system – assessments / plans / reviews for example.
Target Audience
DBC People Group – staff who would benefit include social workers & team managers
Dates, Times & Venues
- To be confirmed
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Chris Burnside, Systems Trainer, Darlington Borough Council
Moving & Handling of People
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session will cover general topics such as H&S legislation, risk assessments, responsibility of the employer/employee and similar, as well as the following more targeted areas:
- mobility - stand/ sit/ walk/ transfers
- wheelchair – pushing & pulling – safe use of
- hoisting – chair to chair (where appropriate to service)
- seating – chair choice
- toileting assistance.
Please note there are some online resources available on the intranet: Resources
Target Audience
DBC People Group
Dates, Times & Venues
- Thursday 20 April 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Harewood Hill Lodge, 15 Harewood Hill, Darlington, DL3 7HY
- Wednesday 14 June 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Harewood Hill Lodge, 15 Harewood Hill, Darlington, DL3 7HY
- Wednesday 13 September 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Harewood Hill Lodge, 15 Harewood Hill, Darlington, DL3 7HY
- Thursday 19 October 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Harewood Hill Lodge, 15 Harewood Hill, Darlington, DL3 7HY
- Wednesday 17 January 2024 from 9.30-4.30pm at Harewood Hill Lodge, 15 Harewood Hill, Darlington, DL3 7HY
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Well Handled Ltd
Reducing Parental Conflict Programme: E-Learning Package
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
The Reducing Parental Conflict Programme supports practitioners working with families in building awareness & developing the confidence, knowledge & skills to work with parents to reduce conflict & improve outcomes for children. The e-learning package contains 4 modules which should take approx. 45 minutes each to complete:
- Module 1: Understanding Parental Conflict & its Impact on Child Outcomes
- Module 2: Recognising & Supporting Parents in Parental Conflict
- Module 3: Working with Parents in Conflict
- Module 4: Reducing Parental Conflict: The Role of Supervisions & Managers
If you would like to access to the e-learning package then email:[email protected] for log in details
Target Audience
Early Help, YOS, Children’s Social Work Teams & Community Safety/Health Visitors, School Nurses, Police & DSLs/Safeguarding Leads in all school
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Knowledgepool
Safeguarding Adults & Children
For details of Safeguarding Adults & Safeguarding Children training, visit the Darlington Safeguarding Partnership Website [external link]
Sexual Violence Awareness & Responding to Disclosure
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
**Please note these are 2 separate half day sessions but delegates must attend both sessions**
By the end of the Sexual Violence Awareness session, delegates will:
- understand how sexual violence is understood and viewed in society
- identify rape myths and why they are damaging.
- gain an understanding of the consequences and affects of sexual violence
- gain an appreciation of how individuals and organisations can counteract negative attitudes and behaviours.
- gain an appreciation of the different feelings a survivor has and the on-going life impact of sexual violence
- understand barriers to disclosure
- understand the best way to respond when a child or adult discloses
- gain an understanding of the support available in Darlington & County Durham.
Target Audience
DBC ONLY - Children & Adults Services
Dates, Times & Venues
- Sexual Violence Awareness - Tuesday 7 February 2023 from 9.30-1.00pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
- Responding to Disclosure - Tuesday 14 February 2023 from 9.30-1.00pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
OR
- Sexual Violence Awareness - Wednesday 8 February 2023 from 1.00-4.30pm via Microsoft Teams
- Responding to Disclosure - Wednesday 15 February 2023 from 1.00-4.30pm via Microsoft Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre
Strengthening Families: Restorative Practice Online Awareness Session
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
An online digital training package is available for those who have not yet undertaken the Strengthening Families Awareness Raising session. The 3 hour session has been broken down into 5 short videos which can be accessed & completed separately. The themes of the five part programme are:
- Part 1: Relationships are key
- Part 2: Living our values
- Part 3: The four ways of being
- Part 4: Making decisions fairly & working 'with'
- Part 5: Using restorative language
Target Audience
- Mandatory for DBC People Group who work with Children & Families - to access please visit the Intranet / Workforce Development / Training Course Materials / Strengthening Families
- Multi Agency staff who work with Children & Families - to access please email [email protected]
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Training package by Leeds Relational Practice Centre
Team Teach
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This 2 day programme will look at personal safety, risk reduction strategies (de-escalation), a range of positive handling & interventions together with a focus on policy, documentation & legal guidance.
Target Audience
Any member of DBC staff in a medium risk service area
Dates, Times & Venues
- To be confirmed
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Synergy Training & Consultancy Limited
Team Teach Refresher
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This session is a refresher of the full 12 hour programme, it will look at personal safety, risk reduction strategies (de-escalation), a range of positive handling & interventions together with a focus on policy, documentation & legal guidance.
