Children's Homes Inspection Framework
2026-03-31 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
Join us for this focused training session designed for Registered Managers, Deputies, senior leaders and practitioners working within children’s homes. This session explores the Children’s Homes Inspection Framework in depth, helping services understand how Ofsted evaluates quality, leadership, safeguarding, and the lived experiences of children.

📅 Date & Time: 31st March, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £81 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £108 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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Drawing directly from inspection methodology, regulatory expectations and real-world practice, this training supports professionals to move beyond compliance anxiety and towards confident, evidence-informed preparation that reflects authentic, child-centred practice.

Why This Course Matters

Inspection is not simply about paperwork, it is about demonstrating impact, consistency and leadership. Understanding how inspectors think, what they look for, and how evidence is triangulated is essential for sustainable quality improvement. This course will help professionals:

Develop a clear understanding of the Children’s Homes Inspection Framework and methodologyStrengthen their ability to evidence impact against the Quality StandardsPrepare confidently for inspections, including interviews and case trackingAlign documentation, supervision, and practice with inspection expectationsEmbed continuous improvement processes beyond inspection cycles

Course Highlights

Understanding the Framework – How inspections are structured, graded judgements, deep dives, case tracking and triangulation

The Quality Standards in Practice – Demonstrating impact through leadership, safeguarding, behaviour support, and care planning

Leadership and Management Judgements – Workforce development, monitoring systems, Regulation 44/45 learning and quality assurance

Inspection Preparation and Professional Dialogue – Managing the inspection process, preparing staff and young people, responding to challenge, and post-inspection action planning

About the Trainer:

Miguel Valerio is a social worker is more than 20 years of experience. His journey has taken him from research and university lecturing to hands-on work in the sector where he worked as a Responsible Individual (Children’s Homes) and Registered Service Manager (Supported Accommodation).

On these roles, he was responsible for developing and overseeing services for young people, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting staff training and service improvement. His extensive experience in quality assurance, governance, and leadership has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to guide professionals in navigating the complexities of residential children’s social care.

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Disciplinary and Grievance Processes
2026-04-02 10:00 - 13:00
Handling staff concerns, misconduct, and workplace conflict is a vital part of leadership in social care, but it can also be one of the most challenging. This practical online seminar equips managers and senior staff with the knowledge and confidence to navigate disciplinary and grievance processes in a fair, lawful, and supportive way.

📅 Date & Time: 2nd April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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Whether you’re responding to complaints, addressing performance issues, or managing investigations, this seminar will support you to protect both your team and your service with clear, structured approaches.

Why It Matters

In social care environments, poorly handled staff issues can have far-reaching consequences, for the individuals involved, for clients, and for the organisation. Disciplinary and grievance procedures are not just about compliance; they are key to building a transparent, accountable, and values-led workplace. This session provides practical insight into conducting fair processes that are aligned with employment law, organisational policy, and regulatory expectations.

Course Highlights

Understand the purpose and scope of disciplinary and grievance procedures

Learn how to follow fair and lawful processes from concern to resolution

Explore the roles of investigation, documentation, and evidence

Build confidence in addressing misconduct, performance, and complaints

Reflect on common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Meet the Trainer

Stuart Falconer brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in both the public and private sectors, offering deep expertise across all generalist areas of Human Resources. Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Stuart has supported a wide range of organisations throughout England to navigate HR challenges with confidence and clarity. His work spans key areas such as discipline and grievance, performance management, absence, recruitment, redundancy, and compliance with employment legislation. Stuart is also highly experienced in coaching managers, developing HR strategies, and helping services align their workforce practices with both their values and the law.

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Contextual Safeguarding
2026-04-07 10:00 - 13:00
Traditional safeguarding approaches often focus on risks within the family/home, but young people are increasingly vulnerable to harm in wider social contexts, schools, peer groups, and online spaces. Contextual Safeguarding expands the lens of protection, helping professionals identify, assess, and respond to risks in the environments where young people spend their time.

📅 Date & Time: 7th April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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This seminar provides practical strategies for integrating Contextual Safeguarding into everyday practice.

