Training and events by the Virtual School

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

Friday 3 October 2025 9am – 4pm In-person (Ribble Suite, The Exchange, Preston)

Thursday 9 October 2025 1.30pm-4pm online

Thursday 16 October 1.30pm-4pm online

You have to attend all sessions to accredit on the course.

How to book

Youth Mental Health First Aid - Autumn

The course is accessible to members of staff within Lancashire Schools and Settings (1 delegate per school/setting) who will commit to using this therapy within their practice. This is funded by the Lancashire Virtual School. Drawing and Talking is a safe, easy to learn method of working with children, teenagers and young adults, to help with underlying emotional difficulties that may be affecting their learning and behaviour. The core of the method is encouraging the pupil to draw with a person with whom they feel comfortable, regularly, at the same time each week, and this person asking some non-intrusive questions about the pupil’s drawings. Over time, a symbolic resolution is found to old conflicts, old trauma is healed, and the pupil is more able to control their behaviour and better able to access the curriculum. The foundation course consists of a full day’s training. It is suitable for anyone who is working with vulnerable children and young people. No previous knowledge, training or experience is necessary. Participants will learn how to put this simple technique into practice. They will learn how to get started, how to run a session and how to deal with common problems which can arise.

Dates and times

Tuesday 23 September 2025

9am to 3.30pm

Bow Suite, The Exchange, 4th Floor, County Hall

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64168

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 8 September 2025 

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64809

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 9 September 2025 

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64811

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 16 September 2025 

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64808

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 24 September 2025 

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64813

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 6 October 2025 

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64812

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 2- DAY COURSE. YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS Do you have children or young people in your school or setting who struggle with their behaviour, their attendance, or their focus in lessons. This may be because of underpinning mental health and emotional wellbeing needs. Many interventions or support focuses on the child or young person but we would like to introduce you to an innovative programme called Youth Connect 5 which supports the parents and carers. The Lancashire Virtual School is offering fully funded Youth Connect 5 training to professionals who will then deliver 5 week training programmes to groups of parents and carers, teaching and having discussions with them around: • Understanding young people’s mental health • Thinking about what makes us thrive • Developing family resilience • Understanding why we feel the way we do • Developing skills to support their children The aims of the course are to: • Give parents and carers the knowledge, empathy, skills and tools to promote resilience and wellbeing for children and young people • Strengthen parent’s and children’s resilience • Increase confidence and parental ability to support their child • Improve parent/child relationship As a professional trained in the delivery of Youth Connect 5, you will obtain additional knowledge and skills in mental wellbeing as well as training delivery, supporting your own CPD and the organisation’s strengths. In addition to this, in general your own health and wellbeing may also be improved. We know that many in the workforce will also be parents/carers who themselves will experience challenging times as a parent. For further information on Youth Connect 5, please visit the website: https://youthconnect5.org.uk DAY 1: 25/09/2025 DAY 2: 26/09/2025

Dates and times

Day 1 - Thursday 25 September 2025 

Day 2 - Friday 26 September 2025

09.00pm - 16.00pm 

The Exchange, County Hall

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64257

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 29 January 2026 9am-4pm In-person (Ribble Suite, The Exchange, Preston)

Thursday 5 February 2026 1.30pm-4pm online

Thursday 12 February 2025 1.30pm-4pm online

You have to attend all sessions to accredit on the course.

How to book

Youth Mental Health First Aid - Spring

The course is accessible to members of staff within Lancashire Schools and Settings (1 delegate per school/setting) who will commit to using this therapy within their practice. This is funded by the Lancashire Virtual School. Drawing and Talking is a safe, easy to learn method of working with children, teenagers and young adults, to help with underlying emotional difficulties that may be affecting their learning and behaviour. The core of the method is encouraging the pupil to draw with a person with whom they feel comfortable, regularly, at the same time each week, and this person asking some non-intrusive questions about the pupil’s drawings. Over time, a symbolic resolution is found to old conflicts, old trauma is healed, and the pupil is more able to control their behaviour and better able to access the curriculum. The foundation course consists of a full day’s training. It is suitable for anyone who is working with vulnerable children and young people. No previous knowledge, training or experience is necessary. Participants will learn how to put this simple technique into practice. They will learn how to get started, how to run a session and how to deal with common problems which can arise.

Dates and times

Tuesday 24 February 2026

9am to 3.30pm

Bow Suite, The Exchange, 4th Floor, County Hall

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64169

This essential training session is designed for Early Years, Primary, Secondary and KS5 school staff combined, 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 12 January 2026

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64847

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 20 January 2026

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64846

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 2 February 2026

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64849

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 4 February 2026

14.30pm - 16.30pm 

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64850

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

08.30am - 17.00pm

Via Teams

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64851

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 2- DAY COURSE. YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS Do you have children or young people in your school or setting who struggle with their behaviour, their attendance, or their focus in lessons. This may be because of underpinning mental health and emotional wellbeing needs. Many interventions or support focuses on the child or young person but we would like to introduce you to an innovative programme called Youth Connect 5 which supports the parents and carers. The Lancashire Virtual School is offering fully funded Youth Connect 5 training to professionals who will then deliver 5 week training programmes to groups of parents and carers, teaching and having discussions with them around: • Understanding young people’s mental health • Thinking about what makes us thrive • Developing family resilience • Understanding why we feel the way we do • Developing skills to support their children The aims of the course are to: • Give parents and carers the knowledge, empathy, skills and tools to promote resilience and wellbeing for children and young people • Strengthen parent’s and children’s resilience • Increase confidence and parental ability to support their child • Improve parent/child relationship As a professional trained in the delivery of Youth Connect 5, you will obtain additional knowledge and skills in mental wellbeing as well as training delivery, supporting your own CPD and the organisation’s strengths. In addition to this, in general your own health and wellbeing may also be improved. We know that many in the workforce will also be parents/carers who themselves will experience challenging times as a parent. For further information on Youth Connect 5, please visit the website: https://youthconnect5.org.uk DAY 1: 12/01/2026 DAY 2: 19/01/2026

Dates and times

Day 1 - 12 January 2026

Day 2 - 19 January 2026

09.00pm - 16.00pm 

The Exchange, County Hall

How to book

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64852

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

Youth Mental Health First Aid - Summer

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

https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=64857