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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260204T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260204T153000
DTSTAMP:20251219T180302Z
CREATED:20250711T171306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T180302Z
UID:64066-1770201000-1770219000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:BSA/HIEDA – Leading a Nursing team
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £175\n🎧 School Nurses\, Matrons\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline: \nSchool nurses play a pivotal role in the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff. As approachable\, knowledgeable professionals\, their guidance is often sought during times of illness or concern. A well-led medical team contributes significantly to a welcoming and effective Medical Centre – one that champions the health of the whole school community. \nThis seminar is designed to strengthen and develop leadership skills in nurses responsible for managing small or large medical teams within a school setting. The session will explore practical strategies to enhance collaboration\, improve team dynamics\, and foster stronger connections between the Medical Centre and the wider school. Delegates will be encouraged to share insights and experiences to boost performance\, morale\, and job satisfaction. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nWhat makes an effective team? Understanding team dynamics and how to build them\nRaising the profile of the Medical Centre – practical ways to increase visibility and align with the school’s needs\nAppraisals and inductions – best practices for onboarding and supporting staff development\nThe role of supervision – why it matters in a school health setting and how to implement it effectively\nProfessional guidance and standards of care – ensuring best practice across the team.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nIdentify and apply the key attributes of successful leadership\nGain practical tools and ideas to build and maintain an effective\, motivated medical team\nDeepen your understanding of the responsibilities and impact of the lead nurse role.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nRosie McManus\, Nurse Advisor\, HIEDA \nTrained at Great Ormond Street\, Rosie made the move to the independent sector in 2006.  With an MA in Medical Ethics and Law and the Specialist Community Pubic Health Nurse qualification her passion remains promoting the Healthy Child Programme\, and promoting the visibility of school nurses in the independent sector. \nThis event is held in collaboration with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/bsa-hieda-leading-a-nursing-team-3/
LOCATION:Virtual – Zoom\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260205T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260205T160000
DTSTAMP:20260108T161253Z
CREATED:20250725T132500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T161253Z
UID:64528-1770300000-1770307200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Managing suitability to board
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135-£270\n🎧 Pastoral leads\, all boarding staff\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline: \nThere are many things a school may need to consider if a student is not ‘fit to board’. This may include the young person’s own safety and wellbeing\, alongside others in a boarding house. Increasingly\, schools have found it useful to write a ‘fit to board’ policy and this course is designed to help them consider if this would be helpful in their context\, and how to create a policy. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nThe reasons why people may not be ‘fit to board’.\nBalancing needs in a boarding house.\nProviding continuity of education and other legal considerations.\nWorking with parents.\nConsiderations when writing policy.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nUnderstand some reasons why a young person might not be fit to board.\nKnow the legal framework around education provision.\nBe guided in producing a school policy on fitness to board.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nDavid Walker FTIOB\, Executive Director\, Boarding and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid Walker has over 20 years’ experience in boarding education\, having worked in a variety of schools across the UK and Africa. His career includes leadership roles in both senior and prep school settings\, complemented by service as a prep school governor and trustee of a multi-academy trust. Before joining the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-educational independent school in the South-East\, where he oversaw student welfare and pastoral care. His extensive background in safeguarding\, boarding leadership\, and governance gives him a broad perspective on the sector\, enabling him to support schools in delivering outstanding pastoral provision.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/managing-suitability-to-board-3/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This seminar will NOT be recorded\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260206T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260206T153000
DTSTAMP:20260113T094316Z
CREATED:20250715T150402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T094316Z
UID:64098-1770384600-1770391800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Understanding the adolescent brain