Why This Course Matters

Children and young people experience risks beyond their immediate home environment, including exploitation, gang involvement, harmful peer influences, and online dangers. This course will help participants:✔️ Understand Contextual Safeguarding and its relevance in practice✔️ Identify extra-familial risks and develop targeted interventions✔️ Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to improve safeguarding responses✔️ Apply practical tools and frameworks to real-life scenarios✔️ Build safer environments for children through policy and practice

Course Highlights

🔹 Understanding Contextual Safeguarding – Expanding the safeguarding approach beyond the home🔹 Identifying Risks in Different Contexts – Schools, peer groups, public spaces, and online🔹 Multi-Agency Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships to safeguard young people🔹 Practical Application & Case Studies – Strategies to apply in residential and fostering settings🔹 Developing Safer Systems – Embedding Contextual Safeguarding in policies and procedures

Meet Your Trainer: Pravina Patel

Pravina Patel is a senior leader in children’s social care with over 20 years of experience across children’s residential care, supported accommodation, safeguarding leadership, and education services. She has extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, Ofsted registration, and leading multi-site services supporting young people with complex needs. Pravina is particularly experienced in trauma-informed practice, contextual safeguarding, and strengthening governance systems that promote safe, high-quality care environments. She currently works as a Registered Service Manager and Responsible Individual, overseeing multiple services for young people and leading safeguarding, workforce development, and quality assurance systems.

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Record Writing and Case Records
2026-04-09 13:00 - 16:00
This practical training session focuses on improving the quality of report writing and case recording across residential, supported accommodation, and other social care settings. Participants will explore the vital role that accurate, objective, and defensible documentation plays in safeguarding, inspections, and collaborative care.

📅 Date & Time: 9th April, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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Through real examples, structured methods, and hands-on exercises, the session equips professionals to write with clarity, professionalism, and purpose, ensuring that case records contribute meaningfully to young people’s journeys and service accountability.

Why This Course Matters

A well-written report is more than a task, it’s a protective mechanism. Whether recording a keywork session, an incident, or daily case notes, the quality of writing directly affects the understanding, decisions, and outcomes for young people. This course helps staff recognise common pitfalls, adopt evidence-based structures (such as the 5Ws + How and the ABC method), and align their recording practice with safeguarding principles, legal requirements (Children Act, GDPR), and regulatory expectations (Ofsted, local authorities, etc.).

Course Highlights

Principles of clarity, objectivity, and confidentiality in report writing

Distinguishing facts from opinions and using professional, neutral language

Writing reports that stand up to scrutiny in safeguarding investigations or court

Structuring records using proven formats (5Ws + How, ABC method)

Types of reports: daily logs, keywork sessions, safeguarding incidents, risk assessments, handovers

GDPR, consent, and best practices for lawful information sharing

Meet Your Trainer: Miguel Valerio

Miguel Valerio is an experienced Social Worker with 20+ years of experience. He’s a social care consultant, trainer, and regulatory specialist with deep expertise in risk management, care planning, and quality assurance. He worked for more than decade as Senior and Operational Manager responsible for Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation settings, also leading service development, supporting teams, and ensuring high standards of care planning and risk assessment.

Now through Social Care Skills, Miguel provides training and consultancy to help professionals strengthen their documentation, improve practice, and meet regulatory expectations. His sessions are known for being practical, reflective, and grounded in real-world experience.

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Managing Allegations
2026-04-14 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for this essential session designed for professionals in children’s social care, providing a comprehensive guide to managing allegations against staff, carers, or others involved in the care of children.

📅 Date & Time: 14th April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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Managing allegations against staff, carers, or others involved in the care of children is one of the most sensitive and complex responsibilities in social care. Ensuring that concerns are handled legally, fairly, and in line with safeguarding principles is critical to protecting children while also supporting staff. This seminar provides essential guidance for professionals navigating these challenges, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively.

Course Highlights

🔹 Legal & Regulatory Framework – Learn how to apply statutory guidance and best practices🔹 The Role of the Designated Officer (LADO) – Understand their role in investigations🔹 Effective Response to Allegations – Balancing child safeguarding with fair processes for staff🔹 Collaboration & Communication – Working with key agencies, maintaining transparency🔹 Developing Safer Systems – Creating policies that promote accountability and reduce risks

Meet Your Trainer: Ray SaidRay has an extensive background in managing the investigation of allegations against people who work with children and most recently served as L.A.D.O. for Tameside Council

Ray also spent 7 years in the dual role of L.A.D.O. & Risk Manager for Liverpool City Council where he managed the investigation of allegations against people who work with children and ,as Risk Manager, he was Children Services lead officer for Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)

Ray has previously been Quality Assurance & Safeguarding Service Manager, Social Care Complaints Manager and spent 5 years as Learning and Development Officer.

