Staff development

Staff training is given a high priority. In addition to ensuring that all staff are enrolled on the relevant NVQ or equivalent courses, the Shires provides a wealth of other training opportunities including first aid, administration of specific medication, NAS courses, as well as entirely optional courses such as reiki. The therapist team provides ongoing staff training on a day to day basis as well as formal group training sessions in specific techniques or areas of interest.

All staff receive thorough induction training which includes communication, food hygiene, MAPA (physical intervention), and health and safety as well as basic or advanced care principles and record keeping.

Staff are supported to attend off site training where this will help them to support the students better, such as TEACCH, PECS as well as other relveant professional qualifications relating to autism.

What the staff say...

Training at The Shires is really good and the managers give us lots of support. Everyone is encouraged to do their NVQ and there are plenty of opportunities to attend training courses.