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The Invisible Backpack Package

Schools and settings can deliver this CPD package to staff either on INSET days or in staff meetings

The Invisible Backpack Package focuses on the importance of developing a relational approach in our work with babies, children, and young people.

The package is divided up into three parts. Each is approximately 2.5-hours in length.

Part 1: Consolidating Understanding

Aims:

      • To explain the importance of a whole school relational approach in supporting the positive mental health of babies, children, and young people and the staff that support them.
      • To introduce the Invisible Backpack metaphor as a way of looking at and enabling conversations around needs and behaviours.​
      • To consolidate understanding of research and evidence relating to the impact of early relationships and childhood experiences on babies, children, and young people, as well as on us as adults.

Part 2: Approach and Environments, and Part 3: Strategies and Action Planning

Aims:

      • To review whole school/setting practice and provision through case studies from, and evidence-based approaches and strategies used in, other schools and settings.​
      • To identify what you already do well and what you could do even better to develop your relational approach with particular reference to ​ supporting babies/children/young people with fuller or overflowing invisible backpacks.
      • To consider and reflect upon staff wellbeing and mental health.

Objectives:

By the end of this package, you will have:

      • Developed a clear understanding of what a relational approach looks like.

      • Explored the Invisible Backpack metaphor as a way of looking at and enabling conversations around needs and behaviours.

      • Reflected upon your understanding, approach, environment, and strategies in the context of a relational approach.

      • Identified strengths and what you can improve upon (‘even better if…’).

BEC will provide and all the materials you require together with online support for your facilitator/s in the form of pre-delivery and post-delivery meetings.

Materials provided:

      • Guidance booklet for facilitator(s)
      • Session plans
      • Presentation slides
      • Training videos
      • Additional printed materials and resources

BEC is currently revising the Invisible Backpack Package and will be launching an updated version very soon! 

If your school/setting is interested in delivering the package, please contact BEC to arrange an initial meeting: BECommunity@barnardos.org.uk

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