DESCRIPTION:Date: February 06\, 2026\nTime: 13:30 – 15:30\nCost: HIEDA/BSA Member Rate: £135\, Non-member Rate: £270*\nAudience: All Boarding staff  and those who wish to have an understanding of teenagers brain development and the impact of these changes on their mental health\, learning and relationships\nPlatform: Zoom (online) – half day seminar\n\n\nCourse outline: \nWe know that\, other than during the first three years of life\, the brain goes through the biggest change in its development during adolescence. This is a critical time in teens’ lives and as adults\, we have a crucial role to play in supporting them to develop into healthy successful adults. \nThis workshop combines the latest understanding of neuroscience and developmental psychology with practical strategies to help attendees understand the changes teenagers are going through\, and what adults can do to support them. \nTraining topics will include: \nThe session covers the main changes in the brain during the teenage years: \n\nHormones\nRisky behaviour\nThe social brain\nSleep\nThe role of adults in supporting healthy brain development\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nTo have a better understanding of the developmental changes in the teenage brain\nTo explore the links with these changes and the vulnerability to developing mental health issues.\nPractical\, evidence based strategies to support healthy brain development.\nTo understand the importance of relationships in a healthy boarding environment.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nLisa Jones\, Lisa Jones Coaching \nLisa Jones is a multi-award-winning\, science-driven therapist\, coach\, and trainer who believes prevention is key to positive mental health. She works across the corporate and education sectors\, delivering training on brain health\, resilience\, stress management\, and emotional wellbeing\, alongside running a busy private practice. Lisa is a fully qualified and insured Psychotherapist\, Counsellor\, Wellbeing Coach\, and Mental Health Consultant\, registered with BACP and a senior accredited member of the National Counselling Society. Her work is underpinned by neuroscience\, with a particular focus on the mind–body connection\, neuroplasticity\, and building resilience through evidence-based\, practical approaches.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/hieda-bsa-what-every-matron-should-know-the-challenge-of-adolescence-2/
LOCATION:Virtual – Zoom\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260209T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260205T143320Z
CREATED:20250915T115716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T143320Z
UID:66062-1770638400-1770642000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Agent training programme – Understanding additional support
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £55🎧 Educational agents 📍 Online 🎥 Watch live or on catch up \n\nCourse outline:  \nBSA and BAISIS have launched a training programme of five one-hour webinars designed to support educational agents in supporting their families better\, grow their reputation and ensure every student thrives in their new school. This series can be accessed as individual sessions – remember BSA certified agents get two free training courses per year – or as a package. \n\nThe Understanding additional support webinar will take delegates through current practice and thinking around additional support\, including how schools identify additional needs\, what support can typically be offered. The session will also share cultural support schools can offer to help families understand more about how additional support and needs are seen from a UK education perspective – crucially\, not negatively! \nTraining topics will include: \n\nHow UK schools support student welfare (day and boarding)\nCultural adjustments and integration\nIdentifying and supporting additional social\, emotional and academic needs\nSEND and EAL support – ensuring proper support for students with learning difficulties\nUnpicking cultural differences around additional support.\n\nLearning outcomes: \nBy the end of the session\, participants will: \n\nGreater understanding of additional needs schools can support with\nDetail on how schools can support young people and families in identifying additional needs\nConfidence to support families in being open to exploring school options based on the needs of their child(ren) without fear of rejection.\n\nBOOK NOW \nThis event will be held jointly with: \n \n\nSpeaker: \n \nGaelle Sullivan\, Director of Research\, Inclusion and IELA \nGaelle 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 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. She is a trustee at a leading independent boarding school. \n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/agent-training-programme-understanding-additional-support/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This training will be recorded
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260210T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260210T120000
DTSTAMP:20260205T143345Z
CREATED:20250729T165537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T143345Z
UID:64657-1770717600-1770724800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting boarders with anxiety – practical tips and strategies
