Training and events by the Virtual School
Spring 2026
This training, delivered by Lancashire Virtual School, is designed to support school leaders and staff in developing and embedding a relational policy that meets the needs of all learners—particularly those who are vulnerable, including children in care, those with a social worker, and those in kinship care.
Participants will:
- Explore the principles of relational practice and its impact on behaviour, wellbeing, and learning
- Understand how to move from traditional behaviour policies to a relational, trauma-informed approach
- Learn how to co-create a policy that reflects your school’s values, promotes inclusion, and supports emotional regulation
- Gain practical strategies for implementation, staff training, and whole-school consistency
This session is ideal for senior leaders, Designated Teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff committed to building a school culture where relationships are at the heart of learning and every child feels safe, respected, and supported.
Dates and times
Friday 27 February 2026
8.30am to 5pm
County Hall
How to book
Promoting the Education of Vulnerable Children - Developing and Implementing a Relational Policy
Empowering Staff. Supporting Pupils. Enhancing Attendance.
Lancashire’s Virtual School, in collaboration with the Lancashire Educational Psychology Service, is offering EBSA Follow-Up Coaching Sessions to help schools embed and apply the Lancashire EBSA Guidance (Strategy and Toolkit).
These termly online coaching sessions are designed to give education professionals the time and space to reflect, problem-solve, and share good practice with colleagues from other settings — all with the support of an experienced educational psychologist.
Why coaching?
Research shows that adults learn best when they have time to reflect and collaborate. Coaching provides:
- A structured space to apply EBSA strategies
- Peer-to-peer learning and support
- Personalised action plans tailored to your school
- A deeper understanding of pupil needs and attendance challenges
“What helped enormously was the opportunity to talk with colleagues from other schools and find they have the same problems as us, which allowed for sharing ideas.”
What to expect
- 90-minute online sessions via Microsoft Teams
- Small group discussions facilitated by an educational psychologist
- Solution-focused reflection on EBSA implementation
- Collaborative planning for next steps
- A supportive, professional environment
Who can attend?
Staff must have completed the EBSA webinar training via the Lancashire Professional Development Service and be actively supporting pupils experiencing EBSA.
Please note: only 1 member of staff from each school or setting can attend due to capacity.
Join us to strengthen your EBSA practice, connect with peers, and make a lasting impact on pupil wellbeing and attendance.
Dates and times
Thursday 5 March 2026 1.30pm to 3pm
How to book
Summer 2026
For: Designated Teachers in schools
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course trains individuals to recognize and support young people (aged 8-18) experiencing poor mental health. It equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to spot signs of mental distress, initiate conversations, and guide young people towards appropriate support. The course aims to foster a supportive environment where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.
Dates and times
Thursday 30 April 2026 9am-4pm In-person (Ribble Suite, The Exchange, Preston)
Thursday 7 May 2026 1.30pm-4pm online
Thursday 14 May 2025 1.30pm-4pm online
You have to attend all sessions to accredit on the course.
How to book
You need to have completed the foundation course to apply for a place on this course.
Advanced Knowledge Training in Drawing and Talking
What you will learn:
- Recurring patterns and symbolism in drawings
- Advanced Jungian theory, including: Collective unconscious and synchronicity, transference, countertransference and archetypes
- Sand Play – one-to-one approach
- What to do when a child will not draw
- Using Drawing and Talking within groups (whole class approach and smaller, targeted groups approach)
- The play continuum
Advanced knowledge in Drawing and Talking training is available to anyone who has completed the Foundation to Drawing and Talking. It is a one-day programme providing participants with a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process involved in the practice of Drawing and talking, and the theory which underpins the technique. You will delve deeper into Jungian Theory to explore the use of archetypes and patterns that arise in children's and adults' drawings. You will also learn about development and movement along the Ego-Self Axis. Participants will learn how to run group sessions utilising the Drawing and Talking principles in a group environment. Children, young people, and adults can become more aware of their emotions and develop an understanding of how to process them. Group sessions also serve as an outlet where they can share feelings with peers and, in turn, understand that others can feel the same way.
Dates and times
Tuesday 12 May 2026
9am to 3.30pm
Bow Suite, The Exchange, 4th Floor, County Hall
How to book
This essential training session equips school staff with the knowledge and tools to champion the educational outcomes of vulnerable children, including those who are looked after, previously looked after, or have a social worker.
Participants will:
- Understand the statutory role of the Designated Teacher (DT) in supporting vulnerable learners and ensuring their needs are met within the school setting.
- Explore key education legislation and guidance and the responsibilities of Virtual School Heads.
- Gain clarity on funding streams such as Pupil Premium Plus and how to use them effectively to close the attainment gap.
- Learn best practices for multi-agency collaboration, Personal Education Plans (PEPs), and inclusive strategies that promote engagement, progress, and wellbeing.
- Learn about training and initiatives that Lancashire Virtual School are offering and how they can support the families you work with.
This training is vital for ensuring that all staff are confident in their responsibilities and empowered to make a positive impact on the lives of some of the most at-risk children in education.
Dates and times
Tuesday 28 April 2026
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Via Teams
How to book
Promoting the Education Vulnerable Children - Role of the DT, Education Legislation and funding
This essential training session is designed for Early Years and Primary school staff who play a vital role in the education and wellbeing of vulnerable children, including those with a social worker and children in care.
