1. Induction and Onboarding
First Few Weeks
• Mandatory training (child protection, safeguarding, health & safety)
• Introductions to our values, therapeutic model & policies
• Shadowing & familiarisation with the home, routines, spaces
Outcome: Confident start; clear understanding of role, expectations & responsibilities; feeling part of the team
2. Core Mandatory Training
Within first few months
• Trauma‑informed care
• Additional Support Needs (ASN) awareness
• Communication tools (e.g. Makaton, SCERTS)
• Mental health awareness
• Internal sessions led by staff with lived experience
Outcome: Deeper understanding of young people’s needs; practical tools for daily work; safer, more responsive care
3. Role‑Specific / Specialist Training
As needed / when role requires
• De‑escalation & managing challenging behaviours
• Counselling techniques
• Waking nights or sensory room work
• Therapeutic interventions & emotional regulation
Outcome: Ability to handle complex situations; confidence in advanced or specialist tasks; consistent quality of care
4. Ongoing Refreshers & External Accreditation
Annually / per regulatory requirement
• Refresher training (safeguarding, health & safety, etc.)
• External accredited courses
• Updates on legislation / best‑practice changes
Outcome: Staff remain current; full compliance; young people benefit from up‑to‑date, safe practices
5. Reflective Practice & Peer Learning
Continuously during employment
• Regular supervision & debriefing
• Peer‑learning / case discussions
• Sharing lived‑experience insights
• Training feedback & evaluation
Outcome: Continuous improvement; stronger team learning culture; better staff wellbeing; consistently high standard of care