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 Houseparents / Heads of House. Heads\, deputy Heads\, Designated Safeguarding Leads\, Tutors\, Matrons\, Nurses.\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline: \nThis training is designed for school staff who work closely with young people experiencing mental health challenges and who are looking to deepen their understanding while gaining practical strategies for effective support. The session offers insights into the underlying causes of anxiety\, the impact of early life experiences\, and how schools can create supportive environments that promote positive mental wellbeing. \nThrough a mix of theory and practical application\, delegates will leave with increased confidence in identifying\, responding to\, and referring students appropriately\, while contributing to a culture of care within their school community. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nThe physiology of anxiety – understanding endorphins\, the fight/flight response\, and the window of tolerance\nAssessment – how and why to gather background information effectively\nThe impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and Early Help pathways\nPractical considerations for schools – safe spaces\, time out\, and the role of named support staf\nEffective communication – styles\, tools\, and resources to engage young people\nCoping strategies – distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy approaches (e.g.\, breathing exercises\, mindfulness\, distraction techniques\, self-soothe boxes)\nRecognising when to escalate concerns – guidance on referrals to GPs\, CAMHS\, or counselling services.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nDevelop an understanding of how anxiety affects the body and learn how to explain this in simple terms to young people\nGain practical skills in conducting initial assessments and history taking related to mental health concerns\nExpand your toolkit of school-based adjustments and strategies to support students with anxiety\nImprove your awareness of referral pathways and understand the importance of effective multi-agency collaboration.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nDr Jody Walshe\, Educational and Child Psychologist \nDr Jody Walshe is an Educational and Child Psychologist working in London borough. Jody completed her doctorate at the University of East London. She is also a Consultant Psychologist providing consultations for foster carers and supervising social workers. She is a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council. \nBefore commencing her training\, Jody worked as a teacher\, learning support assistant and tutor with young people from 5-19. The focus of much of her work looked at anxiety and mental health issues in school settings. Her doctoral research explored the experiences\, perceptions and training needs of secondary school staff working with self-harm \n\nThis event will be held jointly with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/supporting-boarders-with-anxiety-practical-tips-and-strategies/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) This webinar will NOT be recorded.\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T100000
DTSTAMP:20260204T164858Z
CREATED:20250725T140002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T164858Z
UID:64536-1770800400-1770804000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting pupils with Autism
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 SLT\, Inclusion Lead\, Head of Boarding\, Teaching and Boarding staff\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up \n\nCourse Outline: \nSchools are increasingly neurodiverse. This webinar will focus on best practice when supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Condition and how to ensure our school environment and boarding houses are safe\, inclusive spaces fostering a sense of belonging. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nUnderstanding of the unique characteristics and challenges of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)\nHow ASC can impact on life in boarding\nHolistic\, inclusive approaches\nBeing an advocate for pupils with ASC.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nEstablish positive relationships with pupils with ASC and their parents/guardians\nConsider inclusive practices in school and in the boarding house\nSkills and strategies to support pupils with ASC.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \n \nGaelle Sullivan\, Director of Research\, Inclusion and IELA \nGaelle 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.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/supporting-pupils-with-autism-spectrum-condition-2/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This training will be recorded
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T103000
DTSTAMP:20260218T113451Z
CREATED:20250725T141735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T113451Z
UID:64541-1771839000-1771842600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Inclusive Recruitment Practices
