Forthcoming training and events 2024 and 2025
If you don't see what you need here...
to discuss the provision of school based training or other support related to the Wiltshire Healthy Schools Programme or PSHE education please feel free to contact us.
Below are central events for Wiltshire schools, taking place in the near future.
Details of free local Making Every Contact Count courses can be found here.
Understanding The Governor's Role: School Staff Wellbeing
Thursday 28th November 2024. 9:30-11am Online live.
The session will introduce the concepts of wellbeing and their implications for school development, including learning, relationships, staff development, change management and the physical and emotional environment of the school.
The session will include information and activities to explore participants’ understanding and attitudes towards wellbeing and its importance to school settings. This will lead to consideration of the impact of the current educational context on wellbeing and how governor monitoring can address this.
Outcomes
By the end of the session delegates will:
-
have an understanding of the impact of the current educational context on staff wellbeing
-
be more aware of the implications of school policies and practices on staff wellbeing
-
be able to ask appropriate challenging questions regarding provision and support for staff wellbeing
Behaviour in Schools Study: Research Findings
Monday 9th December 2024. 4-5pm. Online live.
The impact of school discipline on pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.
Research update for schools in B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire to hear more about the findings from recent research in the South West about pupil’s mental health and wellbeing.
A presentation of the findings from the Behaviour In Schools Study (BISS) including research with young people about their views and experiences of disciplinary behaviour management.
Disciplinary behaviour management strategies are common in UK secondary schools. These include sanctions such as detention and isolation. A Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) raised school discipline as a topic for research. The initial workshop with young people revealed negative experiences and impact on mental health and wellbeing.
The Behaviour in Schools Study (BISS) aimed to find out more.
The study has produced two animations and recommendations.
The research is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
Outcomes
By the end of the session delegates will:
- have heard the research findings, including views of young people
- have had a chance to hear and discuss the research recommendations
- be able to consider the implications of the research for their setting
Audience
Secondary School Staff, Mental Health Leads, Senior Leaders or other members of staff.
Military Schools Network Meeting
Wednesday 15th January 2025, 3:30 - 4:45pm. Online live.
Join mutually supportive schools at a network meeting supporting leaders of military schools/settings.
Schools with pupils who have parents in the military are encouraged to attend these meetings, which are held three times a year.
These meetings are designed to:
- build a network of mutually supportive schools
- share best practice and ideas
- compile an accurate shared resource
- provide a place to share concerns, worries and to ask questions
By the end of the session delegates will:
- have met and shared information to form a network of leaders of schools with service children
- have an up-to-date list of the relevant contacts available to support leaders of schools with service children
- share best practice in a collaborative way
BSW – Senior Mental Health Lead Network Meeting
Monday 10th February, 2025. 3:30 - 5pm. Online live.
These network sessions are held three times a year and will focus on supporting the role of the Senior Mental Health Lead in schools and colleges.
These are sessions for those who have previously attended a Senior Mental Health Lead training course (with Wiltshire Council, B&NES, Swindon or another provider). They are useful opportunities for schools to ask questions, share good practice and hear the latest local and national updates. The focus will be on implementing a whole school and college approach to mental health.
The sessions are attended by schools and colleges from B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Further information about these sessions, including notes from previous meetings can be found here.
These additional support sessions are fully subsidised.
Outcomes
By the end of the session delegates will:
- have had an opportunity to listen to and share good practice
- be able to identify challenges and explore solutions
- have received national and local updates relating to school mental health
Understanding the Governor's Role: Promoting Children's Health And Wellbeing In School
Monday 24th February 2025, 6-7:30pm. Online live.
The course will consider the different aspects of best practice that will secure this, including:
- surveying children and young people
- developing learning in PSHE/RSHE, SMSC and Personal Development curriculums
- engaging with the Healthy Schools and Mental Health Lead programmes
- making links with external mental health services and providers
It will outline the governor’s role in shaping and communicating school/academy policy and practice in these area
By the end of the session delegates will:
- be more confident in monitoring the provision of mental health provision
- be able to evaluate school/academy policies, practices and resources in this area
- have a secure understanding of statutory requirements, good practice and how schools and academies can adopt these for the benefit of all school community members
Become a Youth Mental Health First Aid Champion
Wednesday 26th February 2025, 9:00am-5:00pm at Devizes Corn Exchange.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an internationally recognised programme designed to promote awareness of psychological and emotional well-being and mental health and to support professionals to recognise and respond to mental health issues in 8-18 year olds.
