Core Skills for Children’s Activity Providers
Children’s activity provision covers numerous areas such as sport, education and play. Participation and timing can vary from one-off events to regular afterschool sessions, or out-of-term all day camps.
With the numbers of out of school activity providers, there is a need for preparing staff and potential staff to have the core skills to work in this environment.
This programme blends real-world coaching tools, child development principles, and reflective practice to help adults create safe, emotionally attuned, and empowering environments for the children in their care.
As all activity providers have a unique offering and requirements, the programme has scope to adjust slightly to reflect the specific needs of the organisation.
This is an 80-hour live training programme, delivered through interactive workshops, guided practice, scenario-based learning, and reflection sessions.
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
· Use child-friendly coaching tools in everyday settings
· Support children’s emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness
· Respond confidently to challenging behaviour and emotional distress
· Set clear boundaries while maintaining warm, trusting relationships
· Communicate effectively with families and schools
· Look after their own wellbeing and prevent burnout in caregiving roles
| Module | Focus |
|---|---|
1 | Induction |
2 | Paediatric First Aid & DBS |
3 | Child Development & safeguarding |
4 | Positive Behaviour Management; Working with parents; confidentiality |
5 | Coaching Skills I: Listening & Rapport |
6 | Coaching Skills II: Empowering Children |
7 | Planning Engaging Activities |
8 | Delivering Activities & Group Management |
9 | Inclusion & SEND |
10 | Soft Skills & Workplace Behaviour |
11 | CV Writing & Personal Statements |
12 | Interview Skills & Employer Panel; Case studies; Career progression |
Each session combines teaching with active group work, reflective discussion, and practical tools that can be applied immediately in a range of childcare, school, or home settings.
Participants are supported throughout the course to:
· Recognise early signs of stress, overload, or emotional fatigue
· Use grounding and regulation techniques to stay balanced at work
· Reflect on emotional boundaries and care relationships
· Develop sustainable self-care practices in their professional lives
To receive certification, participants must:
· Attend all 80 hours of live sessions
· Actively participate in group and individual activities
· Complete a final reflection or practical case study presentation
Upon completion, learners receive a programme certificate. They will also receive certification of certain modules, such as Paediatric First Aid.
This course is designed for any adult in a supportive role with children, primarily in an out-of-school environment. It is especially useful for new entrants to the industry but is also useful to early career individuals who want to firm up their skills and knowledge.
· Grounded in practical, real-world tools that work across home and school settings
· Emphasises both the child’s and adult’s emotional wellbeing
· Suitable for a wide range of caregiving roles — no psychology background needed
· Provides a community of like-minded professionals committed to relational care
· Designed to help participants feel confident, resilient, and prepared in their roles