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Headteachers\, Deputy and Assistant Headteachers\, Heads of Boarding and HR professionals\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline: \nWe want our schools to be as inclusive and diverse as possible. However\, if we do what we’ve always done\, we’ll get what we’ve always got. Join us for this interactive seminar where we will address the challenges of recruiting a diverse workforce. Our speaker will provide practical strategies to support inclusive recruitment practices in schools. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nYou want to be genuinely authentic and inclusive when recruiting ALL staff\nYou want to increase the diversity of your staff\nYou want to be compliant with the law\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nReview of current recruitment processes\nPractical steps for a more diverse staff body\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: David Walker FTIOB\, Executive Director\, Boarding and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid Walker has over 20 years’ experience in boarding education\, having worked in a variety of schools across the UK and Africa. His career includes leadership roles in both senior and prep school settings\, complemented by service as a prep school governor and trustee of a multi-academy trust. Before joining the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-educational independent school in the South-East\, where he oversaw student welfare and pastoral care. His extensive background in safeguarding\, boarding leadership\, and governance gives him a broad perspective on the sector\, enabling him to support schools in delivering outstanding pastoral provision.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/inclusive-recruitment-practices-2/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) This webinar will NOT be recorded.\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T160000
DTSTAMP:20260209T130343Z
CREATED:20251030T152949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T130343Z
UID:67351-1771855200-1771862400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting boys to thrive
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧EDI leaders\, managers\, HR specialists\, SLT and anyone with an interest and passion for inclusion\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline \nThis interactive webinar\, How to Support Boys to Thrive\, is designed to help school staff explore healthy models of masculinity and promote emotional literacy among boys. The session will unpack common barriers that boys face in expressing emotions and challenge stereotypes that can restrict their wellbeing and development. Through a mix of practical strategies\, reflective discussion\, and case examples\, delegates will learn how to create supportive environments where boys feel safe to express themselves\, build resilience\, and thrive both academically and socially. \nLearning Outcomes \n\nIdentify how societal and cultural expectations of masculinity can influence boys’ behaviour\, relationships\, and learning.\nDevelop strategies to encourage emotional expression and literacy in boys\, fostering positive communication and resilience.\nApply practical approaches within school settings to support boys in building healthy self-identities and thriving both inside and outside the classroom.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nFredi Beard\, Director of Strategy & Partnerships\, Voicebox Theatre CIC \nFredi oversees the smooth running of Voicebox\, and is the company’s Director of Partnerships & Strategy. He has completed an MSc in Creative Arts and Mental Health from Queen Mary\, University of London. Fredi has extensive experience of facilitating conversations on masculinity with a breadth of different audiences including adolescents\, primary age children & professionals. Fredi’s particular interests lie in male mental health and facilitating spaces where men and boys can proactively increase each other’s wellbeing and bond with each other.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/supporting-boys-to-thrive/
LOCATION:Virtual – Zoom\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260225T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260225T163000
DTSTAMP:20260222T165024Z
CREATED:20260113T074618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T165024Z
UID:64545-1772011800-1772037000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Mental health - supporting everyone conference
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £235\n🎧 Heads\, Deputy Heads\, Heads of Boarding\, Mental health Leads\, Inclusion Leads\, Nurses\, Health Centre Leads\, Boarding & pastoral staff\n📍 Online (conference)\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up \n\nCourse outline: \nThis one-day programme brings together leading practitioners to explore mental health and wellbeing across the whole school community. Join us to apply evidence-based strategies in your workplace and address key topics including adolescence\, emotional regulation\, school culture\, life transitions and the role of wider influences including nutrition. \nThroughout the day\, expert speakers will share practical insights and actionable approaches designed to help schools create supportive\, resilient environments where pupils\, staff\, and alumni can thrive. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nAdolescent brain development and its impact on behaviour\, emotion\, and decision-making\nEmotional regulation and whole-school approaches to wellbeing\nCreating supportive\, psychologically safe school environments\nPractical strategies for identifying and supporting mental health needs\nThe influence of lifestyle factors\, including nutrition\, on mental wellbeing\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nDevelop a deeper understanding of adolescent development and mental health\nGain practical strategies to support emotional regulation and positive behaviour\nFeel more confident in recognising and responding to mental health concerns\nUnderstand how to contribute to a whole-school culture of wellbeing\nBe equipped with realistic\, evidence-based approaches that can be applied in everyday school life\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nProgramme: \n09:30 – 10:15 \nSession 1 – Building emotional regulation for whole school wellbeing \nThis session will explore what it means to create a genuinely supportive environment for mental health within a school setting. It will consider the role of school culture\, relationships\, and everyday practices in promoting wellbeing for pupils and staff. Drawing on practical examples and reflective discussion\, the session will highlight how small\, intentional changes can foster psychological safety\, encourage help-seeking\, and ensure mental health support is embedded across the whole school community. \nChair: David Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nSpeaker: Alicia Drummond\, Founder\, The Wellbeing Hub \n10:15 – 10:30 \nBreak  \n10:30 – 11:30 \nSession 2 – Wellbeing\, Trust\, and Responsibility: Alumni Care Beyond the Gates \nThis session explores the key aspects of alumni wellbeing and ongoing duty of care beyond the school gates. Drawing on best-practice examples\, it will consider how schools can effectively support former pupils across a range of scenarios. Topics include mental and physical health\, managing concerns and complaints raised by past pupils\, appropriate signposting to external support\, and practical approaches schools can adopt to strengthen their alumni care provision. \nChair: David Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nSpeaker: Chris Braitch\, Director\, Seen and Heard \n11:30 – 11:45 \nBreak \n11:45 – 12:30 \nSession 3 – Building a school mental health hub: practical steps and strategies \nThis session explores how schools can develop and sustain an effective mental health hub to support pupils and the wider school community. Schools that have successfully established mental health hubs will share their experiences\, highlighting practical steps\, challenges\, and lessons learned along the way. Participants will gain insight into how a coordinated\, whole-school approach can improve access to support\, strengthen early intervention\, and embed mental wellbeing into everyday school life. \nChair: David Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nPanel: \n\nStacey Wallace\, Head of Medical Health and Welfare\, Clifton College\nDeanne Guest\, Deputy Head Pastoral\, Wellington College Prep\nTiernan Mealiffe\, Director of Boarding\, Blackrock College\n\n12:30 – 13:30 \nLunch \n13:30 – 14:15 \nSession 4 – Supporting young minds \nThis session will explore practical\, evidence-based approaches to promoting mental health and wellbeing in boarding schools. Participants will learn how to equip pupils\, staff\, and the wider school community with the knowledge\, skills\, and confidence to recognize mental health challenges\, provide peer support\, and create a resilient\, supportive environment. The session will draw on the Charlie Waller Trust’s expertise in training\, resources\, and consultancy to offer actionable strategies for everyday school life. \nChair: Jess McArdle\, Boarding and Education Services Manager \nSpeaker: Ian Macdonald\, Schools & Families Trainer\, Charlie Waller Trust \n14:15 – 14:30 \nBreak \n14:30 – 15:15 \nSession 5 – Supporting Staff Mental Health Under Heavy Workloads \nHeavy workloads can significantly impact staff wellbeing\, engagement\, and performance. This panel will explore practical strategies for supporting employee mental health during high-pressure periods\, from immediate interventions to longer-term cultural approaches. Panellists will discuss how organisations can create healthier\, more sustainable working environments while maintaining productivity. \nChair: Gaelle Sullivan\, Director of Research\, Inclusion and IELA \nPanel: \n\nEmma McKendrick\, Headmistress\, Downe House\nRobin Dyer\, former Head\, Ampleforth College\nCharlie Paterson\, Housemaster\, Eton College\n\n15:30 – 16:30 \nSession 6 – Fuel for the mind: how nutrition shapes mental wellbeing \nThis session explores the connection between nutrition and mental wellbeing\, examining how food choices can influence mood\, cognition\, stress levels\, and energy availability. It will challenge common misconceptions around diet and mental health and offer practical\, realistic strategies that can be easily applied in busy work and everyday life. \nChair: David Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nSpeaker: Dan Richardson\, MSc\, SENr\, Performance Nutrition Expert \n16:30 \nCONFERENCE CLOSE \n\nSpeakers: \nDavid Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid is the Executive Director\, Boarding and Director BSA/TIOB  and joined the BSA group in August 2023. He has over 20 years’ experience in boarding schools and has worked in a range of schools in the UK and Africa\, alongside being a prep school governor and a trustee of a MAT. Before taking up his post at the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-ed independent school in the South-East. \n  \n\n \nGaelle Sullivan\, Director of Research\, Inclusion and IELA \nGaelle 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 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. She is a trustee at a leading independent boarding school. \n  \n\nJess McArdle\, Boarding and Education Services Manager \nJess joined the BSA Group in April 2022 as a Business Support Executive\, bringing a broad range of experience from multiple industries. She spent nine years in the entertainment sector\, working across cruise lines\, holiday parks\, and television\, where