FOSTER CARERS CHANGE LIVES. Your learning, their future

Transcription

1 FOSTER CARERS CHANGE LIVES Your learning, their future Foster Carers Training Programme 2013/2014 1

2 Welcome! Contents We are very pleased to be sending you the new training brochure for the financial year 2013/2014. Essex County Council recognises that you all, as Foster Carers and Short Break Carers play a crucial role in the lives of our children and young people and we hope the training opportunities within this brochure will continue to meet your learning needs and support you in providing the best possible care. Whether you are newly approved or an experienced carer the important role you play in children s lives cannot be under estimated, you are truly the Change Agents and make the difference for children in care. There are some significant changes to the Core Training this year which is the training you are required to do in order to meet the requirements of Essex County Council and the Fostering Regulations Therefore please refer to page (8) where the requirements for your particular role are clearly explained. The nationally acclaimed Fostering Changes course designed to enhance your ability to be Change Agents for Children will continue to be delivered this year. For more information and to see feedback statements from carers please refer to page (28). We also have some exciting new courses in the programme this year; for example: A comprehensive bespoke Attachment course designed to help you develop children s attachment security and manage associated behaviours A comprehensive bespoke Autism and Aspergers course for carers who care for Children with Disabilities Three courses for carers of teenagers - Practical Techniques for Managing and Effecting Positive Behaviour with Teenagers, Child Development of Adolescents and Sexual Exploitation to go alongside the new Preparation for Adulthood Training to enable you to take Parent and Child placements. Why is Training Important? 4 Development Standards for Foster Carers 5 Stages of Development for Foster Carers 6 Core Pre-Approval and Induction Training Modules 7 Core Training Modules and Role Requirement 8 Specialist Healthcare Task Training 9 Continuous Professional Development Training Overview Applying and Booking on Training Courses 12 Course Attendance and Responsibilities Complete list of Training Courses on offer during 2013/ Pre-approval and Induction Courses, Aims and Objectives Core Training Courses, Aims and Objectives Continuous Professional Development Courses, Aims and Objectives Fostering Changes Programme 28 Parent and Child Training 33 Courses designed for Carers of Teenagers 24,33,34,35 Sexual Exploitation 37 Free GCSE English and Maths Courses 39 Distance Learning 40 Online Learning Courses Calendar of Course Dates Anita Kemp Interim Manager of SCF Workforce, Planning and Development 3

3 Why is Training Important? As professionals we all share a responsibility to continue to develop our skills and knowledge. This is particularly important as child research, legislation and policies are continually developing and changing. Undertaking Core training is also a requirement set by the Fostering Service National Minimum Standards (2011). Therefore the council and the service are committed to supporting you to continue your professional development, and to provide you opportunities to learn, enhance and develop your professional skills and knowledge. This will also enable you to meet the standards expected of you as professionally approved carers for children. We are showing this support and commitment to you by providing you with first class and varied learning and development opportunities through a training programme targeted at meeting the above aims and those listed below: Children are able to achieve better outcomes in all areas of their lives through being given the quality and type of care they deserve Carers are helped to develop skills required to care role for children without impacting on their own family relationships Any warning signs in relation to safe caring or fostering breakdown are identified early. We want and are committed to creating a learning experience that enables you to learn and develop your skills whilst also feeling appreciated in your role of children and how you see your foster care career developing. We welcome your feedback on your individual learning needs and views and ideas of how we can further develop and improve the training programme. Please ring the training team at Workforce, Planning and Development on or and speak to Nicole Conlon or Sharon Moss or [email protected]. Development Standards for Foster Carers All learning activities are linked to the Training Support and Development Standards (TSD) and the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (NMS) Throughout this guide you will be able to see how learning activities link to these standards which are summarised below. Foster Carers Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards 1. Understand the principles and values essential for working with children and young people 2. Understand your role as a carer 3. Understand health and safety and healthy care 4. Know how to communicate effectively 5. Understand the development of children and young people 6. Keep children and young people safe from harm 7. Develop yourself. Short Break Carers Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards 1. Understand your role as a short break carer 2. Provide a safe environment and healthy care 3. Know how to communicate effectively 4. Understand the development of children and young people 5. Keep children and young people safe from harm 6. Develop yourself. Friends and Family Carers Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards 1. Understand your role as a friends and family carer 2. Provide a safe environment and healthy care 3. Know how to communicate effectively 4. Understand the development of children and young people 5. Keep children and young people safe from harm 6. Develop yourself. All Foster Carers and Short Break Carers are expected to complete the (TSD) Training, Support and Development Standards within 12 months. Friends and Family Carers need to have completed these within 18 months of approval. Any carers who have not completed these within the specified time will need an extension in writing. Workshops are available to assist carers in understanding of what is required. Carers interested in attending a workshop should contact Rosemarie Cronin on For further information please refer to the Guidance and Procedures for Completion of the Training, Support and Development Standards Workbooks (formally CWDC) for Foster Care, Short Break Care and Friends and Family Care October

4 Stages of Development for Foster Carers Stage 1 Pre-approval training is as follows: First Aid (Classroom/Online) Skills to Foster - Provides the skills to help you look after foster children. Sessions include: What Do Foster Carers Do, Identity and Life Chances, Working with Others, Understanding Children in Foster Care, Safer Caring and Transitions. Stage 2 Induction modules - Post approval training consists of 3 mandatory induction modules that all carers need to complete within 12 months of their approval. Introduction to Fostering in Essex County Council and Record Keeping Achieving Health and Wellbeing of Children in Care Guide to Education. Core modules To be completed within 12 months of approval and then repeated within 5 years. Attachment (Separation and Loss) Creating a Secure Base for children Child Development (0-18 years) Child Protection Practical Techniques for Promoting Positive Behaviour First Aid Awareness To be repeated within 3 years Specialist Healthcare Task Training Repeat within 3 years (see page 9). The courses needed to be completed will depend on your role and whether you are the Primary or Secondary carer. Please refer to page 8 for the Core training you will need to complete. Statutory, Core and Continuous Development Training Overview Stage 1 - Pre-Approval Training Mandatory training for all (foster carers and short break carers) to complete before attendance at panel Skills to Foster First Aid (Classroom/Online) Introduction to Fostering in Essex and Record Keeping (Connected Person Carers). Stage 2 - Core Training Post Approval Mandatory training for foster carers and short break carers Setting the scene and providing you with the skills to do the job. Induction Training - All newly approved Carers To be completed within the first year (12 months) following approval before the First Household Review. Introduction to Fostering in Essex and Record Keeping Achieving Health and Wellbeing of Children in Care Guide to Education TSD (CWDC) Children s Workforce Development Council Workbook within 12 months of approval 18 months for Connected Person Carers (family and friends) Medication Workbook Pre-placement. Stage 3 Continuing Professional Development Providing you with specialist skills to enhance your development and your care of children. A range of courses are on offer to further develop your skills, knowledge and expertise and will help you evidence that you meet the Training and Development Standards for Foster Care. Evidence can be collected in many ways including support groups, supervision, on line-learning and distance learning. 6 7

