Training and development

Individuals who work in child care positions need to be flexible and responsive to the personal, social, emotional and physical needs of children and young people. Training in the care and protection of children should be regarded as essential for all workers.

Whenever possible, workers should be given the opportunity to reflect on their skills, knowledge and practice. This can be done through one-to-one support sessions, self-study, seminars and workshops. However, training (particularly where it involves attendance at a workshop) involves time and money and, consequently, many small groups and clubs often feel unable to offer development opportunities.

Small unaffiliated groups can also find it difficult to access training which is why affiliation to a larger intermediary group can be beneficial. Intermediary organisations often provide training and development opportunities to their member groups. In addition, voluntary sector bodies such as Volunteer Centres also offer a wide range of training programmes, including commissioned training, which can be tailored to meet the needs of organisations.

CRBS can direct your organisation to a range of intermediary organisations that provide support and training.