Training available at the Social Care Academy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

This suite of bitesize digital skills e-learning modules has been developed for all staff working in adult social care. Each module looks at one of 7 areas of digital knowledge and skills under the Digital Skills Framework (opens in a new tab). Whilst each module can be completed separately, they complement each other, and completing the full suite of modules will ensure well-rounded learning of digital skills that can support your knowledge and use of technology in the delivery of care. Read more

Please note this training is currently only being offered to carers that work in Learning Disability Care Settings, that are based in the following areas : East Staffordshire (e.g. Burton, Uttoxeter, Lichfield and Tamworth) West Staffordshire (e.g. Cannock, Rugeley, Stafford, Penkridge, Stone and Codsall). Course Date Dysphagia - 10th October 2025 - 10:00 - 14:30 - The Flanagan Centre, St Georges Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford, ST16 3SR Dysphagia - 7th November 2025 - 10:00 - 14:30 - The Friary Centre, St Michael’s Court, Trent Valley Road, Lichfield, WS13 6EF Registration and coffee is from 09.45am with a prompt start at 10:00 - Please ensure you arrive prior to 10:00am. How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training can be held at two different venue locations, please check your booking before attending. Course Aim and Description Do you provide care for people with a learning disability? Do those people also have Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)? If so, please watch this short video, which will help you identify any training needs you might have when supporting people with Learning Disability and Dysphagia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKU3xo8VmZ4 To support gaps in knowledge and skill, you can now take advantage of free Dysphagia training, which is being offered by your local Speech and Language Team. Please note! If you are based in Shropshire, Telford or Stoke, there are alternative dysphagia training sessions currently being offered by the local Speech and Language Teams who work in those areas. Who is this session for? This session is aimed at all support staff who work in community settings Who support someone with a Learning Disability - to eat and drink and take medication When that person also has swallowing difficulties This course is delivered in-person and involves a presentation of information using projected slides. There will also be guided opportunities to take part in practical activities (e.g. food and drink preparation and modification) and group discussions. There are 16 places available on each course, which lasts for 4½ hours (this includes a 30-minute lunch break). Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be available on the day. Delegates will need to bring their own lunch. The course content will cover the following topics: The normal swallow; the factors that can affect the swallow; the risks to a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life when they have difficulties swallowing; and understanding how to support individuals to continue to enjoy meals and drinks, while reducing their risks of choking and aspiration. By the end of the session the learner should be able to: • Understand how swallowing works • Understand the risks associated with a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) - including risks of choking and aspiration • Understand the factors which need to be considered when supporting a person with dysphagia • Know how to make a referral to Speech and Language Therapy to request a swallowing assessment • Know how to correctly prepare and modify textures of food and drink in line with national guidance (IDDSI) Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.   Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to individuals in Staffordshire or for individuals outside of Staffordshire receiving care funded or commissioned by Staffordshire County Council. Course Dates Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 16th September 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 6th October 2025 - 09:30-17:00 -  Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 18th November 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 11th February 2026 - 09:30-17:00 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF (Tickets to be released later in the year) Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 11th March 2026 - 09:30-17:00 Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF (Tickets to be released later in the year) How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite)  Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford, ST18 0BF Course Aim and Description Aim: To gain a complete understanding of dysphagia management using IDDSI standards By successfully completing this course you will be able to: •             Understand the difference between a normal swallow and an abnormal swallow •             Understand what is dysphagia, the signs and symptoms associated with this condition •             Identify common causes and underlying medical conditions associated with dysphagia •             Understand the implications of dysphagia on a person’s health and wellbeing •             Explain the risk factors of aspiration and choking and list some strategies to prevent them •             Describe the importance of maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition with safe and efficient swallowing function •             Explain why is early detection of dysphagia is important •             Understand the importance of the individual’s diet history in the dysphagia assessment process •             Explain about the process of assessment and screening of dysphagia •             Participate in a group discussion – real life examples and best practices to manage dysphagia in different care settings •             List the relevant legislations in the UK •             Explain the importance of safe management of food production for people affected by dysphagia. •             Understand what is the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), impact, causes and consequences •             Describe the IDDSI framework and levels •             Understand the rationale behind texture modification of food and drink according to IDDSI levels •             Understand texture modification of food according to IDDSI levels •             Participate in texture modification and demonstrate your knowledge by testing the texture compliance with IDDSI levels •             Understand texture modification of drinks  according to IDDSI levels •             Participate in texture modification and demonstrate your knowledge by testing the texture compliance with IDDSI levels •             Explain the importance of promoting independence and dignity of all the service users •             Understand the importance of proper positioning during meals •             List the equipment and assistive devices which can be used to support individuals with dysphagia •             Explain how to use and maintain dysphagia-specific equipment effectively •             Explain the need to gain education and training on safe swallowing strategies and diet modifications •             Understand the safe feeding techniques •             Understand how environmental factors impact safe swallowing •             Understand why is communication and collaboration important •             Explain how to communicate effectively with individuals and team members •             Understand the need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals •             Describe the importance of documentation and accurate record-keeping •             Explain the process of documentation of assessment results and recommended interventions •             Describe why you should regularly monitor and review the swallowing function and dietary tolerance of the individual •             Understand how to recognise and respond to choking incidents and implement emergency protocols Booking Changes Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk Car Parking Please note that car parking is free on the day, however you must register your car registration when entering the venue, there are QR codes available in the foyer of the venue. If you don't do this, you will be charged. Refreshment's Refreshments will not be provided on the day, however there are shops close by and a cafe on site. If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