5 Cyclical Core Training Primary Foster carers All approved Primary carers must complete all Induction Training and these core training modules within their first 12 months post approval and then undertake refresher training within the identified timescale: (Training below to be repeated within 5 years 1 day courses unless shown) Child Protection Child Development (0-18 years) Attachment (separation and loss) Creating a Secure Base (3 day course) Practical Techniques for Promoting Positive Behaviour (Training below to be repeated within 3 years) First Aid Awareness (pre-approval). Primary Short Break Carers Child Development (0-18 years) Child Protection Specialist Healthcare Tasks (See page 9 for more details) First Aid Awareness (Repeat every 3 years). Secondary Foster Carers Attachment (Classroom or Online) Child Protection First Aid Awareness (Repeat every 3 years) Practical Techniques for Promoting Positive Behaviour. Secondary Short Break Carers Child Protection First Aid Awareness (Repeat every 3 years) Specialist Healthcare Training (If required). Core training for Secondary Carers only needs to be completed once and the above 3 courses along with Induction training needs to be completed by carers within 12 months of approval. These courses can be completed online. Specialist Healthcare Task Training for Children with Complex Medical Needs If you are required to undertake a specialist healthcare intervention with a child or young person then you will need to be trained and assessed as competent by a qualified healthcare professional. Examples of these interventions include:- - Artificial feeding (gastrostomy, nasogastric or jejunal) - Seizures requiring emergency intervention (buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam, rectal paraldehyde) - Oral suction - Administration of oxygen - Administration of emergency medication for anaphylaxis (severe allergy). You may be required to attend classroom training in either gastrostomy awareness, epilepsy awareness or anaphylaxis awareness. Classroom training is refreshed every 2 years. You will also receive one to one specific training with the child or young person you are working with. This will continue until you are assessed as competent by the qualified healthcare professional. This competence is reviewed annually. There are children who require even more specialist intervention than is detailed above such as things like artificial ventilation (eg BiPAP), or require you to make clinical decisions about their care. If this is the case the healthcare professional will make an assessment of the risks involved and this will be countersigned by senior people in your organisation to ensure you have the right level of insurance cover. The above training is based upon the principles described in the Medication and Related Tasks Policy, and as a pre requisite Carers will generally be expected to have completed their Medication Workbook before they can be trained in specialist healthcare interventions. The training is delivered by the Specialist Healthcare Tasks Service who are based centrally in County Hall & cover the whole of Essex. The Service delivers competency based training, education and support to Care staff working with a child with a disability with an additional medical need. If you think you need to undertake this level of training you will need to talk to your Supervising Social Worker who will refer you to our service. 8 9

6 Stage 3 - Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Training that Changes the lives of children and their carer families Make a lifelong difference for a child (Fostering Changes, 2011). Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a term used to show your continued learning and development within your role and career within the care profession. We ask that you discuss your learning and development needs with your Supervising Social Worker so that a development plan can be created with courses and dates identified for you to follow up and book yourself onto. It is always beneficial and useful to discuss and explain the learning you have achieved over the past year and throughout your care career to assist your Supervising Social Worker to gain a clear understanding of your learning needs. Learning can take different forms and can be achieved in many different ways. Please see the diagram below and explore with your Supervising Social Worker how these various learning resources can be used to evidence your learning whilst continuing your professional development. You can develop and evidence your learning through: The courses listed below highlights the numerous learning opportunities which can contribute towards your on-going professional development. Please see pages 23 to 37 for course aims and learning objectives. Identified CPD Training for Carers of young children Fostering Changes 28 Creatively Communicating and Engaging with Children and Young People 25 Improving Literacy 29 Improving Numeracy 29 Internet, Social Media and Mobile Phones 30 Keeping Children Safe from Bullying 31 Identified CPD training for Carers of Teenagers Adolescent Child Development 23 Advocacy 24 Creatively Communicating and Engaging with Children and Young People 25 Internet, Social Media and Mobile Phones 30 Practical Techniques for Managing and Effecting Positive Behaviour with Teenagers 34 One to one learning with other professionals DVD s TV Documentaries Books, articles, relevant reading Preparation for Adult Life and Managing Transition 35 Self-harm 36 Sexual Exploitation 37 Substance Misuse 38 Identified CPD Training for Carers of Children with Disabilities Autism and Aspergers 24 Support Groups PDP Face to face training modules Makaton 32 Identified CPD Training for carers with Parent and Child Placements Parent and Child Training 33 Distance learning Internet research Full List of Classroom Courses 14 List of Distance Learning 15 On line learning List of Online Learning

7 Applying for Training and Attendance 1. You should continually discuss your learning and development needs with your supervising social worker and ensure these are then recorded on your Personal Development Plan (PDP) which is completed annually. 2. It is important that you book yourself on and attend Induction and Core training modules as soon as possible to ensure you are able to complete these within the time expected of you. 3. You can book on Classroom, Online or Distance Learning courses either by completing the application form in full (must include emergency phone number). Please then send the form to us by post or by to (for enquiries you can call us on or ). 4. Dates and venues for all programmes are printed on the calendar at the back of this brochure and also on Course attendance/non-attendance You will be notified that your application has been received and advised of your confirmed place(s) on courses within 7 days. (Remember places are allocated on a first come first serve basis). If you have not received confirmation please contact the training team (detailed above and below) You are expected to attend all training that you are booked on to attend. Please ensure that you record dates in your diary or calendar and plan child care in advance if this could be an issue with your attendance at courses It is your responsibility to arrange childcare and attend training. Please contact your fostering team or social worker well in advance of the course to arrange We ask that you take full responsibility for your training and development and those of other carers, by contacting us at least 10 days before course dates if you are not able to attend courses to provide us with enough time to act on filling your vacant place. Online Training and Distance Learning You can book on this training by completing an application form and forwarding by post or it to the training team as detailed below. (For enquiries you can call us on or ). To ensure that we can continue to offer these forms of training, please can you complete Online and Distance Learning courses within 10 weeks. If you are undertaking Distance Learning please can you return by post the textbook and completed the workbook to the training team to our Chelmsford address. What happens at training events? You will be sent venue details and expected times of arrival and closing 3-4 weeks before the course date. There will be refreshments available at the venues, however lunch is not provided so you will need to bring a packed lunch or make other arrangements. You do not have to take part in anything you do not feel comfortable with. However, activities are designed to provide you with optimum opportunities for learning. For example group discussion with other carers will enable you explore and reflect on some of your own experiences, ideas and feelings. Practice activities have been shown by research to enable us to apply our learning of strategies and techniques. As the learning day is short, all trainers will be able to sign post you to further learning opportunities including suggesting books to read or internet sites to visit. Certificates of attendance/completion When you have successfully completed a learning activity you will be provided with a certificate of attendance which you can use as evidence to meet the TSD standards for foster carers/short break carers and as part of your continuing professional development. Feedback forms At the end of each of course, you will be given a feedback form and learning log to complete, these are opportunities for you to feedback suggestions for improvements and what you found helpful or unhelpful. Your comments will be appreciated and help the Fostering Service and Workforce, Planning and Development to improve the training programme. Foster Carer annual Household Review All foster carers have an annual performance review. Training and development is a key area of the review process, and like everybody in the children and young people s workforce, continuing professional development is an on-going responsibility. Your performance review will look at the training you have attended in the past year, how you have applied learning to your practice and look at your development needs for the next year. Your supervising social worker will help and advise you on which courses are most relevant for the fostering tasks that you undertake. Please enjoy and make the most of these training opportunities. [email protected] 12 13

