Parent training

At Pathfield, we believe that working in close partnership with parents, carers, and volunteers, enables our pupils to have the best chance of reaching their full potential.

With this in mind, we run a range of workshops within the school. The aim of these workshops is to share knowledge and skills as well as providing us with an opportunity to explain the theory and purpose of some of the sessions you might see on your child’s timetable.

The information below provides an overview of what each workshop covers. If you are interested in coming along to any of the workshops, please contact the school to register your interest or to find out more information. Alternatively, check the ‘Newsletter’ section on this website for any letters that have been sent home regarding courses or workshops.

We would be delighted to hear any suggestions you might have for future sessions.

Makaton Taster – Led by Penny Bacon 

This offers an introduction to the use of Makaton to those  who are new to it! The Course is approximately an hour long. 15 places available.
Price- Free for parents and volunteers. 

Makaton for Beginners
Designated course – Led by Penny Bacon

This is a 12 hour certificated course for parents and carers. This course runs for 3 hours once a week, over 4 weeks.
Price – £25

How to encourage your child to do what you want them to do! Led by Penny Bacon

This short workshop focuses on how to help your child do the things you want them to do using reinforcement. For example, how to help your child use an electric hand dryer/ have their hair cut / drink out of a cup etc.
Price – Free for parents and volunteers.

Transition Day – Led by Beth Temple-Thurston

What kinds of things are available for life beyond Pathfield. We hear from past parents who have experienced the processes involved in putting together three very different packages for their young people. We have also invited local providers in, to give an overview of the kinds of activities and short break opportunities there are within the local area.
Price – Free to parents and volunteers. 

Behaviour Management, de-escalation and using communication to avoid confrontation – Led by Adam James

Ideas and strategies in managing challenging behaviour, through the avenues of de-escalation and total communication.
Price – Free to parents and volunteers.

Accessible programs for computers and tablets, e-safety – Led by Stuart Allman

It can be difficult to keep updated with all the advancements in technology and how best to keep yourself and children safe whilst online. This will be a practical session in which we look at the settings, controls and simple fixes that will help. There will also be an opportunity to trouble shoot any specific issues that you may be having.
Price – Free to parents and volunteers.

Sensory Learning – Led by Karen Goodwill

Sensory drama session, linked to communication and the senses which can stimulate learning.
Price – Free to parents and volunteers. 

Literacy Strategies, including Wave 3 Intervention – Led by Karen Goodwill

A brief overview of phonics and how to teach them. Exploring methods to encourage and support children who are nearly, or in early stages of being able to read and write.
Price – Free to parents and volunteers. 

Motor Skills Development and Activities to Improve – Led by Jane Warne

We look at how physical skills develop and activities that can be done to enhance this. We also consider how physical skills relate and how children can reach a level of independence in different independence tasks.
Price – Free for parents and volunteers.

Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play – Led by Jane Warne, OT and Jayne Austin 

Fine motor activities – Using fun activities that are easy to set up, to help promote a whole range of skills. To give your child a sense of achievement, while helping to develop essential skills for everyday life.
Price – Free for parents and volunteers.

Toilet Trouble Shooting! – Led by Alison Jackson and Penny Bacon

How to use reinforcement in helping your child become toilet trained.
Price – Free for parents and volunteers.