Parents and Professionals training together:

Fostering partnership working for a holistic approach to improve outcomes for vulnerable children whose behaviour is described as challenging.

Vivien Cooper & Karen McKane

Workshop Outline

1. Who we are2. Background to CBF training & how it was

developed3. CBF training model4. DfE funded national roll-out of training5. Making it happen - discussion

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation A national registered charity specialising in

challenging behaviour associated with severe learning disabilities.

Rooted in reality through daily contact with families

Strategically placed to keep you up to date with best practice with respect to children/young people who challenge

Our Vision…

…is for children and adults with severe learning disabilities who are described as having challenging behaviour to have the same life opportunities as everyone else, including home life, education, employment and leisure.

Our Values

Partnership working

Sharing knowledge and information

Family carers as equal partners

The role of family carers

“Families are usually the main source of love, care and support for children and adults with learning disabilities. This is especially the case for people with complex needs. Even when people leave home, they do not leave the family. Families continue to offer a lifetime of involvements support and advocacy”

(Valuing People Now, 2009)

Background to CBF TrainingSurvey of families (2006)60% return rateMajority (52%) had received no training at all

around challenging behaviourOf those who had received training typical

responses included:

“There is a problem between theory and practice”“Professionals do not have a clue about how to

train parents…”

Development of training (2007)Two family carer working groups (2007)Surrey & Bristol

What do families want?PracticalOutcome focussed LanguageGroup discussionPower point for theory onlyFlexible according to needs of groupTime & locationFamily carer co-trainer

Training Pilots (2008)Part One: Understanding Challenging BehaviourWhy does challenging behaviour happen?How can I work out why challenging behaviour is happening?ABC recording charts

Part Two: Supporting Behaviour ChangeWhat can I do to reduce challenging behaviour?Practical ideas

Key elements of the training

PracticalPerson-centredProviding positive behaviour support

strategiesPromoting partnership workingOutcomes focussed

Unique elements of the training

Co produced

PBS trainer and family carer co-trainer deliver training together

Families and professionals facilitated to work together to identify appropriate behaviour support strategies that can be used consistently in all settings

CBF TrainingUnderstanding

challenging behaviour

(Family carers only)

Understanding challenging behaviour

(Professionals only)

Supporting behaviour

change(Family carers &

professionals together)

CBF Trainers

CBF Trainers

4 day ‘Core Training’

Trainers supported to individualise training with their own experiences

PBS & family carer trainers supported to practice training together

Quality monitoring

Evaluation of training (2009)

Based in 5 schools in Kent

Research project – University of Kent Tizard Centre

Holistic approach

Training family carers and school staff together

ResultsPeople rated incidents of challenging behaviour

displayed by children they supported as happening less often

Incidents of challenging behaviour rated as less severe and easier to manage

People showed a change in their understanding of the causes of challenging behaviour

People reported feeling less depressed / angry/ fearful/ anxious when experiencing challenging behaviour

FeedbackBrilliant workshop – I have learned so much

(parent)What’s had the greatest impact is working as a

team. We all know that we are all doing the same thing and consistency has had a huge impact (parent)

Theory and practical balance was excellent (teacher)

At the end of the workshop there was a really positive atmosphere of parents and school working together (behaviour & learning leader)

Outcomes

Training roll-out

Hertfordshire (short break professionals only)Bournemouth (short break professionals only)Bristol carers centre (families only)Dundee (short break professionals only)

Medway (short break professionals & families – holistic)

DfE funded national project 2011 – 2013

Grant funding to roll-out school-based holistic challenging behaviour training through 150 special schools nationally

Free training to July 2012

Subsidised to March 2013

Progress to date

22 schools booked

12 workshops delivered

10-15 schools have expressed an interest

Still need to identify 100+ schools

Outcomes

“We would recommend the training to anyone - but especially as a starting point for a whole programme

of partnership working."

Judith James, Head TeacherNorthern Counties School

Making it happen

HOW can we help get this training out to those who would find it useful?

WHO do we need to engage with?

WHAT would it take to make it happen in your service/ area?