Professional Development & Training
All therapeutic staff will undergo CWDC Induction training and CWDC Level 3 Diploma as a prelude to being considered for our clinical training. Our clinical training is a pioneering work-based training in Psychosocial Care, which includes clinical, theoretical and practical elements, to equip them to care for and treat severely traumatised children and young people.
Psychosocial Care - course structure
Degree or equivalent level experience | Other Entrants |
| Psychosocial Practice Module | |
Certificate | |
Advanced Diploma | Diploma |
Additional work experience module | |
Advanced Diploma Leadership & Management | |
Postgraduate Diploma | Postgraduate Certificate |
MA | |
Our training programmes were developed in 1998 in collaboration with the Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust and Middlesex University School of Health and Social Sciences, and were revalidated by Middlesex University in 2007.
The Integrated Systemic Therapy method and all of the work in our residential centres are underpinned by the application of psychodynamic and systemic concepts provided by these formal, accredited training programmes.
From September 2011 once staff have completed core induction standards they will be enrolled in the CWDC Level 3 Diploma. Following this, they can undertake our Psychosocial Care training. This includes the Psychosocial Practice Module.
This can either be followed by a Reflective Practice Module leading to a Certificate in Psychosocial Care or by three modules (Experiential, Supervision and Psychodynamic Theory) which lead to the Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Psychosocial Care. Both pathways encompass the competencies required by NVQs in Health and Social Care.
From these core programmes students can progress to our advanced training programmes for senior practitioners:
- The MA/Post-Graduate Diploma/Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychosocial Care
- The Advanced Diploma in Psychosocial Care Leadership and Management.
Programme modules are cross-referenced with competencies required for National Occupational Standards and NVQs for Health and Social Care, with the statutory Registered Managers’ award. Introductory and core programmes incorporate the Children’s Workforce Development Council induction standards and the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children’s Workforce.
The programmes are designed to meet the training and development needs of child-care practitioners from different academic and professional backgrounds and social care settings. Childhood First can make these programmes available to other providers who share the commitment and capacity to support a structure of group supervision, consultation and training forums in which the learning experiences can be provided.
Further details
For further details, please contact
the Programme Administrator n.lemasurier@childhoodfirst.org.uk or Telephone: 020 3326 4756