8 Full List of Training Face to Face (Classroom) Achieving Health & Wellbeing of Children in Care 18 Adolescent Child Development 23 Advocacy 24 Attachment (Separation and Loss) Creating a Secure Base 20 Autism and Aspergers 24 Child Development 21 Child Protection 21 Creatively Communicating and Engaging with Children and Young People 25 Culture, Religion, Language and Asylum children 26 Dyslexia Awareness 27 First Aid Awareness 16 Fostering Changes 28 Guide to Education 19 Improving Literacy 29 Improving Numeracy 29 Internet, Social Media and Mobile Phones 30 Introduction to Fostering in Essex and Record Keeping 17 Keeping Children Safe from Bullying 31 Life Story Work 31 Parent and Child Training 33 Practical Techniques for Promoting Positive Behaviour 22 Practical Techniques for Managing and Effecting Positive Behaviour with Teenagers 34 Preparation for Adulthood and Managing Transition 35 Resilience and Recovery 36 Self-harm 36 Sexual Exploitation 37 Substance Misuse 38 Understanding the Law 38 Dependent on Demand IT, Internet and for Beginners 30 Makaton (20 hours) 32 Online Learning Attachment and Loss (20 hours) 41 Autism 41 Child Development 42 Child Protection Awareness 42 Child Protection Skills (20 hours) 43 Children and Domestic Abuse 43 Children and Parental Mental Health Issues 44 Children and Parental Substance Misuse 44 Children s Rights 45 Communicating with Children and Young People 45 Education and Trauma 46 Equality and Diversity 46 Family Centred Working 47 First Aid (Paediatric) 59 Healing Environments 47 Impulsive Behaviour 48 Infection Control 48 Keeping and Sharing Information 49 Kinship Care 49 Making Sense of Adolescence 50 Men in Children s Services 50 Multi-agency Working 51 Promoting Health and Development 51 Promoting Positive Contact 51 Record Keeping in Foster Care 52 Reflective Practice and Risk 52 Resilience and Recovery 53 Risk Management & Safer Working 53 Safer Foster Care (20 hours) 54 Safe Use of Medication 54 Secondary Trauma and Workplace Stress 55 Self-harming Behaviours (20 hours) 56 Sexual Development and Sexual Abuse 56 Sexualised Behaviour 57 The Role of the Foster Carer 57 Transitions and Vulnerability 58 Working as Part of a Team 58 Working with Disabled Children 59 Distance Learning Attachment 40 Behaviour 40 Contact 40 Education 40 Health 40 Safer Caring

9 Course Learning Aims and Objectives Stage 1 (Pre-approval and refresher) Skills to Foster This course was arranged and delivered to you during your assessment as a foster carer. The course provides the skills to help you look after foster children. Sessions include: What Do Foster Carers Do Identity and Life Chances Working with Others Understanding Children in Foster Care Safer Caring and Transitions. First Aid Awareness (Needs to be repeated every 3 years) This course provides knowledge on basic first aid for carers. This is a compulsory course and should be undertaken by all carers once every three years and before carers are approved. There is also an online course which you can undertake if attending a classroom course is not possible. Compulsory for pre-approved carers and must be undertaken once every three years by all carers Identify the basic principles of first aid Describe how to apply basic resuscitation techniques Recognise how to deal with unconsciousness and how to use the recovery position Understand how to control bleeding and how to deal with choking, burns, scalds and fractures. Foster Carers standard 3 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 2. For all Foster Carers and Short Break Carers Stage 2 Setting the scene and providing you with the skills to do the job Induction Modules consist of 3 training programmes and form part of your induction to the Essex County Council Fostering Service. You will be required to attend these 3 courses as soon as you are approved and must be completed within twelve months of approval. Introduction to Fostering in Essex County Council and Record Keeping This course is for newly approved carers, providing an introduction to the Fostering Service in Essex and the requirements and skills needed for Record Keeping. Length: 1 day Newly approved foster carers Trainer: Rosemarie Cronin and Brian Arrowsmith Understand the fostering service and what is expected of a new foster carer Discuss the legislation, policies and procedures and how they relate to foster care in Essex Identify a number of key people who will be able to help new and existing foster carers and short break carers Identify opportunities for learning and development Understand the reasons for keeping different types of records Identify what information should be gathered in ways which it can best be recorded Consider the audience for records and their use Understand how to separate fact from opinions and avoid discriminatory comments and value judgements Understand and apply the rules of data protection. Foster Carers standard 2 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard

10 Achieving Health and Wellbeing of Children in Care This course provides an overview of the physical and emotional health and welfare needs of children who are in care and how carers can work towards meeting them. Length: 1 day ( ) Guide to Education This course gives an overview of the issues around education and how to work in partnership with schools and the Local Authority to support your child s education. Newly approved foster carers and Residential Workers Newly approved foster carers and Residential Workers Trainer: NHS Locality (LAC) Looked after children Nurses Trainer: Jo Barclay Understand what health means and how the definition can differ from person to person and within different settings Understand the factors affecting health and wellbeing Explore own attitudes to health and wellbeing Understand how health outcomes for looked after children can be improved Understand the roles and responsibilities of carers in promoting healthy lifestyles for children in their care Understand the importance of resilience and how to help children in care develop and maintain it Identify and understand the importance of support strategies for the carer Appreciate the roles of the key health professionals and how to contact them. Understanding the role of the Achievement Service for (CiC) Children in Care Understanding how to apply for a school place Understanding how to contribute to an effective Personal Education Plan Understanding the law on exclusions Understanding how to improve and promote school attendance Understanding the level of progress that is expected of children according to their age and starting point Understanding how to support children reach their potential at school. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Foster Carers standard 3 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard

11 Cyclical Core Training (needs repeating within a cycle of 5 years) Attachment (Separation and Loss) - Creating a Secure Base for a child This 3 day Attachment course is aimed at providing foster carers with the knowledge and understanding needed to apply Attachment theory to their care of children in the form of the Secure Base Model. The central aim of the course is to provide a toolkit for carers to enhance the Attachment relationship for the child within the family in which they are placed. Length: 3 day (09:30-14:30) All Foster carers and available to Short Break Carers Understand the links between attachment and child and brain development Be able to identify and understand the different attachment types Understand how attachment affects children s behaviour and development Understand how children s attachment style can affect care-giving Be able to relate attachment theory to the children in their care Understand the Secure Base Model and positive caregiving cycle Understand how to promote availability and how they can use strategies to develop children s trust in them Understand ways to look for and value children s progress Understand sensitive care-giving that helps children to manage feelings and behaviour Understand the importance of accepting the child as they are Know how to use strategies to develop children s self-esteem Understand some of the caregiving approaches that promote competence and co-operation Understand ways to help children belong and feel part of their family Understand how they can use and take the learning from the course and apply it to their care of children Know how to monitor and record progress and involve their Supervising Social Worker in this process. Foster Carers standards 1,2,3 and 5 Short Break Carers standards 2 and 4. Child Development This course explores the physical, emotional and social development of children and young people who are Looked After and how they may be affected by their experiences. Foster Carers and Residential Workers Understand how children and young people s development can be affected by events in their lives Be able to explore what normal development can be expected and how to recognise development which is unusual Be able to develop strategies to help meet the needs of children Identify sources of help and support in caring for children and young people whose development has been affected. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Child Protection (Foundation Level 2) This course is aimed at those people who work regularly with children and young people and follow Essex Safeguarding Children s Board (ESCB) regulations. Trainer: Catch 22 All Foster Carers and Short Break Carers Develop an awareness of significant harm Understand what to do when child abuse is suspected Know the procedure and your role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children Have an understanding of relevant legislation Understand the role of assessment, planning & review in effective service provision. Foster Carers standard 4 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard

12 Practical Techniques for Promoting Positive Behaviour This course looks at practical strategies to use with children and young people to help them follow and understand boundaries. Foster Carers and Residential Workers Stage 3 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Adolescent Child Development The aim of this course is to increase understanding and ability to meet the development needs of teenagers. Length: 1 day (09:30-14:30) Foster Carers and Residential Workers who care for Teenagers To explore some reasons for challenging or difficult behaviour To develop some tips and techniques for dealing with different age ranges To develop some strategies to support children to manage their own behaviour To evaluate if situations need further support. Foster Carers standard 3 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard 2. Understand Child development from middle childhood through adolescence to adulthood Be able to consider the issues that arise when taking placements of teenagers Understand the influence developmental factors have on the behaviour and social skills of teenagers Understand the role and influence foster carers have in improving the development of children through adolescence Know how to help teenagers to develop their resilience and social and communication skills Consider the services and resources that can help. Foster Carers standards 2, 4 and 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 1, 3 and

