In this article, we provide some insight about our recently held nasen in-person training event.
Bright Heart
We discuss our recently held in-person training event, which was presented by nasen.
Our training relationship with nasen
A lack of tutor training was a key shortcoming observed by Ryan in working with various tutoring agencies before launching Bright Heart. This was especially concerning when working with students with learning challenges. In launching Bright Heart, we were determined to put this right.
We approached nasen (National Association of Special Educational Needs) to help provide training to our tutors, due to its stellar reputation over >25 years supporting SEN (special educational needs) practitioners with training and resources.
Nasen produced a training course exclusively for Bright Heart, comprising 4 webcasts (see here for topics) and a detailed written test. The aim of the course was to ensure that our tutors are adequately prepared to meet the individual learning needs of our students.
We recently complimented the online training course with an in-person training workshop facilitated by Michael Surr, nasen’s educational development officer.
In-person training workshop
We held our tutor in-person training workshop at a Wimbledon hotel on Saturday 28 September. Following an early start, tutors were welcomed on arrival with tea and coffee, before an opening address by Simon.
Michael then proceeded to engage the tutors with a very entertaining and interactive session during the rest of the morning, with the aims being to:
- Provide an update on SEND news and developments;
- Develop an understanding of mental health and person-centred working; and
- Provide tutors with practical strategies to further enhance their one-to-one tuition.
The session included tutors taking part in a number of interesting group exercises and sharing their own tutoring experiences with the group.
We also watched a very interesting video on the adolescent brain by Dr Andrew Curran, a neurobiologist. This helped to illustrate the science behind the Bright Heart Approach and what makes it so effective for our students. He explained how the teenage years are characterised by excess dopamine levels (relative to serotonin) and how providing emotional support can help the brain to function optimally (by optimising the levels of dopamine produced). This is because the limbic emotional brain is responsible for 93% of dopamine secretion. Or to put it simply, “if you have someone’s heart, their minds will come with”.
Ryan then concluded the session by emphasising Bright Heart’s vision and the importance of implementing the Bright Heart Approach. He also acknowledged the tutors for their invaluable contributions in successfully putting this into practice.
Tutors then enjoyed a light lunch where they were able to spend time getting to know each other and sharing ideas on how best to implement some of the strategies covered during the morning.
Some tutors then joined Simon and Ryan for a well-earned afternoon beverage at a nearby pub.
The feedback from tutors was all very positive, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the hands-on activities and getting to meet and learn from their peers.
Find a well-trained tutor to help your child
Bright Heart’s tutors are all required to complete online training and encouraged to compliment this by actively participating in periodic in-person training workshops and other events.
Please get in touch to talk to us about how one of our well-trained, caring tutors could be perfect for your child!
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