“Parents and Professionals gaining from SNAP’s varied training”

Good planning is key

Becki Boath, SNAP’s Information Adviser, explains how SNAP organises the training activities each year.

“At the start of each term our family team get together to discuss and share ideas about potential training sessions. We try to focus on topics that are frequently mentioned by families as being areas they want to learn more about, or require some extra support with. Throughout the calendar year, we aim to cover a variety of different topics and are always on the lookout for new ideas.”

“We always welcome recommendations from parents, as well as professionals too!”

The training day buzz

“There’s always such a great atmosphere in The SNAP Centre on the day of a training event, especially if we are hosting more than one talk throughout the day. The SNAP Team is always excited to hear the speakers share ideas, as it’s a chance for us to learn too. One of our primary aims is to provide support to parents, and training events are such a crucial part of making them happen.

“SNAP Parent Training sessions are a great way to inform and empower parents, providing them with useful tips and ideas that can be tried at home.

“They are also a safe place for parents to share their experiences and ideas, while providing support to one another, knowing they are not alone. Our team of parent advisers are also on hand to answer any questions parents may have following the training event.”

A resource for education specialists

Gaynor Wilson is SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) Co-ordinator at St.Martins Senior School in Hutton, Brentwood, and has been an admirer of SNAP since it began almost 25 years ago.

“Over the years I have been to many of SNAP’s training sessions and found each one invaluable to me in my working role as a SEAL Co-ordinator. Throughout each year SNAP covers a diverse range of topics and the content of each session is always pitched exactly tight for the audience.

“When the talk has finished the SNAP team are always available and I like to ensure I am able to catch-up with the team and discuss the information provided. I am able to return to the school and cascade all this valuable information to my colleagues.”

Gaynor is pleased to see first hand at the talks the positive impact the training is having on families and colleagues, many of which she has engaged with in her own day job.

“SNAP never forgets that the parents are the experts of their own children. But SNAP are experts in their field, and the comprehensive information delivered through their sessions offers a supportive and encouraging role and that is priceless.”