Induction training for Graduate and GAP assistants

🏷️ From £175
🎧 Graduate assistants, GAP assistants
📍 Online

Course outline:

Introduction to Boarding for Graduate and GAP Assistants
Equipping new boarding staff with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to thrive in their role.

The professionalism of boarding supervision has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by improved regulation and rising parental expectations. Ensuring that Graduate and GAP assistants quickly understand the key principles, responsibilities, and values of boarding life is essential to creating confident, capable teams who can effectively support young people and respond to everyday challenges.

This seminar complements school-based induction and is specifically tailored to provide new assistants with a strong foundation in the core expectations and practical realities of boarding care.

Participants are encouraged to review their school’s boarding handbook, relevant promotional materials, and Part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2023/24) prior to attending.

All delegates will receive a boarding and safeguarding workbook to support them throughout their year in the role.

Training topics will include:

• The Legal Framework and Duty of Care
  Understanding safeguarding responsibilities, inspection requirements, and best practice in pastoral care
• Meeting the Needs of Boarders
  Exploring real-life scenarios and practical responses to common issues through case studies
• Understanding Your Role in Boarding
  Clarifying expectations from the school, boarding house, parents—and yourself—within your position
• Working Safely and Looking After Yourself
  Tips and strategies for personal wellbeing, setting boundaries, and enjoying your role as part of the team

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Understand the principles and expectations of the boarding environment and their role within it
• Gain confidence in supporting the emotional and practical needs of boarders
• Be aware of the legal safeguarding context, including KCSIE Part 1 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding
• Recognise the importance of self-care, professional boundaries, and teamwork in building a successful and enjoyable experience in boarding

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Speakers:

Dale Wilkins, Executive Director, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance

Dale joined the BSA during Summer 2017 with responsibility for safeguarding and standards, having previously been a course tutor since 1998.  Dale leads on all safeguarding, inspection and compliance matters for BSA Group, including liaising with ISI, Ofsted and DfE in England, and leading on the group’s work in Scotland and Wales. He trains and delivers consultancy extensively for BSA and SACPA and is Vice Chair of the Group’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Advisory Board (SAFCAB).

For 31 years Dale was a boarding practitioner. After boarding positions at Norwich School and Tettenhall College, Dale became a Housemaster at Old Swinford Hospital in 1992, and was promoted to Deputy Head in 2007, and subsequently also DSL. He has also been a multi-agency trainer for the Dudley Safeguarding Children’s Board, is a safeguarding trainer for the Methodist Church, is a trustee of the National Youth String Orchestra and chair of a small performing arts charity. He also holds volunteer roles in sport and in the Scout Association.

Gaelle Sullivan, Director of Research, Inclusion and IELA

Gaelle is Director of Research, Inclusion and IELA and joined the BSA in January 2023. She is an experienced senior leader and has worked in a range of state and independent schools. She is a qualified SENCO and holds a Masters Degree in Inclusive Education. Prior to joining the BSA, Gaelle was Deputy Head Pastoral, DSL and Head of Boarding at an all-girls independent school in the South-East.

Bethan Hudson MTIOB, Executive Director, Consultancy and Director, BAISIS/HIEDA

Bethan joined the BSA team as Training Manager in September 2017. Bethan has worked in two independent boarding schools in the UK and Switzerland, the latter as Housemistress to 36 pupils. Following her time in Switzerland, she was a Pastoral Manager for an inner-city state academy before working in the charity sector for Debrett’s running the ‘Debrett’s Foundation’ training programme.

In her role, Bethan plans and manages all Day Seminars, Conferences, INSET and Consultancy, as well as being Director of BAISIS. She believes boarding can be a positive force for young people and in order to fully support their needs staff can never learn too much. As such she is passionate about the CPD BSA delivers to our pastoral communities in the UK and worldwide.