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OFSTED Quality of Care/Support Reviews
2026-04-16 10:00 - 13:00
This practical seminar explores the regulatory requirements and best practices for conducting effective quality of care/support reviews in both Children’s Homes (Regulation 45) and Supported Accommodation (Regulation 32). Designed for Responsible/Nominated Individuals, Registered (Service) Managers, and senior leaders, the session provides a step-by-step guide to producing meaningful, evidence-based reports that support continuous improvement, compliance, and better outcomes for young people.

📅 Date & Time: 16th April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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The course covers data analysis, impact evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and the link between review findings and strategic planning.

Why It MattersQuality reviews are a powerful tool for reflection, accountability, and growth. When completed with rigour and purpose, Reg 45 (Children’s Homes) and Reg 32 (Supported Accommodation) reports can demonstrate the impact of your service, identify areas for development, and provide clear evidence of how leadership is driving improvement. This session helps leaders move beyond compliance to create reviews that tell the story of their service, and shape its future.

Course Highlights– Understanding the regulatory expectations of Reg 45 (Children’s Homes) and Reg 32 (Supported Accommodation)– Structuring your review for clarity, coherence, and inspection-readiness– Gathering, analysing, and triangulating evidence (KPIs, case tracking, incident data, feedback)– Linking review findings to your Statement of Purpose, workforce plan, and improvement strategies– Turning insight into action: how to evidence the “so what?” and demonstrate meaningful change

Meet the Trainer

Miguel Valerio is a social worker is more than 20 years of experience. His journey has taken him from research and university lecturing to hands-on work in the sector where he worked as a Responsible Individual (Children’s Homes) and Registered Service Manager (Supported Accommodation). On these roles, he was responsible for developing and overseeing services for young people, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting staff training and service improvement. His extensive experience in quality assurance, governance, and leadership has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to guide professionals in navigating the complexities of residential children’s social care.

REGISTER HERE

Reflective Practice and Supervision in Residential Settings
2026-04-21 10:00 - 13:00
This seminar explores the vital role of reflection and supervision in supporting effective care, staff development, and emotional resilience within residential settings. Through practical frameworks and guided discussion, participants will deepen their understanding of how reflective practice strengthens decision-making, supports regulatory compliance, and enhances the quality of care.

📅 Date & Time: 21st April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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The session will also unpack key reflective models and explore how to apply them within supervision to foster growth, accountability, and learning in teams.

Why It MattersSupervision is more than a performance review, it’s a space for growth, learning, and support. When paired with reflective practice, it becomes a powerful tool for embedding quality and safeguarding into everyday routines. This course supports residential professionals to build a reflective culture, enhance team cohesion, and ensure continuous improvement in practice and outcomes.

Course Highlights– Understanding the purpose and value of reflection in social care– Practical strategies for embedding reflection into daily practice– Using reflective models to structure effective supervision sessions– Enhancing staff development through reflective feedback and learning– Creating a culture of curiosity, care, and continual improvement in residential teams.

Meet Your TrainerYvette Powell is a dedicated and experienced practitioner in social care, with a decade of supporting children and young people through critical life transitions. Her work spans residential settings, local authorities, and community-based services, where she has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of children and young people in care, older people, and adults with learning disabilities.​

Holding a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Yvette combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver impactful training sessions. Her approach is grounded in real-life scenarios, enriched with case studies, theoretical frameworks, and interactive discussions, ensuring that participants gain both understanding and practical strategies applicable to their roles.​

Yvette’s commitment to professional growth is evident as she is set to graduate as a qualified social worker this summer, with plans to work on the frontline in child protection and safeguarding.​ Yvette’s passion for empowering others is demonstrated in her training sessions, which are designed to foster reflective practice and enhance continual professional development amongst social care professionals.​

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[Dev. Session] Repairing Harm: Restorative Practice in Residential Care
2026-04-22 14:00 - 16:00
This development session is delivered jointly as part of the Social Care Skills Leadership Programmes for Supported Accommodation and Children’s Homes, bringing together managers and leaders from across residential services to explore restorative approaches to repairing harm and rebuilding relationships.

Incidents and conflicts are an inevitable part of residential care environments, but how services respond to them can shape trust, relationships and long-term outcomes for young people. This session explores how restorative practice can help services move beyond punitive responses and instead focus on accountability, understanding harm and repairing relationships.

