Self harm workshop review

June 25th, 2007.  Enfield
Trainers:  Laura Farleigh and Sharon Blacker

This was an excellent course, which had a direct relationship to what participants were witnessing in their own schools. The contents were factually accurate and balanced and the Learing Outcomes were clearly outlined and explained.

It provided opportunities to discuss situations and experiences with colleagues, and it raised awareness of situations were youngsters could possibly self harm and the different reasons behind their actions..

Both Sharon and Laura used  examples  to demonstrate behaviour, Laura from her own experiences and Sharon from her patient/client histories. There was a wide range of activities that really worked well in explaining different types of behaviour. Participants were also given the opportunities to explore some of their own behaviour.
I found the course valuable, both in raising my own awareness of symptoms and by informing my planning for next year when discussing and explaining teenage behaviour with my pupils.

I have already briefly discussed with senior leadership the contents of the course, particularly with a view to organising a full or half day course on behaviour management.

There was a very positive illustration in recognising a pupil’s distress and the possible reasons behind his self harming.

It was a shame that there were so few teachers there when it could be of real value to the cooperation  and understanding between learning mentors and PSHE teachers..

I learnt a lot and other people on the course said that it was one of the best they had attended.

Head of PSHE, Wye Valley School.