Please note this training is currently only being offered to Learning Disability homes based in the North of the Staffordshire County Course Date Dysphagia Training - 4th December 2025 - 09:00 - 12:00 - Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB Course Aim and Description Do you provide care for people with a learning disability? Do those people also have Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). If so, please watch this short video, which will help you identify any training needs you might have when supporting people with Learning Disability and Dysphagia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKU3xo8VmZ4 To support gaps in knowledge and skill, you can now take advantage of free Dysphagia training, which is being offered by your local speech and language team Who is this session for? • This session is aimed at all support staff working in community settings • Who support someone with a Learning Disability - to eat and drink and take medication • When that person also has swallowing difficulties • The course is delivered in-person and involves a presentation of information using projected slides, as well as practical exercises and group participation and discussion. • The course content covers the following topics: the normal swallow; what factors can affect the swallow; the risks to a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life when they have difficulties swallowing; and information about how to support individuals to continue to enjoy meals and drinks more safely. This includes learning how to modify the textures of food and drinks. By the end of the session the learner should be able to: • Understand how swallowing works • Understand the risks associated with a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) - including choking • Understand the factors which need to be considered when supporting a person with dysphagia • Know how to make a referral for a Speech and Language Therapy Assessment of the swallow • Know how to modify textures of food and drink in line with national guidance (IDDSI) Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

Please note this training is currently only being offered to Learning Disability homes based in the North of the Staffordshire County Course Date Dysphagia Training - 7th October 2025 - 12:30 - 15:30 - Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB Course Aim and Description Do you provide care for people with a learning disability? Do those people also have Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). If so, please watch this short video, which will help you identify any training needs you might have when supporting people with Learning Disability and Dysphagia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKU3xo8VmZ4 To support gaps in knowledge and skill, you can now take advantage of free Dysphagia training, which is being offered by your local speech and language team Who is this session for? • This session is aimed at all support staff working in community settings • Who support someone with a Learning Disability - to eat and drink and take medication • When that person also has swallowing difficulties • The course is delivered in-person and involves a presentation of information using projected slides, as well as practical exercises and group participation and discussion. • The course content covers the following topics: the normal swallow; what factors can affect the swallow; the risks to a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life when they have difficulties swallowing; and information about how to support individuals to continue to enjoy meals and drinks more safely. This includes learning how to modify the textures of food and drinks. By the end of the session the learner should be able to: • Understand how swallowing works • Understand the risks associated with a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) - including choking • Understand the factors which need to be considered when supporting a person with dysphagia • Know how to make a referral for a Speech and Language Therapy Assessment of the swallow • Know how to modify textures of food and drink in line with national guidance (IDDSI) Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

This e-learning course is designed to support you with the early identification of people who may be End of Life. This course on Early Identification of End of Life covers essential topics such as national influences and priorities in end-of-life care, emphasising what individuals identify as important. It includes guidance on assessment and identification using the Gold Standard Framework, focusing on recognising end-of-life stages and understanding illness trajectories. Additionally, the course prepares participants for managing the deterioration of people who are end of life, ensuring compassionate and effective care during their final stages of life. Please also see other Palliative Care and End of Life training courses developed by the MPFT Palliative and End of Life Care Team (Palliative + EOLC): E-Learning: Palliative Care Introduction for Care Support Workers Advance Care Planning Early Identification of End of Life Spirituality and End of Life Care The SWAN Model in End of Life and Bereavement Care   Webinars: Available for registered staff: Assessment and Care Planning in Palliative and End of Life Care Care After Death Last Days of Life Available for all staff: ReSPECT and Advance Care Planning Responding to Distress: Communication Skills End of Life Education for Care Agencies Symptom Management at End of Life Care for Care Homes   This training is suitable for all care support worker staff.   This training is equivalent to one hour participatory hours for CPD. A certificate will be provided upon completion of this training.   This training does discuss death and dying, and may be upsetting for some audiences.   This training was developed by the MPFT Palliative and End of Life Care Team (Palliative + EOLC). Read more