she developed strong skills in customer service\, project coordination\, and creative problem-solving within fast-paced environments. Jess also worked as an Administrator for a golf signage company\, refining her attention to detail and organisational expertise. In her role at BSA Group\, Jess provides high-level support\, enhances operational efficiency\, and helps streamline processes. Her versatile background\, professionalism\, and proactive approach make her a highly valued and effective member of the team. \n\nAlicia Drummond\, Founder\, The Wellbeing Hub \nAlicia is a BACP-accredited therapist\, parenting expert\, and keynote speaker passionate about empowering children\, young people\, parents\, and educators to support mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on psychotherapy\, psychology\, and neuroscience\, she combines research with her experience as an adolescent therapist. A member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for a Fit and Healthy Childhood and a regular media contributor\, Alicia has worked with schools nationwide for over a decade. In 2020\, she founded The Wellbeing Hub\, an award-winning platform supporting over 130\,000 pupils in 220+ schools with evidence-based tools for staff\, parents\, carers\, and pupils. \n\nChris Braitch\, Seen and Heard\, Emotional health and leadership coach \nChris Braitch is a father of three whose mission is to move himself and the world around him towards connection and compassion. He works as an emotional health coach\, leadership coach with Compassionate Leaders Global\, and as the founding director of Seen & Heard\, and Seen & Heard Schools. Seen & Heard is not-for-profit offering wellbeing support to past and present pupils of the independent school system\, their families\, and the independent school sector. \n  \n\nStacey Wallace\, Head of Medical Health and Welfare\, Clifton College \nStacey is Head of Medical Health & Welfare at Clifton College\, leading a multidisciplinary health and wellbeing service supporting pupils across the College community. Appointed in 2022\, she has driven the strategic development of an expanded in-school model encompassing medical health\, sports health\, and mental health and wellbeing\, aligned with national priorities for early intervention and targeted support. A qualified nurse with experience in both the NHS and private sector\, Stacey has established a dedicated wellbeing space and built a skilled team of nurses\, counsellors\, sports medicine professionals\, and youth engagement workers. She is passionate about embedding accessible\, student-centred wellbeing as a core element of pastoral care\, with pupil voice central to service design. \n\nIan Macdonald\, Schools & Families Trainer\, Charlie Waller Trust \nIan has been a trainer with Charlie Waller since 2016\, supporting a wide range of children’s mental health initiatives. With an original background in sport sciences\, he later moved into public health and has a strong interest in the social determinants of health. Ian has worked across young people’s substance use services\, local public health\, Healthy Schools and Headstart programmes\, and has contributed to national guidance on alcohol and drug education for Mentor-ADEPIS. He also works at the Open University\, teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes focused on sport\, fitness and mental health in education\, and sits on several research programmes and networks. \n\nEmma McKendrick\, Headmistress\, Downe House \nEmma is a linguist who was educated at the Universities of Liverpool and Birmingham. She was Headmistress of the Royal School Bath from 1994-97 and took up her appointment as Headmistress of Downe House in 1997. She has a great deal of experience as a Governor of a variety of independent Senior and Prep Schools and was a member of the Independent Schools’ Examination Board and was a Trustee of the Prep School Baccalaureate. She was Chair of the Prep Schools Trust\, a Member of GSA\, HMC and BSA and a Fellow of the RSA. She is married and has two sons. When time allows\, she enjoys travel\, the theatre and cinema\, and spending time with her family. \n\nRobin Dyer\, former Head\, Ampleforth College \nAfter graduating with Politics Honours at Durham University\, Robin became a professional cricketer with Warwickshire for six years. He later moved into education\, teaching US Politics at Wellington College from 1986. Over 33 years there\, he coached the 1st XI cricket team\, served as a Housemaster\, and spent 17 years as Second Master\, acting as Master in 2005 and 2014. Robin retired in 2019 and settled in Lostwithiel\, Cornwall. Shortly after\, he became Headmaster of Ampleforth College\, completing a successful three-and-a-half-year assignment. He retired again in December 2022 and now serves as a governor of Truro School. \n\nCharlie Paterson\, Housemaster\, Eton College \nCharlie Paterson started his career as a Classics teacher at Latymer Upper School before joining Eton in 2015. He became a House Master in September 2022\, having previously been Deputy Head of Classics and Head of Years 12 and 13. Charlie has coached many junior rowing crews\, both on the tideway and at Eton. He has also been involved in redeveloping the school’s community engagement programme and ran the school’s major charitable event\, the Eton Action Fair for several years. Beyond Eton\, he is a school governor\, an experienced OCR examiner and a contributor to a range of A Level textbooks on Greek literature. \n\nDan Richardson\, MSc\, SENr\, Performance Nutrition Expert \nDan Richardson is a performance nutrition expert who supports elite and school-level athletes to optimise their health and athletic potential. He’s worked professionally as a nutritionist with teams such as Manchester City\, Sale Sharks\, Warrington Wolves and currently is currently the Academy Nutrition Lead at Leeds United. His approach to nutrition is simple\, evidence-based & food-first\, focusing on utilising the latest nutrition research to support all students and athletes. \n  \n\n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/mental-health-supporting-everyone-conference/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This training will be recorded
