We provide a training programme for teachers, senior managers, psychologists, and other professionals working with children and young people. What are Relational Skills? Relational Skills are a collection of simple techniques proven to be highly effective in building excellent relationships, by giving children and adults new and more focused guidance within a co-operative ethos.
Relational Skills training enables professionals to:
understand and work effectively with angry frustrated or difficult children
promote and sustain co-operative outcomes in the classroom
find flexible solutions without sacrificing safety or school codes
stimulate mutual respect and build consensus
meet more individual, social needs in satisfying and positive ways
provide a healthier climate of personal and academic achievement
reframe difficult situations to diffuse tension before the crisis arises
Responses from trainees:
"I never thought it would work but I tried it and was amazed." "It has transformed the way I work with young people." "After talking to the whole class like that I was sure they would make fun of me, but they have been really good ever since. It's eerie!" "After I talked to her using your approach, she not only co-operated but went from being the worst child in the class that day to being the best!"
Overview of the training course content
How to do things differently with children who have stopped listening
Persuading difficult children to co-operate
Calming strategies which maintain boundaries
Why a needs-centred model works best
Using empathy instead of sympathy
Mutual needs, social contracts and language
Language tools for positive rapport
Reflective learning and narrative therapy techniques
Strategic approaches and negotiation
Restorative approaches
Case Study 1 A difficult pupil with self-esteem issues was messing around with the board-pen. The teacher (who had completed a Relational Skills course) reflected that the girl might want to pretend to be her, so she asked the girl to write the work on the board. She did so diligently. Soon after, the teacher thanked her and, pointing out that she would get behind, the girl was happy to return to her desk.
Case Study 2
A professional was asked to carry out a home assessment of a difficult pupil. Initially, the boy, aged 14, refused to even enter the room or acknowledge the professional. By using Relational Skills, within five minutes, the boy was chatting amiably and the assessment was a success.
Case Study 3
A recently qualified teacher who battled with her class for order and control tried the Relational Skills approach. She explained to the class how she felt about their behaviour using Relational Skills techniques. As a result the children's behaviour and her relationship with the more difficult children consistently improved.
Further information
If you would like to know more about how relational skills training can help you or your colleagues to build easier, more understanding relationships with young people, please get in touch using our contact page
Case Study 1
A difficult pupil with self-esteem issues was messing around with the board-pen. The teacher (who had completed a Relational Skills course) reflected that the girl might want to pretend to be her, so she asked the girl to write the work on the board. She did so diligently. Soon after, the teacher thanked her and, pointing out that she would get behind, the girl was happy to return to her desk.
Case Study 2
A professional was asked to carry out a home assessment of a difficult pupil. Initially, the boy, aged 14, refused to even enter the room or acknowledge the professional. By using Relational Skills, within five minutes, the boy was chatting amiably and the assessment was a success.
Case Study 3
A recently qualified teacher who battled with her class for order and control tried the Relational Skills approach. She explained to the class how she felt about their behaviour using Relational Skills techniques. As a result the children's behaviour and her relationship with the more difficult children consistently improved.
Further information
If you would like to know more about how relational skills training can help you or your colleagues to build easier, more understanding relationships with young people, please get in touch using our contact page
