Choosing a training provider for your children’s home

Start with your home, not a course title

Two homes can book a course with the same title and need very different things from it. Before you approach providers, describe the children you support in general terms, the experience of your staff and the situations your team wants to understand better. Avoid sharing identifiable case information during early enquiries.

Write a one-page brief. Include what is working, where staff feel less certain and what managers want to see change after training. This gives each provider the same starting point and makes proposals easier to compare.

• What learning is needed by new staff, experienced colleagues and managers?
• What themes emerge from supervision, feedback and incident reviews?
• Which policies and local arrangements must the training connect with?

Ask how the learning fits your setting

For homes in England, the Children’s Homes Regulations and accompanying quality standards guide provide the relevant framework. Ofsted’s inspection framework also considers de-escalation, proportionate practice and how incidents are reviewed. Read the original sources alongside your own policies.

Ask a provider to explain the balance between legal understanding, risk assessment, communication and any practical skills. Request a sample agenda rather than relying on a headline promise. An informative answer explains why particular content belongs in your programme.

Check the evidence behind the claims

Ask who will deliver your training, what relevant experience they bring and how their work is reviewed. If a provider uses an accreditation or certification claim, request the name of the organisation, what it covers, its scope and its current status. A logo alone cannot answer these questions.

Clarify how learners are assessed, what happens if someone needs extra support and what any certificate actually records. Ask about practical participation and reasonable adjustments early so no one arrives unsure about what will be expected.

Compare the whole proposal

A useful quote tells you what is included and what remains your responsibility. Put proposals side by side using the same headings: learning content, duration, learners, delivery location, assessment, certification, course fee and cancellation terms.

A lower price may describe a different service. Ask each provider to resolve the gaps in writing before you compare totals. Do not assume an annual refresher, follow-up advice or a policy review is included unless it is stated.

Plan for the week after training

Set aside a team discussion after the course. Invite colleagues to identify one area they understand more clearly and one question that remains. Agree who will review any suggested policy changes and who will support staff in applying the learning.

Choose a review date before the training happens. Look at staff feedback, supervision conversations and the quality of reflection, alongside any incident information. Training is one part of a wider approach to supporting children; a certificate is a record of learning, not the end of the work.