During the project we looked at what training was already available and where there were gaps.  We created new materials and new opportunities for voluntary sector staff and volunteers to train alongside other people who work with children and young people.

Common Induction Training

We worked closely with Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council to look at how their training could be made available to the voluntary sector.  Free places on these courses will continue to be available after our project finishes.  The topics covered in all the courses are:

• Working in a principled way
• Promoting equality and diversity
• Understanding children & young people's development
• Building relationships and communication with children, young people and their families
• Keeping children & young people safe from harm
• Health and safety
• The processes and tools for integrated working
• Working with others as part of an integrated team

The courses are offered at two levels:

Level 1 and 2 - aimed at those in a supporting role in relation to work with children and young people e.g. admin staff, and/or those new to the area of work.

Level 3 and 4 - aimed at those with some experience and/or in regular direct contact with children and young people within their role

On these courses you will be training alongside workers from Coventry and Warwickshire statutory services - giving you the chance to raise awareness of your work, make new contacts and share experiences. For more details contact Anthony Cox, email Anthony.Cox@coventry.gov.uk

In house training

We developed an intensive one day training programme that covers the key themes from above and could be used to support induction/volunteer training within individual organisations. 

These materials were piloted with the Young Carers project. A copy of all the materials is attached below for your use. You may adapt the materials as required but please reference VAC and CWDC as your source. Please note that this programme should be delivered by people with background knowledge of the topics and experience of delivering training.

• Training materials and programme (please read in full before delivery)
• Powerpoint - full
• Powerpoint for printing handouts

Training available through Voluntary Action Coventry

Although this particular project has now ended, VAC offers a range of training programmes to the voluntary sector, some of which relate directly to children and young people and some which have a wider remit.  To find out what is available in 2010 download a copy of VAC's training programme