Participants will reflect on how restorative conversations can support young people to take responsibility for their actions while maintaining dignity and connection. The discussion will also explore how leaders can embed restorative approaches within their teams, supporting staff to respond to incidents in ways that promote learning, reflection and relational practice.

This session forms part of the Social Care Skills Leadership Programmes, which provide ongoing professional development and leadership support for managers and senior practitioners across children’s homes and supported accommodation services. The programmes combine training sessions, monthly leadership discussions, sector updates and opportunities to exchange ideas with other leaders across the sector.

This development session is free to attend for members of the Leadership Programmes and is not available as a standalone booking.

Supported Accommodation Inspection Framework
2026-04-23 10:00 - 16:00
This session is designed for professionals working in or supporting supported accommodation services for young people aged 16–17. This seminar provides a clear, practical guide to the Ofsted Inspection Framework, helping participants understand expectations, avoid common pitfalls, and embed a quality-first approach to service delivery.

📅 Date & Time: 23rd April, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £81 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £108 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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Whether you are new to supported accommodation or seeking to strengthen your inspection readiness, this session will give you clarity, confidence, and practical strategies to meet both the regulatory requirements and the needs of young people..

Why This Course Matters

Ofsted inspections are not just about compliance, they assess whether services promote safety, independence, and positive outcomes for young people. Understanding the inspection framework means you can anticipate what inspectors will look for, evidence good practice, and address any gaps before they become compliance issues. This course will help participants:✔️ Learn how Ofsted will apply the Inspection Framework✔️ Identify the evidence and documentation that demonstrates compliance and quality✔️ Prepare staff and management for interviews, observations, and record reviews✔️ Use inspection outcomes to drive continuous improvement

Course Highlights

🔹 Overview of the Supported Accommodation Inspection Framework – Structure, scope, and purpose🔹 Linking Regulations to Practice – Turning compliance into meaningful daily routines🔹 Inspection Methods – How inspectors gather evidence and assess quality🔹 Readiness Strategies – Preparing your team, records, and environment for inspection🔹 Beyond Inspection – Embedding quality and improvement year-round

Meet Your Trainer: Miguel Valerio

Miguel Valerio is an experienced social care consultant, trainer, and regulatory specialist, with extensive expertise in supported accommodation services and Ofsted inspection preparation. Having worked for more than a decade as an Operational Manager in a Children Social Care provider (assuming roles as Children’s Home RI and Supported Accommodation RSM), Miguel successfully led services through inspections while ensuring young people received high-quality, needs-led support.

Now managing Social Care Skills, Miguel delivers specialist training and consultancy to help providers understand regulations, strengthen compliance, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. His practical, inspection-focused approach equips teams with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve strong inspection outcomes.

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Workforce Plan
2026-04-30 10:00 - 13:00
This practical training session unpacks the key components of an effective workforce plan, tailored to meet the unique demands of Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation. Participants will explore how to design, implement, and monitor workforce planning documents that ensure staffing structures, qualifications, and ongoing development are aligned with regulatory expectations and the evolving needs of young people.

📅 Date & Time: 30th April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Live Online via Teams📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

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Why It MattersA robust workforce plan is not optional, it’s a regulatory requirement and the backbone of high-quality, accountable care and support. This session supports managers and providers to embed workforce planning as a live, working tool that drives safer staffing, supports compliance, and ensures every young person is supported by competent, consistent, and reflective adults. It also helps services respond to staff turnover, skill gaps, and training needs with clarity and foresight.

Course Highlights– Key regulatory requirements for workforce plans and their link to inspection readiness– Developing staffing structures, job roles, and contingency plans that reflect service needs– Mapping qualifications, skills, and CPD across your team to meet children’s and young people’s needs– Integrating supervision, appraisal, and performance management into workforce planning– Monitoring staff data and demonstrating impact through training, retention, and quality improvement

Meet the Trainer

Miguel Valerio is a social worker is more than 20 years of experience. His journey has taken him from research and university lecturing to hands-on work in the sector where he worked as a Responsible Individual (Children’s Homes) and Registered Service Manager (Supported Accommodation). On these roles, he was responsible for developing and overseeing services for young people, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting staff training and service improvement. His extensive experience in quality assurance, governance, and leadership has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to guide professionals in navigating the complexities of residential children’s social care.

REGISTER HERE
