Training Programmes

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.

We offer a range of accredited and non-accredited training, courses and events to improve your skills, knowledge and confidence when working with children and young people.

Our accredited programmes include the Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People, the Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Childcare, Reflective Supervision Training, Training in Emotion Coaching and the Therapeutic Environments Practitioner Course.

Our non-accredited courses and networks include Introduction to Social, Emotional and Mental Health, De-escalation, Transitions, Harmful Sexual Behaviour, the Nurture Network and the Living Learning Experience.

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.

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.

Some are. Our Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People is validated by UWE Bristol and leads to a Level 5 qualification. It also incorporates the mandatory Level 3 Diploma requirements for practitioners working within the children’s residential sector.

Our Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Childcare is accredited by APPCIOS and Crossfields Institute, and has been mapped against the mandatory Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People Workforce and Residential Child Care.

Other courses are non-accredited and contribute to continuing professional development.