Ms Douglas says, 'The course was an excellent mix of reaffirming lost beliefs, learning new ideas and sharing good practice. The four days gave us the time to discuss the thoughts and feelings stirred up by the subject discussions. Mary Dickins, the course facilitator, allowed us to do this while keeping us on target to fulfil the whole package.'
Ms Douglas reports that a highlight of the course was meeting Mole Chapman, a disability equality trainer who uses her personal experience as a disabled woman very powerfully in her work. 'We discussed the problems she has encountered and how as practitioners we can avoid the same mistakes happening again.
'One aspect I found particularly useful was looking at historical and current practice and reflecting on how we can influence this with training, funding and resources.
'The course also raised questions about the sharing of power - empowering parents and children rather than medical staff and practitioners. We had a frank discussion on the issues surrounding being prepared to share power.'
She found the section of the course which dealt with presentation skills very useful. 'During my talk I used beanbag bears to explore how it feels to be excluded. Presenting in front of a group of my peers was fairly daunting, but as a result I feel much more confident about delivering training.
'My job involves supporting parents and practitioners in the care of young children, and the course has helped me feel more positive about the services I provide. Since attending I listen more to practitioners before offering advice and ideas - many times staff have the answers but just need time and space to find them. I now feel more able to facilitate that time instead of answering the questions too quickly.
'I would definitely recommend this course, which offers a greater understanding and time to digest issues. I left not only with lots of new ideas and thoughts but also with a presentation ready to use.'
More information
* Course: Inclusion Matters
* Course provider: National Children's Bureau
* Target audience: Workshops are designed for area SENCOs, advisory teachers, Sure Start managers, trainers and others with a background in training and support for early years settings.
* Content: A series of four one-day workshops which aim to give participants the opportunity to explore and reflect on issues relating to special educational needs, disability and inclusion in early years settings.
* More information: Workshops can be run as an open public training course or as a tailored in-house course for individual organisations. Call 0207 843 6084 or e-mail training@ncb.org.uk.