Course content
Mental health and mental ill health, stigma and discrimination, the Mental Health First Aid action plan, depression, suicide.
Cost for Wiltshire schools £100. This course, valued at £200, is subsided by Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
By the end of the session you will:
- have some practical skills that can be used every day to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
- have a deeper understanding of the complex issues relating to young people and mental health, including a comprehensive course manual for use after the training
- be able to help a young person to access appropriate professional help
PSHE And Healthy Schools Leads Network Meeting
Thursday 27th February 2025, 3:45-5pm. Online live.
A network session focussing on improving the health of children from all phases. With a focus on the PSHE curriculum, as well as discussion of related school activities and good practice.
Education to help children stay safe, healthy and prepared for life's opportunities.
Description
These network meetings are held three times a year and will focus on PSHE education and other school-based initiatives to promote health and wellbeing.
These are useful opportunities for schools to ask questions, share good practice and hear the latest local and national updates.
There is usually an external speaker, in addition to the discussions between schools
the end of the session delegates will:
- have had an opportunity to listen to and share good practice
- make connections with other school PSHE and Healthy School leads
- have received and discussed local and national updates, including from Ofsted
Subject Leadership in Primary PSHE Education
Wednesday 19th March 2025, 9:30-11:30am. Online live.
Exploring the role of the primary PSHE subject leader.
Topics covered on this course include:
- PSHE the national picture
- The role of the PSHE Coordinator
- Teaching & Learning in PSHE
- School self-review
- Schemes of work
- Recording & Reporting
- Working with Governors
- Working with parents
- Working with partners
- Developing pupil voice
- Links to Wiltshire Healthy Schools
- Action planning
By the end of the session delegates will:
- be aware of the key tasks of a primary school PSHE subject lead
- have explored tools to monitor, plan and develop PSHE education
- have increased confidence in undertaking their role
Understanding The Governor's Role: School Staff Wellbeing
Wednesday 26th March 2025. 6-7:30pm Online live.
The session will introduce the concepts of wellbeing and their implications for school development, including learning, relationships, staff development, change management and the physical and emotional environment of the school.
The session will include information and activities to explore participants’ understanding and attitudes towards wellbeing and its importance to school settings. This will lead to consideration of the impact of the current educational context on wellbeing and how governor monitoring can address this.
Outcomes
By the end of the session delegates will:
-
have an understanding of the impact of the current educational context on staff wellbeing
-
be more aware of the implications of school policies and practices on staff wellbeing
-
be able to ask appropriate challenging questions regarding provision and support for staff wellbeing
Wiltshire Healthy Schools Award Programme Briefing
Thursday 24th April 2025, 12:30-2:30pm. Online.
This optional free briefing can be attended by school staff who would like to find out how to complete the online audit or refresh their knowledge of the accreditation process.
Schools can now join the Wilshire Healthy Schools programme, or prepare for their next application for accreditation, by buying the package @ £150 from the Store here: https://rightchoice.wiltshire.gov.uk/Services/4099
This event will:
- clarify the process to gain Wiltshire Healthy Schools accreditation
- inform participants about the current standards for the Programme at Bronze, Silver & Gold levels
- demonstrate how to complete the online audit
For further information see http://www.wiltshirehealthyschools.org/about
Become A Youth Mental Health First Aider
Tuesday 29th April & Wednesday 30th April 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm, at Devizes Corn Exchange.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training is an internationally recognised programme designed to promote awareness of psychological and emotional wellbeing and mental health and to support professionals to recognise and respond to mental health issues in 8-18 year olds.
Wiltshire Council is able to offer this training at a reduced rate, compared to most other national providers, with further discounts for those that work with Wiltshire young people.
Key areas covered within this course include:
- Emotional, mental, social and psychological wellbeing
- Eating disorders, Self Harm, Suicide
- Child and adolescent development
- Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis
- Promoting protective factors and sources of support
This two day Youth MHFA course will teach you how to:
- recognise the early signs of a mental health problem in young people
- feel confident helping a young person experiencing a mental health problem
- guide a young person towards the right support
Everyone who completes the course receives:
- A certificate of attendance to say you are a Youth MHFAider®
- A Youth MHFAider® manual to refer to whenever you need it
- A workbook including some helpful tools to support your own mental health
Cost for Wiltshire schools £100.
Cost for staff from beyond Wiltshire £200.
BSW – Senior Mental Health Lead Network Meeting
Wednesday 21st May, 2025. 3:30 - 5pm. Online live.