Target Audience
DBC People Group - any member of staff who has previously completed the Team Teach accreditation (within the last 2 years) & requires a refresher
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 17 May 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
- Thursday 22 June 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
- Tuesday 8 August 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
- Wednesday 18 October 2023 from 9.30-4.30pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Synergy Training & Consultancy Limited
Understanding the EHC Process and the Legal Duties for Social Care Professionals
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This bitesize lunchtime session is for all social care practitioners to advise on the statutory process for the submission of an education, health & care needs assessment as defined in the Children & Families Act. It will:
- examine the statutory duties that define the Local Authority approach to reviewing requests & agreement to produce a plan through the 20-week process
- give an understanding of the annual review process that supports meeting the outcomes for children & young people
- examine how the Local Authority identifies school placements.
Target Audience
All practitioners working with children & young people aged 0-25 in Children and Adults Social Care
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 15 March 2023 from 12.00-1.00pm via MS Teams
- Friday 17 March 2023 from 12.00-1.00pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Anne Davison, SEND & Inclusion Advisory Lead, Darlington Borough Council
Writing Good Quality Social Care Advice for EHC Plans
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This bitesize lunchtime session offers an introduction to the legal duties around the submission of social care advice. It looks at the duties set out in the Children & Families Act & give examples of good quality advice. This session will also examine how advice will be scrutinised & quality assured & the impact on families where secure advice is not given, including an understanding of the tribunal system.
Target Audience
All practitioners working with children and young people aged 0-25 in Children and Adults Social Care
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 8 March 2023 from 12.00-1.00pm via MS Teams
- Monday 13 March 2023 from 12.00-1.00pm via MS Teams
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Anne Davison, SEND & Inclusion Advisory Lead, Darlington Borough Council
Youth Justice Awareness
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
This half day session will give an:
- introduction to Youth Offending services & their structure
- an understanding of the way in which young people (YP) are assessed & how their level of intervention is decided
- an overview of the different disposals & orders which a YP can receive from Police/Courts
- a mini intervention ‘taster’
- an exploration of Restorative Justice & processes contained within disposals & YOS work
- a look at welfare versus justice
- summary of custody options for YP.
Target Audience
Anyone interested in learning more about the Youth Justice System, attendees from all backgrounds & services are welcome. It is specifically relevant for partner agencies & services with direct contact with young people
Dates, Times & Venues
- TBC
To book a place please email: [email protected]
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Michael Barr, Youth Justice Service
DBC Community Care Inform Licence Holders
There are lots of resources / practice guides available on CCI regarding Learning Disability including:
- how to help adults with learning disabilities develop safe & healthy intimate relationships
- how to identify & assess parents with learning disabilities, plus tips & advice on engaging & communicating with them.
- an understanding of what mate crime is, who perpetrates it & how to identify it.
- how to recognise forced marriage of adults with learning disabilities & the different way it can present to forced marriage of those without learning disabilities.
For more information visit the following website: Learning Disability Knowledge & Practice Hub [external website]
Council for Disabled Children E-Learning Modules
Council for Disabled Children is delighted to announce the launch of the new SEND Basic Awareness e-learning course. It is a freely available, self-guided e-learning tool & is intended to improve level 1 & 2 practitioners’ knowledge & understanding of the Children & Families Act, the SEND Code of Practice, the Local Offer, the graduated approach, the EHC needs assessment process & many other topics around SEND.
CDC was commissioned by senior Health colleagues in the South East to develop e-learning modules to support the SEND Health Training Assurance Framework. These modules have been developed in collaboration with practitioners, senior leaders & parent carers to meet the needs of members of staff working at levels 1 and 2.
Click on the following link for more information: Council for Disabled Children [external website]
Learning & Skills Distance Learning
Learning & Skills provide distance learning courses on the following subjects:
Health Care / Social Care
- Prevention and Control of Infection in Health Care Settings
- Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care
- Care and Management of Diabetes
- Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care
- Common Childhood Illnesses
- Principles of Dementia Care
- Common Health Conditions
- Principles of End of Life Care
- Falls Prevention Awareness
- Substance Misuse Awareness
Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
- Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
- Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
- Understanding Behaviour that Challenges in Children
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
- Understanding Autism
Mental Health
- Awareness of Mental Health Problems
- Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
- Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- Awareness of Bullying in Children and Young People
- Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
Other
- Understanding Nutrition and Health
- Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
- Certificate in Counselling
- Principles of Customer Service
- Principles of Team Leading
- Understanding Retail Operations
- Equality and Diversity
- Information, Advice and Guidance
- Principles of Warehousing
For further details visit the Learning & Skills distance learning page
Learning & Skills also offer lots of CPD courses. Visit the Learning & Skills continuing professional development page for more information
Mental Capacity Act E Learning Course
SCIE's updated, CPD-accredited online course explores the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including best interests decision-making & how to support people to make their own decisions. It's for everyone who looks after or cares for someone, for example, doctors, nurses, care assistants, social workers & family members. Click on the following link: MCA E Learning Course [external website]
The MS Society - MS Awareness Course
A new, free online course is available for care workers & social care staff developed by people with MS & health & social care professionals and produced in partnership with Grey Matter Learning. The course explores the different types of MS, how it impacts the care people may need & how to support people with MS.