Delivered by Lancashire Virtual School, the session will:
- Deepen your understanding of the statutory responsibilities around Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
- Explore how to create high-quality, impactful PEPs and SMART Targets that drive progress and wellbeing
- Provide practical guidance on the effective use of Pupil Premium Plus and other funding streams to support individual needs
- Share strategies and case studies that highlight best practice in inclusive, trauma-informed teaching
This training will equip you with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Dates and times
Monday 20 April 2026
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Via Teams
How to book
Promoting the Education of Vulnerable Children - PEPs and effective use of funding - EY/Primary
This essential training session is designed for Key stage 3 and 4 school staff who play a vital role in the education and wellbeing of vulnerable children, including those with a social worker and children in care.
Delivered by Lancashire Virtual School, the session will:
- Deepen your understanding of the statutory responsibilities around Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
- Explore how to create high-quality, impactful PEPs and SMART Targets that drive progress and wellbeing
- Provide practical guidance on the effective use of Pupil Premium Plus and other funding streams to support individual needs
- Share strategies and case studies that highlight best practice in inclusive, trauma-informed teaching
This training will equip you with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Dates and times
Tuesday 21 April 2026
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Via Teams
How to book
Promoting the Education of Vulnerable Children - PEPs and effective use of funding - Secondary/KS5
This training, delivered by Lancashire Virtual School, is tailored for school staff working with vulnerable children, including:
- Children in Need (CIN)
- Previously Looked After Children (PLAC)
- Children with a Social Worker (CWSW)
- Children in Kinship Care
The session will provide:
- A comprehensive overview of the needs and entitlements of these groups
- Guidance on effective planning to support academic and emotional development
- Strategies for using available funding streams, including Pupil Premium and other resources, to maximise impact
- Practical tools and case studies to support inclusive, trauma-aware practice in schools
This training is ideal for Designated Teachers, SENCOs, senior leaders, and any staff involved in supporting vulnerable learners. Join us to strengthen your school’s approach and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Dates and times
Monday 11 May 2026
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Via Teams
How to book
This training, delivered by Lancashire Virtual School, supports school staff in developing a restorative approach to behaviour, relationships, and conflict resolution—particularly for vulnerable children, including those in care, with a social worker, or in kinship care.
Participants will:
- Explore the principles and values of restorative practice and how they align with trauma-informed education
- Learn how to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and empathy within the school community
- Gain practical tools for facilitating restorative conversations, circles, and meetings
- Understand how restorative approaches can reduce exclusions, improve relationships, and support emotional wellbeing
Ideal for Designated Teachers, pastoral leads, SENCOs, and all staff working with vulnerable learners, this session will help schools create safe, supportive environments where every child feels heard, valued, and included.
Dates and times
Wednesday 13 May 2026
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Via Teams
How to book
Promoting the Education of Vulnerable Children - Developing a Restorative Approach
Empowering Staff. Supporting Pupils. Enhancing Attendance.
Lancashire’s Virtual School, in collaboration with the Lancashire Educational Psychology Service, is offering EBSA Follow-Up Coaching Sessions to help schools embed and apply the Lancashire EBSA Guidance (Strategy and Toolkit).
These termly online coaching sessions are designed to give education professionals the time and space to reflect, problem-solve, and share good practice with colleagues from other settings — all with the support of an experienced educational psychologist.
Why coaching?
Research shows that adults learn best when they have time to reflect and collaborate. Coaching provides:
- A structured space to apply EBSA strategies
- Peer-to-peer learning and support
- Personalised action plans tailored to your school
- A deeper understanding of pupil needs and attendance challenges
“What helped enormously was the opportunity to talk with colleagues from other schools and find they have the same problems as us, which allowed for sharing ideas.”
What to expect
- 90-minute online sessions via Microsoft Teams
- Small group discussions facilitated by an educational psychologist
- Solution-focused reflection on EBSA implementation
- Collaborative planning for next steps
- A supportive, professional environment
Who can attend?
Staff must have completed the EBSA webinar training via the Lancashire Professional Development Service and be actively supporting pupils experiencing EBSA.
Please note: only 1 member of staff from each school or setting can attend due to capacity.
Join us to strengthen your EBSA practice, connect with peers, and make a lasting impact on pupil wellbeing and attendance.
Dates and times
Wednesday 17 June 2026 9.30am to 11am
How to book
Ongoing training
Early help training for practitioners
Free multi-agency training for all professionals working with children, and families in Lancashire.
Attachment and trauma training - Whole school staff training for Lancashire secondary schools
This is an ongoing training offer which will be booked at a convenient date and time.
This in-person or virtual training is for the whole setting on working with children to become attachment and trauma informed and to look through an attachment and trauma lens. There is also an SLT session to look at school/setting policies.
For more information or for a consultation about this training offer, please e-mail: virtualschooltraining@lancashire.gov.uk
Virtual reality - attachment and trauma training
This powerful new training is available to all schools and settings in Lancashire.
The immersive nature of Antser’s Virtual Reality (VR) programme allows the user to experience the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect through the eyes of the child.
It is designed to enhance the adults understanding of a child’s emotions, trauma and potential triggers to improve the care, support and guidance they provide.
Please e-mail virtualreality-traumatraining@lancashire.gov.uk for more information.