These network sessions are held three times a year and will focus on supporting the role of the Senior Mental Health Lead in schools and colleges.
These are sessions for those who have previously attended a Senior Mental Health Lead training course (with Wiltshire Council, B&NES, Swindon or another provider). They are useful opportunities for schools to ask questions, share good practice and hear the latest local and national updates. The focus will be on implementing a whole school and college approach to mental health.
The sessions are attended by schools and colleges from B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Further information about these sessions, including notes from previous meetings can be found here.
These additional support sessions are fully subsidised.
Outcomes
By the end of the session delegates will:
- have had an opportunity to listen to and share good practice
- be able to identify challenges and explore solutions
- have received national and local updates relating to school mental health
Governor Training: Promoting Children's Health, And Staff Wellbeing
Thursday 5th June 2025, 6-8pm. Devizes Corn Exchange.
An introductory overview of how schools can strengthen the health and wellbeing of their school community by developing and implementing a whole school approach that includes monitoring and improving staff wellbeing.
We will consider the different aspects of best practice, including:
- Surveying children and young people
- Developing learning in PSHE/RSHE, SMSC and Personal Development curriculums
- Engaging with the Healthy Schools programme
- Making links with current national and local mental health support
We'll include information and activities to explore participants’ understanding and attitudes towards wellbeing and its importance to school settings. This will lead to consideration of the impact of the current educational context on wellbeing and how governor monitoring can address this.
Also included will be a focus on monitoring and improving staff wellbeing, with reference to current guidance for schools. Various practical tools will be shared and discussed that can be used to secure measurable improvements.
The governor’s role in shaping and communicating school/academy policy and practice in these areas will be clarified.
This course is free of charge to schools and academies that subscribe to School Governance. A charge will apply for Governors at non-subscribing schools.
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- be able to monitor and evaluate school/academy policies, practice and resources to support the health and wellbeing of the school community
- have a secure understanding of statutory requirements, good practice and how schools and academies can adopt them for the benefit of all school community members
- be able to ask appropriate challenging questions regarding provision and support for staff wellbeing
PSHE And Healthy Schools Leads Network Meeting
Monday 9th June 2025, 3:45-5pm. Online live.
A network session focussing on improving the health of children from all phases. With a focus on the PSHE curriculum, as well as discussion of related school activities and good practice.
Education to help children stay safe, healthy and prepared for life's opportunities.
Description
These network meetings are held three times a year and will focus on PSHE education and other school-based initiatives to promote health and wellbeing.
These are useful opportunities for schools to ask questions, share good practice and hear the latest local and national updates.
There is usually an external speaker, in addition to the discussions between schools
the end of the session delegates will:
- have had an opportunity to listen to and share good practice
- make connections with other school PSHE and Healthy School leads
- have received and discussed local and national updates, including from Ofsted
Military Schools Network Meeting
Wednesday 11th June 2025, 1:15 - 2:30pm. Online live.
Join mutually supportive schools at a network meeting supporting leaders of military schools/settings.
Schools with pupils who have parents in the military are encouraged to attend these meetings, which are held three times a year.
These meetings are designed to:
- build a network of mutually supportive schools
- share best practice and ideas
- compile an accurate shared resource
- provide a place to share concerns, worries and to ask questions
By the end of the session delegates will:
- have met and shared information to form a network of leaders of schools with service children
- have an up-to-date list of the relevant contacts available to support leaders of schools with service children
- share best practice in a collaborative way
An Introduction to PSHE Education
Monday 16th June 2025. 9:30- 11:30. Online live.
For primary and secondary schools.
As well as providing an overview of the curriculum subject, this session focuses on effective teaching and learning to promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
By the end of the session you will have:
- Gained an understanding of PSHE education as a curriculum subject and the current national guidance
- Considered the principles that underpin effective PSHE education
Become Youth Mental Health Aware
Thursday 26th June 2025, 9am-12pm. Onlive live.
Become Youth Mental Health Aware
This course is suitable for any member of school staff who work with Wiltshire young people aged 8-18
This introductory three-hour session raises awareness of young people’s mental health. It covers:
- Some of the common mental health issues affecting young people, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis
- Skills to work more effectively with young people living with mental health issues
- Ways to support young people with a mental health issue and relate to their experiences
Everyone who completes the session gets:
- A certificate to say you are Youth Mental Health Aware
- A manual to keep and refer to whenever you need it
£70 per person
More about Youth Mental Health First Aid
