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

Welcome to this module focused on effective communication One of the key skills for leaders and managers, particularly in social care, is communication. Every day needs to start and end with good communication to ensure that information is passed on accurately to the right people. It’s the role of the manager to set the tone for good communication across their service.​ In this module, you’ll start to explore some of the skills you need to be a good communicator, consider how to manage information safely and securely, and plan your next steps in providing good and outstanding adult social care services.​ The module is aligned to Standard 4 of the Manager Induction Standards and will cover the following 2 topics:​ Effective communication​ Handling information   100% of the cost of these modules can be reimbursed via the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). Visit Skills for Care website to learn more: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Funding/Learning-and-development-funding-for-adult-social-care.aspx?utm_source=LMS&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=StokeStaffsLMS&utm_content=LDSS Read more

This webinar will define end-of-life care and summarise the key principles of holistic care. Participants will develop awareness of the ReSPECT plan and recognise the importance of sensitive communication and its challenges. The session will identify physical care needs, recall psychological and physical symptoms at end of life, and explore management techniques. Additionally, it will develop awareness of care after death. Session Details This webinar is held via Microsoft Teams. Available sessions: 2 October 2025 - 2pm to 3:30pm 4 December 2025 - 2pm to 3:30pm Trainer Information 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 90 minutes participatory time 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

ESOL courses, starting in September, aim to help adult learners improve their English language skills, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These courses are ideal for those whose first language is not English, providing key language skills to boost confidence in everyday life and the workplace.   These courses are offered and completed through local colleges within Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. They are held externally to the Social Care Academy.   At the point of creating this course, all courses were free, however learners should contact the college to confirm they are eligible to complete the course for free. Some courses may result in a charge if they are not finished in time. We recommend enrolling in this course as a reminder, and to see the more detailed descriptions of each college's offer.   Be sure to also check out the ESOL - Preparing for Care course.   Stoke-on-Trent College English as a second language (ESOL) - Pre-Entry to Level 2 Course overview ESOL courses are delivered from September and seek to allow learners to improve their English language skills. The skills focused on are in streams as follows: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Course levels cover a wide range of abilities from Pre-Entry to Level 2 and successful completion of all courses are based on an assessment at the end of the course. Assessments are based upon the English skills that have been worked on throughout the course. Progression is usually, based upon successful completion of the previous level, to the next stream of English skills. For example, completing Entry 3 Speaking and Listening could lead to enrolment onto Entry 3 Reading and Writing.  These three skills will be taught up to Level 2. Accessing the course The course is available through Stoke-on-Trent College.     Newcastle and Stafford College Group English as a second language (ESOL) - Beginners English Course Overview This ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course is designed for learners who want to improve their basic English skills. The course will also help improve your confidence when communicating in everyday life situations. During the course, you will: Learn essential English vocabulary and phrases Practice everyday conversations Improve listening skills Read simple texts and understand main ideas Write short sentences and paragraphs The course combines reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills each week to prepare you for work a variety of everyday tasks through role play and peer learning. Your teacher will support you throughout the course, but you need to be committed and motivated to succeed. To support your progress, you will also need to complete an additional 2 hours of self-study each week through homework and online resources. Accessing the course The course is available through the Newcastle and Stafford College Group.   English as a second language (ESOL) - Level 1 Course overview Teaching will be taught in a holistic way, combining all skills to ensure you are prepared for living in the UK. Modules will include the following; however, more advanced grammatical concepts are embedded throughout the course. Reading Speaking and Listening Writing You will be encouraged to improve your speaking/listening skills using discussion/role play and presentations at a higher level. Different reading and writing strategies are used along with exam techniques, with lessons supporting everyday life activities. For example: writing will focus on more advanced letter writing and emails. Grammar is embedded into classes along with themes that comply with a citizenship element, such as: problem solving and education/giving advice about past situations and hypothetical scenarios. Students are encouraged to work in groups, pairs or independently to gain confidence and encourage expression along with the use of colloquial expressions. Your teacher will support you throughout the ESOL course, but it is important you have a real drive and commitment to achieving an ESOL qualification. Whilst studying with us you will need to complete an additional 2 hours of weekly self-study learning through homework. Accessing the course This course is available through the Newcastle and Stafford College Group. Read more

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

This e-Learning course aims to increase your understanding of falls, their effects, and your role in preventing them. The course includes information on fall prevention, defining what constitutes a fall, exploring the consequences and causes of falls, identifying and assessing risks, implementing interventions and support, and promoting activity and exercise.   This course has been developed by the Falls Team and Learning and Development Team at MPFT. Thanks to MPFT for granting permission for this e-Learning to be published on the Academy.   The training is aimed at all front-line health and care staff.   It is suitable for CPD purposes. It is up to internal organisations to decide whether this is suitable for mandatory learning purposes. Read more

We all know it but it’s often overlooked… our emotional health and wellbeing is just as important as our physical health and wellbeing. In the UK, some 10 percent of children and young people (aged 5-16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem. In the workplace, over half a million workers suffer from mental-health related conditions, with around 12.5 million working days being lost in 2016/17 as a result. Tragically, some 5,821 people committed suicide in 2017. Mental health illnesses are a leading cause of health-related disabilities, and can have long-lasting adverse effects on physical health, educational achievement, social relationships and employment prospects. This Ofqual regulated, level 2 one day course covers all of the subjects from the awareness qualification, along with giving learners the knowledge and confidence to assess for warning signs of suicide and self-harm, and have a greater understanding of the support available.   This training can be booked through Insight Academy's EventBrite Webpage. When: Wednesday 17 September, 9:30am - 4pm Where: Jenny Manning Room, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, ST1 5DD The car park at the Dudson Centre is at the front of the building and is pay & display   Eligibility This session is available to people who live or work in the Stoke-on-Trent area. Qualification Details and Validity The Award in First Aid for Mental Health (England, Wales, Northern Ireland RQF level 2 / Scotland SCQF level 5) does not expire, however regular refresher training is recommended. The course consists of six contact hours, including of practical and theoretical activities. Learners won’t be able to diagnose a specific condition or provide treatment, as with physical first aid, but will have the knowledge to identify when a person may have a mental health condition and know where the person can go to seek help. Additionally, the course will provide them with the skills to spot the signs of alcohol and drug abuse and how to approach such a topic. They will also learn about the mental health first aid action plan and be a point of contact within their workplace to help and support a person with a suspected mental health condition. Other Information Assessment is ongoing by the instructor, via a practical demonstration of the mental health first aid action plan and a multiple choice question paper Lunch & Refreshments will be provided, if you have any dietary requirements please let us know at least 2 weeks prior to the training date.   Read more