An accreditation is available from Grey Matter Learning – details are at the end of the course. Click on the following link for more information: The MS Society [external website]
Zero Suicide Alliance
Anybody can learn to save a life in under 10 minutes.
Zero Suicide Alliance teaches you how to identify, understand & help someone who maybe experiencing suicidal thoughts.
There are various modules to choose from, for more information please visit the following website: NE & North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network [external website].
Contact for Looked After Children
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Schedule 2, paragraph 15, CA 1989 of the Children’s Act places a duty on Local Authorities to promote ‘Contact’ for ‘looked-after’ children [including those not subject to care orders or interim care orders]. ‘Where a child is being looked after by a local authority, the authority shall, unless it is not reasonably practical or consistent with his welfare, endeavour to promote contact between the child and: his parents; any person who is not a parent but who has parental responsibility for him; any relative, friend or other person connected with him.’ Contact can be a challenge for many carers & can have a major impact on the child, the birth family & the fostering family. This course aims to equip carers with information on the legal requirements of contact, special guardianship & contact, who the child should have contact with, choice for the child, helping children make the most of contact & what to do if carers feel contact is not in the best interests of children.
Target Audience
Foster Carers & Fostering Supervising Social Workers primarily but spare places will be available to practitioners working with children in foster carer in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 8 February 2023 from 10.00-2.00pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Kath Price, Kath Price Consultancy
Foster Carer Reviews
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Every carer has an annual review which looks at their practice & development over the last year & serves as an annual appraisal. It is important that carers understand the importance of this process & how to get the most out of their review. The training explains why we have reviews, what they are used for & how to make effective contributions.
Target Audience
Foster Carers & Fostering Supervising Social Workers primarily but spare places will be available to practitioners working with children in foster carer in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Thursday 29 June 2023 from 10.00-12.00pm via MS Teams/Zoom
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Kath Price, Kath Price Consultancy
Loss & Grief for Looked After Children
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
We all at some time experience a loss: an estrangement, a move away, a death. We have experienced the anguish, we have been comforted, we have gone through the grief process & as a result over time the loss – always sad - is hopefully resolved. Traumatic loss faced by children in care often experiencing one loss after another can be overwhelming. From the decision to remove a child or young person from their birth family, to living with foster carers, combined with the often-frequent introduction then loss of social workers & movement from one carer to another or from carer to birth family or to adopters. Whatever the adverse conditions leading to that initial decision to remove a child: the looked after child almost always experiences profound trauma & loss, and often as a result of practices in the care system will suffer multiple losses. Recovery from grief is very much more difficult where a loss is sudden, unexpected, protracted & where a child has little or no power. This course aims:
- to understand the profound losses at the heart of the looked-after system
- to examine the effects on the individual child
- to explore ways that foster carers can support recovery.
Target Audience
Foster Carers & Fostering Supervising Social Workers primarily but spare places will be available to practitioners working with children in foster carer in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 3 May 2023 from 10.00-2.00pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Kath Price, Kath Price Consultancy
Managing Allegations
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
As foster carers you are tasked with helping children take risks, whilst keeping yourself & your family & your community safe. Children in care have often been subjected to physical traumatization, sexual traumatization & emotional traumatization & neglect & for some children all four.
These 4 experiences alter a child’s brain chemistry, their attachment pattern & their ability to recognize & manage risk effectively. A foster child may see you as their biggest risk because their brain is primed to see adults as untrustworthy, manipulative, scary & dangerous.
There are several reasons why allegations occur & whilst allegations against foster carers are rare, & most allegations against foster carers are found to be unproven the risk of allegations can be minimised if foster carers put in place positive practices for safer caring.
This training examines the reasons for allegations, the numbers of foster carers subject to allegations & how to reduce the risk of allegations. Foster carers need to be familiar with processes for managing allegations of abuse & serious concerns about their practice or standards of care. The training will also equip foster carers with information to enable them to understand the non-legal & legal processes their fostering agency will engage in to investigate allegations against them.
Target Audience
Foster Carers & Fostering Supervising Social Workers primarily but spare places will be available to practitioners working with children in foster carer in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 8 March 2023 from 10.00-2.00pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Kath Price, Kath Price Consultancy
Moving Children On
Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Children within the care system often face several transitions. This course aims to examine the many transitions faced by looked after children & their foster carers. The course looks at issues of transitions from moving children on to adopters / connected carers / other foster carers & children’s move back to birth families. Often foster carers move children on with little or no training on how to do this effectively, how to advocate for children, how to effect plans to ensure they are in the child’s best interests & how to manage the personal impact of moving children on. This training examines the emotional impact of moving children on not only on the children but on the foster carers & their families. It provides some good practice ideas on how to prepare children for each transition & how foster carers & their families can recover & recoup once children have moved on from your care.
Target Audience
Foster Carers & Fostering Supervising Social Workers primarily but spare places will be available to practitioners working with children in foster carer in Darlington
Dates, Times & Venues
- Wednesday 19 April 2023 from 10.00-2.00pm at Morton Park Business Training Centre
Cost
Free
Facilitator/s
Kath Price, Kath Price Consultancy