Welcome

A warm welcome to you as you look into this new and very relevant online training. It teaches the skills needed to become a Registered SandStory Skills® Practitioner and equips professionals who are not therapeutically qualified with essential, safe, 'soft skills' to support the emotional wellbeing and personal development of the children, young people and adults in their care.

Introduction to SandStory Skills® Practitioner Training

Who is this training for?

Our course is suitable for anyone working with children and young people, including (but not limited to);

  • Childminders, Nannies, Nursery Managers and Workers

  • Teachers & Teaching Assistants/One-to Ones, Learning Mentors

  • SENCOs, ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants)

  • Nurture Group leaders, Pastoral Teams, Social Work Assistants

  • Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners

  • Behaviour Support Practitioners/ PRU teams

  • Residential Support Workers, Youth Workers, Youth Offending Team Officer

  • Family Support Workers,

What is SandStory Skills®?

At it's heart, the training aims to delineate a 'line in the sand' in terms of the SAFE REMIT for practitioners - so that they keep themselves safe (within the remit of their job description) AND the participants (whether these are the children, young people or adults) in their care. The training draws on two main frameworks to delineate where the line is drawn and offers clarity on when to refer on their participants to qualified Therapists and Counsellors for professional therapeutic support. The training draws from the wonderful work of Margaret Lowenfeld who developed the 'Small World Technique. Her theory generated further theories around 'small world play', 'floor play' and 'table-top play'. In essence, SandStory Skills® uses sand and symbols as a creative means of expressing our inner stories in a gentle and safe way.
Child engaging in sand play with Margaret Lowenfield

Course Details

    1. MODULE 1 Welcome and Introduction

    1. Module 2 The Power Of Sand And Water B

    2. Energy in the Sand

    3. Sand Water

    1. Module 3 The Power of Symbols and Stories a

    2. story cards

    3. story in sand

    4. symbols

    1. Module 4. The Genesis of SandStory Skills® and the Remit of Safe Support Part 1

    1. Module 5. The Remit of Safe Support Part 2

    1. Module 6. The 5 Stages of SandStory Skills a

About this course

  • 6 Modules
  • Over 6 hours of video content
  • Until 2/04/2024- £150 (usual price £300)

What support will you get?

The training includes email support with Carol. You will be invited to join a private Facebook group where you can talk to Carol and to others who are training, share ideas and ask questions. You will be paired with another SandStory Skills® Practitioner where possible so that you can support each other and practice the experiential exercises (virtually or in person depending on locations of fellow participants).

What does the training cost?

The cost of the course is usually £300 but we are extending our half-price offer- a one-off payment of £150 until 2/04/2024.

What do you need to have to do this training:

You won't need these things straight away but, when you can, please start to collect your own: A sand tray - I recommend the Really Useful blue transparent box with lid at 24.5 litres if you don't have anything to hand that you can use. Sand - I love the Tesco sand which is currently available [usually during the summer only] as I write. However, if that proves impossible to buy, you can try Argos, B & M, Smyth's Toys to name a few. You can even use  dried lentils or jasmine rice (alternatives to sand). A set of between 20 - 30 symbols. If you don't have these to hand, once you enrol, you will have access to a list of inexpensive symbols and where to purchase them. You could just wander around your home (look in the loft!) and see what you might be able to use as a symbol - a sort of symbol treasure hunt! Charity shops are also great places to find symbols. There will be other resources on the list but these are all optional and up to you if you wish to purchase these for practice. You will adjust your resources according to what you feel your participants may find useful. Once you enrol I will encourage you to 'buddy up' with someone else either on the training or someone you know as a colleague and I will encourage you to use the Zoom platform to have practice sessions with them

FAQ

  • How long do I have access to the course

    Once you've enrolled and paid, you'll have access forever! You will receive all of the modules as soon as you enrol.

  • What if I'm unhappy with my purchase?

    Well, I would be sad. But if you're really unhappy with the course, just email me within 10 days to get a full refund.

  • Do I have to have used a sand tray before doing this course?

    No you do not have to have had any experience of using sand trays with the child, young people or adults that you work with, The course will cover all that you need to know to start working safely using this wonderful tool.

  • Can SandStory Skills® be used with groups?

    SandStory Skills® is effective and safe when used with one storyteller and one listener.

  • I still have a question, how can I contact you?

    I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Send me an email at [email protected] or [email protected]

Start your journey here

Testimonials

““I will take lots away from this course that I can use with the children I work with. I would recommend this training to anyone working with children who wants to support their emotional well being and happiness.””

Teaching assistant, in person training August 2020

““Such an amazing amount of knowledge and personal love around the power of sand tray delivered by Carol. Thanks, I look forward to a future with my new found skills.””

Forest School leader, in person training August 2020

“This course has given me the confidence to use a sand tray with the children I work with. It was so ggod to understand the theory behind sand play and to learn how to identify when a child needs referring on to a specialist.”

Thrive Practitioner, online training 2022