13 Advocacy This course raises the importance of independent advocacy for all children who are looked after including how they can access advocacy and how advocates can help. Foster Carers and Residential Workers Trainer: Barnados Understand the definition of advocacy Understand linkages between advocacy & legislation Identify the roles, responsibilities & boundaries of an advocate Understand who can/cannot be an independent advocate, the skills required and how to be effective Understand the principles of children s rights Understand how children and young people in Essex can access advocacy. Foster Carers standards 2 and 4 and Short Break Carers - standards 1 and 3. Autism and Asperger s This course has been designed for Foster Carers and Short Break Carers who care for children with a disability. The aim of this course is to provide carers with a working understanding of the impairments of autism and autistic spectrum disorders and to manage the issues they cause when caring for children within the context of a fostering or short break placement. Foster Carers and Social Work Staff supporting the child and placement Understand theory of the mind and the triad of impairments and how this applies to the children in their care Understand how social communication and interaction can differ with autism Understand the impact of sensory materials and environment on thinking and behaviour To plan and provide an environment where a child with autism/asd can feel secure To devise strategies to avoid and reduce challenging behaviour To produce a care plan tailored to the child s particular (and changing) difficulties and needs which includes an appreciation of their achievements and progress. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Creatively Communicating and Engaging with Children and Young People Fostered children often have a background which includes neglect. This can greatly impact upon their ability to communicate. This workshop offers an opportunity to explore early language development and the role that parents and carers can play in developing and extending these essential skills. This course also offers the opportunity to engage with creative activities and consider the use of metaphor and play as languages of expression, and emotions in relation to the brain. Foster Carers Understand communication and early language development in young children, and how neglect and trauma can impact on this Have a theoretical understanding of the triune brain to support their knowledge base Understand the role that communication can play in a child s emotional wellbeing Be able to consider a variety of effective communication techniques Identify and adapt techniques to suit different age groups To have an understanding of the importance of creative mediums and the impact of this on self To have an awareness of the use of metaphor and play as expressive communication tools Explore and review some of the supporting resources available. Foster Carers standard 4 and 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 3 and

14 Culture, Religion, Language, and Asylum Children The aim of this course is to increase the awareness and understanding of foster carers in relation to the cultural and religious issues relating to care of children with differing cultures and ethnicities. It should also provide carers with an understanding of asylum seeking and refugee children and the role of carers in meeting their specific needs. Foster Carers and Residential Workers Exploration of different cultural and ethnic practices Understand the different religious practices and explore how these can be met Understand how to gain support to communicate with children who speak another language Understand issues related to the care of separated asylum seeking children and young people Clarify terminology such as refugee and asylum seeker Be able to identify reasons why Children and Young People become asylum seekers and refugees Be able to consider the implications of the UK asylum seeking process for separated refugees and asylum seeking Children and Young People. Dyslexia Awareness This course is ideal for those wanting a greater understanding of Dyslexia and how it impacts on learning. It will also raise awareness of how Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of Literacy Skills and the affect this has on people. Length: 1 day (09:30-13:30) Foster Carers and Residential Workers Greater understanding of Dyslexia Difficulties that a Dyslexic person may experience when learning Effective strategies to help a Dyslexic child or person. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Foster Carers standard 1 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard

15 Fostering Changes Make a lifelong difference for a child (Fostering Changes, 2011). The Fostering Changes Programme is designed for foster carers of children aged 4 to 12 years who have a child in placement. The programme was developed by the Conduct Disorder, Adoption and Fostering National and Specialist Team at the Maudsley Hospital and has been approved by the British Association for Fostering and Adoption (BAAF). It has received national acclaim for the improved outcomes it has provided for both children in care and fostering families. The course has been designed to bring about improved outcomes for both children in care and their carer families. The course collectively takes the carer on a experiential learning journey with the child they care for whereby enhanced skills, knowledge and understanding is practically applied directly with the child. The Fostering Changes Programme is behaviourally based offering practical solutions to managing and developing children s behaviour and derives from research into parenting skills, attachment, educational attainment and the academic progression of looked after children. The course is run over 12 sessions which are delivered over 12 weeks. You will need to be committed to attending all sessions (a minimum of 90% attendance is needed to graduate from this programme). Please contact your Supervising Social Worker directly if you are interested in attending this. Sessions are run in quadrant areas throughout Essex over the year. Testimony Statements provided by Essex Foster Carers attending the Fostering Changes course in Braintree Fostering Changes gives the opportunity to develop your understanding and management of your foster child s needs in very practical ways. On the course I have learned techniques to manage behaviour and they have made a real difference for the child and the whole family. Sharing with other carers and listening to how they manage their children encourages you to be open minded to adjusting your practices. The Fostering Changes programme has been fantastic, engaging, informative and enjoyable. All foster carers should attend. The Fostering Changes course is not only a valuable resource to learn new skills and gain knowledge, it has also been a great way to meet other carers and gain from their experiences. The course allows you to gain a better understanding of your own skills and issues affecting you. It is also enjoyable to meet and share experiences with other carers. Improving Literacy This course is designed to enhance the skills of carers in supporting and helping to improve the literacy abilities of children in care. Length: 2 day (09:30-14:30) Foster carers and Residential Workers Understand the role and structure of literacy in primary and secondary school education Develop own literacy abilities and confidence Feel more confident and know how to support a child or young person completing their homework Know how to apply resources, such as diaries, games and activities at home to assist children developing their literacy skills Know how to develop children s speaking, reading, spelling and grammar skills. Important You will need pens and paper for taking notes and doing rough work. Improving Numeracy This course is designed to enhance the skills of carers in supporting and helping to improve the numeracy abilities of children in care. Length: 2 day (09:30-14:30) Foster carers and Residential Workers Understand the role and structure of numeracy in primary and secondary school education Develop own numeracy abilities and confidence Feel more confident and know how to support a child or young person completing their homework Know how to apply resources, such as games and activities at home to assist children developing their numeracy skills Know how to develop children s skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, use of percentages, decimals and fractions. Important You will need pens and paper for taking notes and doing rough work

16 Internet, Social Media and Mobile Phones This course is ideal for those wanting to keep up-to-date with developments in the area of social networking and will include information on keeping children and young people safe. Keeping Children Safe from Bullying This course aims to support carers and their families when dealing with issues around bullying. Foster Carers and Residential Workers Foster Carers and Residential Workers Explore new trends developing amongst young people Gain an understanding of blogs, Twitter, Facebook and social networking to net-based telephony and Bluetooth Understand risks of social networking and where to get help Understand how the Internet has impacted on everyday life A guide to how Facebook, Twitter, Bluetooth and Skype work Where to find more information on the worldwide web. Foster Carers standards 4 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 5. IT, Internet and for Beginners This interactive beginner s course is designed to get you using the internet to increase your skills and confidence in using and the internet. Length: 21 hours over 9 separate sessions Foster Carers and Residential Workers Be able to view web page addresses and use Favourite function in Internet and Explorer software Be able to navigate through web sites using back and forward controls and hyperlinks Be able to use a search engine to find information on the internet Be able to create messages, open, reply and forward messages Maintain an address book, send and receive attachments and find and delete messages. Foster Carers standard 2 and 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 1 and 6 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard 2. Discuss what is and is not bullying Understand methods of bullying prevention Recognise the signs of bullying Learn how to deal with bullying Learn about the law in relation to bullying Understand schools policy and practice Explore bullying via Mobile Phones, Internet & Online Social Networks. Foster Carers standard 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 1 & 5. Life Story Work This course explores the importance of life story work for children separated from their family of origin. It can help them to make some sense of their past and their present and begin to make plans for the future. It involves gathering together facts about their life. Foster Carers and Residential Workers Trainer: British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) Establish why life story work with children and young people is necessary Consider a range of methods that can be used for life work Explore the different feelings that life work can invoke in children and young people and the adults working with them Review some of the resources available to those undertaking life work and suggest how participants might use or adapt them. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers and Friends and Family Carers standard

17 Makaton (20 hours) This course is aimed at providing Foster Carers and Short Break Carers with a basic vocabulary of Makaton (200 signs) to enable effective communication with Children with Disabilities. Length: 20 hours over 10 seperate sessions Foster carers and Short Break Carers of Children with Disabilties Understanding the principles behind Makaton Vocabulary Understand the communication needs of children/adults with cognitive/communication difficulties such as Autism and severe learning difficulties Be able to demonstrate competence in using over 200 Makaton signs. Foster Carers standard 4 Friends and Family Carers standard 3. Parent and Child Training The aim is to train and provide foster carers with the knowledge and tools needed to be able to provide parent and child placements. Length: 3 day (10:00-14:30) Foster carers Trainer: Eleanor Vanner Understanding the need for parent and child placements Understanding key legislation underpinning the placement and role Developing the skills required to undertake and manage placements Understanding the process for approved carers Understand the placement planning process Developing skills and tools in assessment The application of Attachment and bonding to promote greater security for child with their parent Understanding the needs of parents with learning difficulties and the challenges in relation to placements Understand the Child Protection process, the role of the carer and how to manage this process and challenges that could arise Understand the requirements and processes for recording and report writing Understand their role and responsibilities for recording and report writing. Foster Carers standards 1,2,4,5 and 6 Friends and Family Carers standards 1,3,4,

18 Practical Techniques for Managing and Effecting Positive Behaviour with Teenagers This course is aimed at increasing foster carers skills and ability to manage the behaviour of teenagers and enhance their understanding of why teenagers behave the way they do. Foster carers and Residential Workers Explore why teenagers behave the way they do Consider the impact on the family and relationships with them Explore the underlying needs and behaviours Explore the different strategies that can be used to maintain positive and constructive communication with teenagers Explore different strategies to help teenagers manage and positively change their behaviours Know how to listen and respond constructively to challenging teenagers Know how to support a teenager in problem solving and supporting them to take more control of their lives Know how to raise teenagers confidence and ability in risk assessing as part of problem solving Know how to support teenagers in creating, developing and achieving their life aims and goals Review some of the resources available to support this work. Foster Carers standards 2,4,5,6,7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 3,4,5,6. Preparation for Adult Life The aim of this course is to increase foster carers ability to prepare and equip children and young people to be able and ready to leave care and what carers will need to do as a family to manage this process. Foster carers and Residential Workers Understand the experiences of young people leaving care and lessons learnt in preparing young people to enter the independent adult world Know the key parts of legislation that cover children leaving care Understand the developmental needs of young people in their transition to adulthood Understand the skills and tools young people need to successfully manage the transition Know their role in supporting and guiding the young person to gain the knowledge and skills they require Know how to support the young person to gain the knowledge and skills they require (Strategies) Identify the issues that can arise that affect preparation for adulthood Know how to overcome these issues Understand the emotional impact this stage and work can have on both young person and carer/family Know how they can support themselves and the manage the process for the family Consider the risk management versus skill development in teenagers Strategies for managing the process of enabling young people to experiment and take risks within safe boundaries Services and resources that may help you and the young person. Foster Carers standards 2,4,5,6,7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 3,4,5,

19 Resilience and Recovery A one day learning and development conference style event for foster carers and residential workers who are looking after children who have undergone overwhelming stress. Foster carers and Residential Workers Sexual Exploitation This course aims to enhance the knowledge of foster carers and supported lodgings providers of sexual exploitation and those children and young people who may most at risk, whilst providing carers with the tools to effectively work with a child or young person who has or is at risk of being sexually exploited. Foster carers and supported lodgings providers Understanding recovery & adaptation after stress To recognise the impact of stress on child development To relate self-regulation of stress, mood and impulse to behaviour throughout childhood To think about strategies for enabling children to recover from acquired developmental impairments To think about strategies to promote resilience by enabling children to adapt to acquired developmental impairments. Foster Carers standards 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Self Harm For carers to understand the different forms of self-harm, why children may develop these maladaptive behaviours such as eating disorders, substance misuse and self-harm and how to care effectively for children and young people to keep them safe. Foster carers and Residential Workers Understand self-harm and the range of behaviours Understanding why such maladaptive behaviours develop Be able to identify some of the early signs and indicators Know how to care effectively for a child or young person who is self-harming Know how to keep children and young people safe and reduce the risks of harm and what resources are available to help carers and children/young people. Foster Carers standards 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Trainer: Sarah Swann Understanding recovery & adaptation after stress Be able to define sexual exploitation and identify the risks to the children and young people in their care Have some understanding of its impact on a child/young person An awareness of the legislation (including the Sexual Offences Act 2003) Increased knowledge and understanding of the indicators of potential risks of sexual exploitation and the issues around identification Increased knowledge and understanding of grooming processes and dilemma for both child/young person and carer/provider Understand Essex policy, procedures and practice guidance An understanding of how to respond and support the needs of a child/young person who is either at risk of or is engaged with sexual exploitation Considered the impact upon carers and providers in caring for a child who is at risk of or engaged in sexual exploitation Awareness of how to manage the dilemma s and conflicts that can occur whilst maintaining the safety of the child Understand the significance of a close relationship with their carers and how this is a protective factor Strategies to maintain a positive and protective relationship with the child or young person An understanding of the importance of working together with partner agencies within a multi-agency approach The impact these agencies can potentially have on a child/young person disclosing How to support a child or young person in disclosure. Foster Carers standards 2,4,6,7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 1,3,5,

20 Substance Misuse This course tackles the subject of young people using alcohol and drugs, which gives accurate information about substance misuse amongst young people, exploring their own values and practising reflective listening skills. Foster carers and Residential Workers Be able to explore the facts & myths around substance use Understand up-to-date information about substances and the terminology used to talk about it Understand how to recognise signs of use and misuse Be able to think about strategies for action Know how to identify sources of support for carers. Foster Carers standards 3 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 2. Understanding the Law in Relation to Looked After Children This course aims to help carers to understand the legal context for Children Looked After. Length: 1/2 day Free English and Maths Courses (GCSE Level) You can join a FREE maths and/or English class at any time. You could achieve a GCSE equivalent qualification. We offer assessment session at all our Adult Community Learning main centres, giving you the opportunity to discuss what is on offer with a tutor. People join classes for a variety of reasons. To improve your prospects of finding a job or gaining promotion, to help your children with their learning or to improve your own confidence are just some of the reasons why you might want to join a class. We also offer free distance learning Maths & English courses. There are different levels of the courses so you will need to undertake an assessment to see which one is the most suitable for you you can do this online too. The courses themselves are made up of a series of approximately 18 easily accessed modules which will guide you through the learning process from your own home, the local library, job centre or anywhere with internet access; this means you can undertake the course on a day and time which suits you. Each unit consists of a mix of fact-sheets, videos, audio clips, PowerPoint presentations, games, videos (direct teaching to camera) and worksheets which you can use, and re use, until your knowledge is secure and confidence is gained. Your completed worksheets are then uploaded via the course area on the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and are marked by a qualified Numeracy or Literacy tutor who will give you feedback. When you feel you have gained enough confidence and knowledge you will be able to book in at your nearest Adult Community Learning Centre to undertake your qualification. Foster carers and Residential Workers Trainer: Nora Owusu-Yianoma For further information please [email protected] Understand of the main principles in the Children Act 1989 and 2004 Understand care proceedings & emergency care proceedings Understand of the National Minimum Standards for Foster Care and Fostering Regulations 2002 Explore a brief introduction to court skills. Foster Carers standards 2 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1, 2 &

21 Distance learning Carers can now learn and develop knowledge by applying for one of these distance learning packs, from the list below. The books used are published by Fostering Network and are written specifically for foster carers. The books include theoretical frameworks, carer s views and ideas as well as practical advice on dealing with situations. There are six distance learning modules available to carers. The subjects covered are: 1. Health 2. Education 3. Attachment 4. Behaviour 5. Safer Caring 6. Contact Each module has a worksheet with short questions on. The answers to the questions are all in the book which is loaned to the carer for the completion of the module, on return of the books you are then able to apply for further topics. How to apply Please complete the application form in the normal way or contact us by fostering. [email protected] or by phone r indicating your choice, you will be advised of availability of the book/s and sent a book when one becomes available. Non-Returns Policy Please note that we reserve the right to charge carers 15 for the cost of any books not returned within 12 months of the issue date. This is to ensure that we can continue to offer these books to other carers wanting to learn through distance learning. Learning on-line with Akamas For those of you who like to learn at your own pace and at a time which suits you using your own computer we have expanded the menu of online learning topics. We have limited places therefore we would ask you to apply for one programme per person at a time. Most programmes equate to 10 hours of learning, however some are 20 hours, you can ring for support throughout the programme to ensure you can complete. You will need access to a computer and the internet (some libraries now offer free Wi Fi); however you can print the workbook off so that you do not have to sit for long spells at the computer. How to Apply Apply in the same way as the all other courses via the application form ticking the name of course title you wish to undertake. You will be sent an of the terms and conditions before being assigned an online account. With your agreement to completing the course within 10 weeks you will be sent the details of the website and your own unique PIN. You can also ask for assistance via the training administrators. If you applied previously and were unsuccessful for online learning we would ask you to apply again as titles and content have changed. Attachment & Loss Everyone in the children s workforce needs to understand attachment and the traumatic impact of abuse, separation and loss. This course enables learners to gain this necessary knowledge, and also describes appropriate interventions to assist children and young people to recover. It emphasises the importance of teamwork in dealing with childhood trauma. Length: 20 hours Understand the attachment process Know how to promote positive attachment relationships Know about the impact of trauma, separation and loss on child development Understand how intervention can help children and young people who have been traumatised by early life experiences. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Autism The aim of this course is to provide carers with a working understanding of the impairments of autism and autistic spectrum disorders and to manage the issues they cause when caring for children within the context of a fostering or short break placement Understand what Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is Know what the characteristics of Autism are Understand specific communication issues that children and young people with Autism may have Know what Asperger s Syndrome is and how it differs from Autism

22 Child Development Every member of the children s workforce must have an understanding of child development in order to promote healthy development and recognise signs that a child or young person is not thriving or may need protecting from harm. This course provides that understanding and enables learners to relate this to their role in working with children and young people. Know how to observe and record children s development Know milestones in child development Know about indicators of developmental delay and impairment. Foster Carers standards 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 4. Child Protection Skills This course enables learners to understand child protection and what to do if they suspect a child or young person is being harmed. It helps them to reflect on their own role in safeguarding children, and to understand how to work with other agencies. Length: 20 hours Recognise signs and indicators that a child or young person may be being abused Know how children are protected from abuse Understand their own role in working together to safeguard children Understand how to work with other agencies. Foster Carers standards 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 5. Child Protection Awareness Everyone working in a role that brings them into contact with children and young people needs to know about safeguarding children. This course enables learners to develop awareness of key issues in child protection and what to do if they suspect a child or young person is being harmed. Know about child abuse, child protection and safeguarding children Know what to do if they suspect a child is being harmed Understand how to work with other agencies. Foster Carers standard 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 5. Children and Domestic Abuse Children and young people are traumatised by living with domestic abuse. This course enables learners to understand the key issues facing these children, and how to help them to develop resilience and become more able to grow towards healthy and positive adult life. Understand the impact of domestic violence on parenting abilities Understand the impact of domestic violence on children and young people Know how to help children exposed to domestic violence to recover from trauma and develop resilience. Foster Carers standards 2 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard

23 Children and Parental Mental Health Issues When parents have mental health issues children and young people often carry great burdens. They may be young carers, or they may have stressful or frightening experiences. This course explores the impact on children of living with these issues, and enables staff and carers to work positively to support them. Children s Rights Children s rights are central to the values that underpin work with children and young people and their families. This course will enable learners to understand key facts about children s rights, to relate these to the principles and values underpinning their own work with children and young people, and to understand how children s rights are protected in practice. Understand the impact of mental health issues on parenting abilities Understand the impact of parental mental health issues on children and young people Know how to help children exposed to parental mental health issues to recover from trauma and develop resilience. Foster Carers standards 2 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Know about the laws and conventions protecting human rights and the rights of children Show awareness of the principles and values essential for working with children, young people and their families Know how the rights of children are protected in practice. Foster Carers standard 2 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 3. Children and Parental Substance Misuse Substance misuse among parents is a major issue for society, with a significant minority of children exposed to the consequences of this parental behaviour. This course enables learners to become aware of the scope of the problem, and to build strategies for effective work with children and young people. Communicating with Children and Young People Everyone in the children s workforce needs to be able to communicate effectively with children and young people. This course enables learners to understand how general principles of effective communication can be applied specifically to work with children and young people. It also addresses record keeping and confidentiality in the context of communicating with children. Understand the impact of substance misuse on parenting abilities Understand the impact of parental substance misuse on children and young people Know how to help children and young people exposed to parental substance misuse to recover from trauma and develop resilience. Foster Carers standards 2 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Understand how to communicate effectively with children Know about key principles in recording communication with children. Foster Carers standards 4 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 3 &

24 Education and Trauma A significant minority of children and young people live with acquired brain injuries as a result of traumatic experiences. This course enables learners to understand the impact of childhood trauma on development and learning, and how they and the child s school can work effectively to support the education of traumatised children Understand why traumatised children and young people may need help in order to achieve their educational potential Know how to promote the educational achievement of traumatised children and young people. Foster Carers standard 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 4. Equality and Diversity Issues of equality and diversity are central to the values that underpin work with children and young people and their families. This course enables learners to understand how these issues affect every aspect of professional life, how to challenge prejudice and discrimination effectively and how to promote empowerment. Understand issues in equality and diversity Understand the different types of prejudice and discrimination that can affect children and young people Know how issues of equality and diversity are addressed professionally. Foster Carers standards 1 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1 & 4. Family Centred Working Understand the importance of effective family-centred working Identify the range of agencies involved in effective work with children, young people and their families Show awareness of the experience of service users in dealing with a range of agencies Explain how effective joint working contributes to positive outcomes for children and families Identify barriers to communication and how to overcome them Show awareness of how diverse skills and experience can contribute to teamwork Identify different types of communication needed to promote positive family-centred working Be aware of the systems and processes for joint working around the family What is early intervention and what are the benefits, the Common Assessment Framework, the role of the lead professional and the undertaking of joint assessment planning. Foster Carers standards 1,2,4 and 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1,3 and 6. Healing Environments Vulnerable and traumatised children and young people are powerfully affected by environmental stimuli. This course enables learners to understand the interaction between human beings and the physical environment, and to develop the knowledge and skills they need to create within their own setting surroundings that promote recovery from trauma. Understand the impact of the environment on recovery from trauma Understand the soothing and stimulating effects of different aspects of the environment Know how changing the environment can help children and young people to manage their behaviour more effectively. Foster Carers standards 3 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2 &

25 Impulsive Behaviour The ability to self-regulate is impaired by trauma. When children and young people cannot regulate their impulses they develop a range of challenging behaviours. This course enables learners to understand and respond positively and effectively to the impulsive behaviour that can have such an impact on life at home, in school and in the community. Understand cause and effect in the behaviour of traumatised children and young people Know about techniques for responding to challenging situations Understand the importance of taking account of the experiences, preferences, wishes and needs of individual children and young people and their families to help them manage their behaviour. Keeping and Sharing Information Everyone who works with children and young people must know how to keep and share information. This course enables learners to understand the principles that underpin good record keeping, and how to apply rules of confidentiality within their own work. Know about record keeping and record maintenance Know how to record and keep records within their own work. Foster Carers standard 4 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 3. Foster Carers standards 2,4 and 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2,3 and 5. Kinship Care Infection Control The aim of this course to raise your understanding and ability to manage and maintain Infection control. Identify types of micro-organisms and infections they cause and the modes of transmission Learn signs and symptoms Learn about the cycle of infection and understand standard precautions Explain personal hygiene measures and identify health checks and vaccination for healthcare staff Learn about the effects of infection and know the legislation and sources of information relating to Infection control. Children who need looking after often benefit from kinship care. However, there are special challenges in looking after related children. This course gives kinship carers and those who support them a way to understand those challenges, and provides practical guidance on managing the difficult feelings and behaviour that often go with kinship care. Understand key issues in looking after children related to them Know how to help children in kinship care to recover from trauma Understand the need to care for those who care for the children. Foster Carers standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. Foster Carers standards 2,3 and 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1,2 and

26 Making Sense of Adolescence Working with adolescents can be challenging. This course enables learners to understand the challenges of being an adolescent in the twenty-first century, the particular challenges facing vulnerable children in adolescence, and how to work effectively with young people as they face these challenges. Multi-Agency Working Members of the children s workforce must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of colleagues. This course enables learners to understand issues in creating and maintaining good communication, how to overcome barriers and build positive relationships, and how to give and receive feedback appropriately Understand what it means to be an adolescent in the modern world Be aware of skills needed to work effectively with adolescents. Foster Carers standards 4 & 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 3 & 4. Understand the importance of effective multi-agency working Understand the importance of effective communication in multi-agency working Be aware of skills needed to promote effective communication between agencies. Foster Carers standards 2 & 4 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1 & 3. Men in Children s Services Research shows that children and young people need to have positive male role models in their lives for healthy social, emotional and behavioural development. Yet being a man who works with children is challenging. This course explores the challenges and promotes gender competence throughout the workforce. Understand the importance of gender competence in all work with children and young people Understand the gender related needs of a young person who has a distorted narrative about gender Understand the concept of involved fathering and the importance of men in the children s workforce. Foster Carers standards 2 and 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1. Promoting Health and Development Promoting health and development is a high priority for everyone who works with children and young people. This course enables learners to understand how they can help children and young people to be healthy and to stay healthy. Understand legislation, policies and procedures Know how to provide a safe, healthy and stimulating environment Know about healthy care. Foster Carers standards 3 and 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2 &

27 Promoting Positive Contact Contact between looked after children and young people and their families can be a particularly challenging area of work. This course enables learners to understand the complexity of the issues involved in planning and managing contact, and to develop knowledge and skills to play their part with confidence. Reflective Practice This course establishes the importance of reflective practice and professional development for everyone in the children s workforce. It enables learners to understand how adults learn, to consider their own learning style, to recognise the importance of both reflective and guided learning, and to practice using a model for professional reflection. Know about contact between looked after children and their families Know how to manage contact. Foster Carers standards 2 & 4 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 3. Understand the need for reflective practice and professional development Know about adult learning Know how to promote reflective practice and professional development. Foster Carers standard 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 6. Record Keeping in Foster Care Everyone who works with children and young people must know how to keep and share information. In foster care this can involve unique challenges. This course enables learners to understand the principles that underpin good record keeping, and how to apply rules of confidentiality within their own work. Resilience and Recovery Resilience helps recovery from trauma. Yet any child or young person, however resilient, can be traumatised, acquiring brain injury as a result of unregulated stress. Once traumatised, even resilient children become vulnerable. This course shows how resilience is linked to recovery from trauma, and how adults can help children and young people to develop resilience. Know about record keeping and record maintenance in foster care Know how to record and keep records. Foster Carers standards 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 5. Understand how resilience contributes to recovery from trauma Know how to help traumatised children and young people to develop resilience and self-esteem. Foster Carers standards 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 6 &

28 Risk Management and Safer Working There are risks associated with working with vulnerable children and young people. The children are, by definition, vulnerable and therefore at risk, but there are also risks to others including staff, carers, and other children. This course enables learners to understand the nature of risk and to develop knowledge and confidence to assess and manage the risks that are an inevitable part of their work. Be aware of the need for safer working and how it is provided Be aware of issues in assessing and managing risk when working with children and young people. Foster Carers standards 3, 5 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2, 4 & 5. Safe Use of Medication This course is designed to support you in completing the Medication Workbook, and providing you with the information you need to maintain safe use of medication. Length: 6 hours Identify the different types of medication and know how medicines are classified Learn the roles and responsibilities of all involved in the medication process Learn how medicine is supplied and received and the requirements for storing medication Describe how to dispose of medication Know how to prepare to administer medicines and how to administer medication safely Understand the correct reporting and recording procedure Common side effects. Foster Carers standard 3 & 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 2 & 6. Safer Foster Care There are risks associated with caring for traumatised children and young people. The children are, by definition, vulnerable and therefore at risk, but there are also risks to others including carers, staff and other children. This course enables learners to understand how to assess risk, what children need to feel safe and to develop safer care guidelines for your household. Length: 20 hours Understand that safer caring is about assessing and managing risk Know how to assess and manage risks to the child Know how to assess and manage risks to the foster family. Secondary Trauma and Workplace Stress Working with troubled children is stressful. This course explains why this stress arises specifically out of working with childhood trauma. It enables learners to identify their own personal resources to reduce vulnerability and promote resilience, and to understand how to create strong networks to maintain the wellbeing of everyone in the workforce. Understand secondary traumatic stress Understand strategies for preventing and treating secondary traumatic stress disorders Foster Carers standards 3 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2 & 5. Foster Carers standards 4 & 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 3 &

29 Self-Harming Behaviours Children and young people who harm themselves present a particular challenge to the children s workforce. This course enables learners to understand why young people develop maladaptive behaviours such as eating disorders, substance misuse and self-harm. It also enables them to learn how they can work more safely and effectively with these children and young people. Sexualised Behaviour One of the consequences of sexual abuse can be that children and young people do not understand the boundaries of appropriate behaviour, and may behave in sexually inappropriate ways. This course enables learners to understand the origins of such behaviour, and how to help children and young people to develop socially acceptable ways of relating to others. Understand adaptive and maladaptive behaviours Know how to work effectively and safely with children and young people with eating disorders Know how to work effectively and safely with children and young people who self-harm Know how to work effectively and safely with children and young people who misuse substances. Foster Carers standard 3, 4 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standard 2 & 5. Understand the developmental impairments and distortions that lead to sexualised behaviour Understand the impact of sexual abuse on children and young people and the adults who work with them Know how to work effectively and safely with children and young people with sexualised behaviour. Foster Carers standards 3, 4, 5 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2, 4 & 5. Sexual Development and Sexual Abuse It is essential for everyone working with children and young people to understand the process of sexual development and the impact of child sexual abuse. This course explains how to work effectively to promote healthy sexual development and also enables learners to build the confidence and skill to manage issues around sexual abuse. Understand human sexual development and sexuality Understand how to promote positive sexual health and sexual identity Know about effective interventions in working with children and young people who have been sexually abused. Foster Carers standards 3, 4, 5 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 2, 4 & 5. The Role of the Foster Carer Working with children and young people means being part of a complex structure. It is essential that everyone within the workforce understands their own role and can set it within the context of their organisation and the workforce as a whole. This course enables learners to develop the knowledge and skills they need to take on their role with confidence. Understand the role of the foster carer Know about legislation, policies and procedures Understand the importance of working as part of the foster care team Understand the processes for complaints and compliments. Foster Carers standards 1,2 & 7 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1 &

