Overview
Three online sessions exploring the social, emotional and cognitive developmental experiences which may impact how children and young people manage the demands of school.
The three elements are based on our long experience at The Mulberry Bush School of working with children who have experienced complex trauma and reflect our core values and approaches. The sessions provide the chance to understand and think about social, emotional, and cognitive developmental experiences which may impact on how children and young people manage the many and varied demands of school. Together they form the basis for working within a reflective, relational approach with children who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
At The Mulberry Bush we focus on understanding how children communicate their emotional needs through their behaviour, and we do this through a reflective, collaborative approach.
As well as the presentation there will be opportunities in each session for you to reflect on your own experiences when working alongside children and young people, and to share these with colleagues.
Upcoming dates
- Intro to SEMH session 1 – 15 October, 15.30 – 17.30
- Intro to SEMH session 2 – 5 November, 15.30 – 17.30
- Intro to SEMH session 3 – 26 November, 15.30 – 17.30
The course is designed for anyone who works alongside children and young people and wants to develop their understanding of social, emotional and mental health.
It may be particularly relevant to professionals working within specialist and mainstream education, residential childcare, social care, early years settings, health and mental health services, youth and community work, youth and criminal justice, and family support services.
It suits teaching staff, teaching assistants, residential care workers, social workers, pastoral teams, support workers, foster carers and other professionals whose roles involve supporting children and young people. No previous therapeutic training is required.
For most of our courses, no previous therapeutic training is required. Our sessions provide an accessible introduction while also creating opportunities for experienced practitioners to revisit and reflect on their existing practice.
The Foundation Degree is different, as it is work-based. You must be working with children or young people for at least 16 hours each week, through paid employment or a voluntary role, with opportunities to apply and reflect on your learning in practice. You do not need specific previous qualifications, but you may be asked to complete a short written task as part of the application process.
What you will learn
Yes. Most of our courses can be commissioned by organisations and delivered in person or online, adapted to the context, needs and experiences of your setting. Several courses can be delivered to teams of up to 30 staff.
Training a team together can be particularly valuable, as consistent practice often depends on clear communication, shared understanding and a shared language between the adults involved.
Benefits and Outcomes
Mulberry Bush has been developing therapeutic approaches to working with children, young people and the adults around them for nearly 80 years.
Our training is rooted in practice. It draws on the day-to-day experience of our therapeutic schools, alongside established theory, current research and learning from professionals across children’s services. Our trainers have direct experience of working within the field and understand both the value and the emotional demands of this work.
We do not offer simple responses to complex situations. Instead, we support practitioners to develop the understanding, confidence and reflective capacity needed to make thoughtful decisions within their own roles and organisations. Our approach is:
- Collaborative – we seek to work with, and learn from, others who share our vision and principles.
- Psychodynamic – we promote an approach which enables us to understand the meaning of behaviour as communication.
- Reflective – we believe in the value of learning through reflection and experience.
And, we live by our values:
- Expertise – we are pioneers, thought-leaders, influencers and change-makers.
- Empathy – we care, support and work with professional, practitioners and the people we serve to enable them to make their own change and collaborate with and are here for everyone who needs us.
- Everyone – we are a community we collaborate and are here for everyone who needs us.