In this episode, I sit down with Richard Cross to explore the often-overlooked topic of group work in residential childcare.
Together, we discuss why understanding group dynamics is essential for practitioners, how groups can influence behaviour, belonging, identity, and resilience, and why formal education and training programmes often give this area far less attention than it deserves.
Drawing on theory, practice, and real-world experience, we examine how residential childcare workers can become more confident and effective in supporting groups of young people, rather than focusing solely on individuals.
If you've ever wondered why some groups thrive, why others struggle, or how practitioners can harness the positive potential of group living, this conversation is for you.
This episode challenges us to rethink an important question:
Are we adequately preparing residential childcare practitioners to understand and work with groups?

An interview with Andy Thompson from CYP First a leading training provider based in England . Andy has extensive experience managing children's houses whereby his houses received outstanding ratings by OFSTED .

Since 2017 Andy has been training the children's services workforce via his company 'CYP First' which her co founded with his business partner . This episode looks at Andy's journey and motivation , the challenges and realities of the role , comparisons between Scotland and England , the importance of training plus much more . This is an essential listen for anyone connected to residential childcare .

In this episode I talk with Karen O'Donnell about her twenty six year career working within the sector . We cover lots of topics including hearing about the opening of her new service for children . This was an enlightening interview that is worth a listen .

In this episode I talk to author Jane Dalgleish about her new book entitled ' An Essential Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Residential Childcare: Lessons from the frontline on how you’ll laugh, love and cry … all before lunchtime.

I found this interview to be very interesting and recommend the book to everyone connected with the field .

Rebecca Harrison from Manchester based Children's RCC service called Parkwood Care talks about her career journey & the work currently being undertaken at Parkwood Care

Keywordssocial work, residential care, Care Inspectorate, community support, children's welfare, trauma-informed care, social services, Scotland, child protection, family supportsummaryIn this conversation, Ian Henderson , a seasoned social worker, shares his extensive experience in the field of social work, particularly focusing on children's welfare and residential care. He discusses the evolution of care practices, the challenges faced within the Care Inspectorate, and the importance of community-based support for children. Henderson emphasizes the need for transparency, a trauma-informed approach, and the necessity of keeping families together. He also critiques the current state of social work in Scotland, highlighting the importance of speaking truth to power and advocating for systemic change to better support children and families.takeaways• Social work has evolved, but challenges remain.• Community-based support is crucial for children's welfare.• Transparency in care practices is essential.• The focus should be on well-being, not just risk management.• Siblings should be kept together whenever possible.• Care Inspectorate needs to balance partnership and regulation.• Trauma-informed care is vital in residential settings.• Social workers must advocate for systemic change.• Young people's voices are essential in shaping care practices.• Effective social work requires collaboration and community involvement.

Disclaimer : The views of the interviewee are that of the interview & not the interviewer

In this conversation, Joe Gibb & Dr Yvalia Febrer discusses the innovative training course developed by Kingston University & the Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust for staff in children's homes, emphasizing the need for higher qualifications and the role of social pedagogy in improving residential childcare practices across the UK. He highlights the importance of contextualizing training and the necessity for collaboration among different care sectors to enhance the quality of care for vulnerable children.

Takeaways

• We're at a bit of a tipping point in residential childcare.
• The current training is inadequate for the complexities of the role.
• Social pedagogy can significantly improve practice in residential care.
• Training should be uniform across the UK but context-specific.
• Collaboration between different care sectors is essential for effective training.
• The new course is designed to be flexible for working professionals.
• Distance learning must be robust and engaging for participants.
• Technology can enhance training and practice in meaningful ways.
• There is a need for a coordinated network among care professionals.
• Social pedagogy embraces a variety of useful tools and practices.

• Revolutionizing Childcare Training
• The Future of Social Pedagogy in the UK

• "We're at a bit of a tipping point."
• "We need to raise the bar across all the nations."
• "It's not just about one individual course."

In this conversation, Colin discusses his extensive experience in residential childcare, emphasizing the importance of psychology in understanding and supporting children. He introduces the Pillars of Parenting model, which focuses on individual needs and relationships, and critiques current challenges in residential care. Colin also reflects on the future of care, government initiatives, and the necessity of trauma-informed approaches, advocating for a more individualised focus in childcare practices.

TakeawaysPsychology is essential in understanding children's needs.Individual focus is crucial in residential care settings.Building strong relationships with children leads to better outcomes.The Pillars of Parenting model emphasises care, attachment, and self-perception.Trauma-informed care must address individual experiences and needs.Positive attachments are vital for children's emotional development.Staff training should focus on recognising and addressing individual needs.Understanding a child's strengths can significantly impact their development.Creating a supportive environment is key to effective childcare.

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Inthis episode I talk to a residential manager about his own experience ofworking across residential childcare both within Scotland and Ireland . Wecover topics such as using lived experience safely , qualifications , theimpact of historic abuse cases , the importance of using correct language, tacklingstigma  plus much more , so withoutfurther a do please welcome Jamie Long to the podcast