CATEGORIES:Conference,Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260227T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260227T153000
DTSTAMP:20260216T122431Z
CREATED:20250725T153444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T122431Z
UID:64576-1772188200-1772206200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Preparing for inspection England: ISI and Ofsted
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £175\n🎧 Safeguarding Leads\, Governors\, Trustees\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline: \nSchools have become familiar with the requirements of the regular inspection process. This virtual day seminar is aimed both at those who are familiar with the process and those completely new to it. The day focuses on the process itself\, preparation for forthcoming inspection visits\, and relevant updates on new legislation that could impact an inspection result. \nThroughout the session\, information and actions will refer to the National Minimum Standards 2022\, as well as referencing appropriate updates to other guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. \nThere will be specific breakout sessions during the day to focus on ISI or Ofsted as appropriate. Reference will therefore be made to either the ISI Framework and inspection process\, including Framework 23\, or the Ofsted SCCIF (Social Care Common Inspection Framework).  This training aims to be relevant and valuable regardless of where schools are in the inspection cycle. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nUpdates to current guidance – including KCSIE 2025 and the National Minimum Standards 2022\nPreparing for inspection – gathering evidence relating to the ISI or Ofsted inspection framework\nGoing beyond the minimum standard – securing the best outcomes for pupils\, actions that go beyond the minimum standards\nEmbedding a regular audit procedure – looking at the process of review and reflection and establishing a long-term process beyond the inspection cycle.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nRecommendations of how to prepare for an inspection\nIncreased understanding of relevant legislative and guidance updates\nRecommendations for conducting a regular audit procedure.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker:  \nSpeaker: Dale Wilkins FTIOB\, Executive Director\, BSA Group Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance \nDale joined the BSA in 2017 to lead safeguarding\, inspection\, and compliance across the UK\, building on his experience as a course tutor since 1998. He works closely with ISI\, Ofsted\, and the DfE\, while also overseeing the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA\, he is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Dale previously spent 31 years as a boarding practitioner\, including roles as Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. Beyond education\, he trains for the Methodist Church\, is a charity trustee\, chairs a performing arts organisation\, and volunteers widely.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/preparing-for-inspection-england-isi-and-ofsted-3/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This seminar will NOT be recorded\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260227T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260227T140000
DTSTAMP:20260211T171702Z
CREATED:20250725T154234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T171702Z
UID:64578-1772197200-1772200800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Guardian Toolbox talk
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ Free of charge\n🎧 BSA certified Guardians only\n📍 Online \n\nCourse outline: \n The aim of the “Toolbox Talks” is to provide ‘bite-sized’ presentations on relevant areas and then an opportunity to meet with other BSA Certified Guardians in breakout rooms. \nThe topic of this “Toolbox Talks” session will be confirmed shortly. \nBOOK NOW \n\n \nSpeaker: David Walker FTIOB\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid has over 20 years’ experience in boarding. His career includes leadership roles in senior and prep school settings across the UK and Africa\, complemented by service as a prep school governor and trustee of a multi-academy trust. David was previously Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-educational independent school\, where he oversaw student welfare. His background in safeguarding\, boarding leadership\, and governance gives him a broad perspective on the sector\, enabling him to support schools.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/spring-term-toolbox-talk-for-certified-guardians-3/
LOCATION:Virtual (Zoom) – This event will NOT be recorded\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Toolbox talk
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR