Core Skills for Children’s Activity Providers
Course Overview
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.
Learning Hours
This is an 80-hour live training programme, delivered through interactive workshops, guided practice, scenario-based learning, and reflection sessions.
What You’ll Learn
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
Course Modules (80 Hours Total)
| 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.
Support for Practitioner Wellbeing
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
Completion Requirements
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.
Who Is This Course For?
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.
Why Choose This Training?
· 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