30 Transitions and Vulnerability Resilient children grow stronger through every transition in life. Vulnerable children and young people, however, can find transitions painful or even traumatic. This course provides learners with understanding and tools to enable children and young people to build resilience and make successful transitions. Working with Disabled Children Inclusive services require workers who understand the issues faced by disabled children and young people and their families. This course enables learners to address these issues and develop the basic knowledge and skills to work effectively with a diverse range of children and young people with disabilities. Understand transitions in the lives of children and young people and the range of responses to them Know how to promote positive transitions. Understand the social model of disability in relation to work with disabled children and young people Understand the inclusion needs of disabled children and young people. Foster Carers standards 5 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 4. Foster Carers standards 4, 5 & 6 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. Working as Part of a Team Vulnerable children and young people need the adults around them to work effectively together. This course enables learners to understand the importance of working as part of a team and to develop knowledge and skills to play their part in team development. Understand key issues in working as part of a team Understand how a shared purpose supports the management of change and team development Know about techniques used for successful team development. Foster Carers standards 2 & 4 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards 1 & 3. Paediatric First Aid For carers who need a greater understanding of the possible injuries and illnesses that could affect and infants and children. Length: 12 hours Know how to plan for First Aid emergencies To learn to be aware of the different accidents and illnesses that involve children Resuscitation procedures appropriate to the age of the children being cared for Recognise and respond to spinal injury, shock (anaphylactic and electric), serious bleeding and minor bleeding, burns and scalds, fractures, poisoning, foreign bodies in eyes and noses Respond to emergency needs of children with chronic medical conditions: Epilepsy, Asthma, Sickle Cell Anemia and Diabetes, Meningitis and other Serious Sudden Illnesses. Foster Carers standards 3 Short Break Carers & Friends and Family Carers standards

31 Fostering Training programme 2013/2014 CORE COURSES - Induction Course Date Location Introduction to Fostering and Record Keeping Achieving Health Wellbeing of Children in care Guide to Education Attachment & Separation & Loss (3 day) 13 May Chelmsford 3 July Basildon 9 July (Kinship Carers) Chelmsford 11 October Chelmsford 27 November Colchester 4 December Chelmsford 28 February 2014 Colchester 6 June Harlow 1 July Basildon 12 July Chelmsford 11 September Colchester 1 October Basildon 17 October Chelmsford 11 November Harlow 10 December Colchester 13 December Chelmsford 12 March 2014 Colchester 15 May Colchester 12 July Colchester 15 July Basildon 21 October Chelmsford CORE - Repeating 21, 28 June Chelmsford 5 July Chelmsford 26 June, Colchester 3 & 10 July Colchester 13,20 & 27 September Basildon 23 & 30 September Colchester 7 October Colchester 4, 11 & 18 October Witham 4, 11 & 18 November Rochford 25 November, Harlow 2 & 9 December Harlow 26 November, Chelmsford 3 & 10 December Chelmsford 17, 24 & 31 January 2014 Colchester 21 January, Basildon 3 & 10 February 2014 Basildon Child Protection Child Development (0-18yrs) First Aid Awareness Practical Techniques for Promoting Positive Behaviour 10 May Chelmsford 27 June Basildon 11 July Witham 15 July Harwich 9 September Rochford 16 September Harlow 8 October Maldon 13 November Colchester 2 December Basildon 8 January 2014 Clacton 14 February 2014 Chelmsford 10 March 2014 Colchester 11 March 2014 Wickford 15 May Harwich 7 June Chelmsford 12 June Rochford 23 September Basildon 27 September Colchester 8 October Chelmsford 7 November South Woodham 8 November Harlow 5 December Clacton 6 December Witham 11 March 2014 Maldon 9 May Colchester 12 June South Woodham 11 July Chelmsford 18 September Maldon 20 September Witham 25 September Harwich 30 September Basildon 12 November Colchester 18 November Rochford 4 December Chelmsford 9 May Basildon 24 June Harwich 18 July Chelmsford 2 October Harlow 21 October Rochford 24 October Clacton 8 November Colchester 20 November Chelmsford 26 November Witham 2 December South Woodham 28 February 2014 Maldon 60 61

32 Adolescent Child Development Continuous Professional Development 3 May Colchester 13 May Chelmsford 25 June Basildon 1 July Harlow 9 September Witham 11 September Clacton 16 September South Woodham 14 October Harlow Advocacy 5 July Chelmsford 28 October Colchester 2 December Brentwood 21 February 2014 Chelmsford Autism & Aspergers 10 & 17 September Chelmsford Computers for Beginners Craetively Communicating & Engaging with Children & Young People This course is currently only available through registrations of interest. If/when enough people have registered dates will be set up and advertised. 14 May Colchester 19 June Chelmsford 23 October Harlow 25 October Basildon 7 February 2014 Witham 4 March 2014 Colchester Culture, Religion, Language Dates to be confirmed County-wide and Asylum Children Dyslexia Awareness 12 September Chelmsford 17 October Clacton 12 December Basildon 27 February 2014 Colchester Improving Literacy (2 days) 24 September & 1st October Chelmsford Improving Numeracy (2 days) 6 & 13 November Chelmsford Internet & for Beginners This course is currently only available through registrations of interest. If/when enough people have registered dates will be set up and advertised. Internet, social media and mobile phones 21 May Chelmsford 27 June Basildon 4 July Colchester 10 July Harlow 19 September Chelmsford 9 October Clacton 5 November Rochford 7 March 2014 Witham Keeping Children Safe from Bullying 8 July Basildon 17 September Colchester 15 November Harlow 14 February 2014 Witham Life Story Work 12 July Chelmsford 8 November Chelmsford Makaton (20 hours) This course is currently only available through registrations of interest. If/when enough people have registered dates will be set up and advertised. Parent & Child Placements 26 September Chelmsford 3 October Chelmsford 10 October Chelmsford Practical Techniques for managing and 3 July Chelmsford affecting positive behaviour and 16 July Colchester relationships with teenagers 9 September Basildon 6 November Harlow 21 November South Woodham 11 December Witham 23 January 2014 Clacton 11 February 2014 Harlow Preparation for Adult Life and managing 28 June Chelmsford transition for Adolescents & Foster Family 1 July Basildon 9 July Colchester 10 September Harlow 7 October Witham 11November South Woodham 29 November Clacton 6 December Harlow Resilience & Recovery 2 May Chelmsford 18 June Colchester 14 October Basildon 22 October Witham Self-Harm 21 June Chelmsford 15 October Chelmsford Sexual Exploitation 12 June Colchester 3 July Ongar 18 July Witham 9 September Brentwood 9 October Colchester 26 November Witham 4 December Ongar 13 February Chelmsford 10 March Brentwood 26 March Colchester Substance Misuse 5 July Witham 10 October Harlow 27 November Basildon 12 February 2014 Colchester Understanding the Law 15 October Chelmsford (1/2 day) 12 December Chelmsford 62 63

33 This information is issued by Essex County Council, Schools, Children and Families Workforce Planning and Development Team. You can contact us in the following ways: By Visit our website: essex.gov.uk/fostering By telephone: or By post: Fostering Training Team, Essex County Council, E2, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1LX Read our online magazine at essex.gov.uk/youressex Follow us on Find us on Essex_CC facebook.com/essexcountycouncil The information contained in this document can be translated, and/ or made available in alternative formats, on request. DS Published April