The Solihull Approach

Early Years Training

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The need for all staff working directly with children, young people and their families, to have sufficient knowledge, training and support to promote psychological well-being and to identify early indicators of difficulty has been stressed by new policy developments and guidance in education, health and social services e.g.

• Every Child Matters Change for Children Programme 
• The National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services’
• Promoting Children's Mental Health Within Early Years and School Settings

The Solihull Approach is designed to be used as a brief intervention for those working with children, young people and their families and is supported by a comprehensive resource pack.  It offers an integrated psychodynamic/psychotherapeutic and behavioural approach for professionals working with children and families who are affected by behavioural and emotional difficulties.  The theoretical model integrates the concepts of containment, reciprocity, and behaviour management, applying it both to an understanding of the child and family as well as the relationship between practitioner and client.

The aims of the training are:

• To help practitioners become reflective in their work with children and young people and their families
• To help them acquire the language to describe and shape practitioner thoughts and experiences
• Increase practitioners understanding of how emotional and behavioural difficulties develop within families
• Provide a coherent model for assessment
• Build confidence and skill level
• Provide reference to evidence based practical advice and resources
• Develop a more consistent approach
• Identify trigger points for early referral to other specialist services

The early years (0-5 years) training is offered as a two-day package and each participant leaves with a Resource Pack, which not only covers the approach but also has many useful resources, activities and fact sheets relating to the early years.  Attendees are also encouraged to attend 6 practice development sessions throughout the year to discuss the on going practical application of the Solihull Approach and to support them in embedding it in practice.

Contact Person: Liz Marchant, Training Administrator, 01892 507628