At Willow Dene we provide a coordinated range of courses, activities and information giving sessions for the parents and carers of Willow Dene families.

These include an annual information fair, courses from outside providers to address a particular need, training specific to groups of children and activities that parents can attend to socialise and be creative. Many of the courses are facilitated by Willow Dene staff and therapists but we are increasingly able to offer courses run by outside providers also.

There are parent training opportunities run in school throughout the year which include:

• Autism awareness - this is run in-house and focusses on the basics of Autism and gaining a better understanding of how to get the best outcomes for children who are on the Autistic Spectrum.
• NVR (non-violence resistance) training - we offer a 10 - week Non-Violent Resistance training to Willow Dene parents with children who can present with difficult and challenging behaviours. There is an initial introductory session which aims to inform parents about what the course entails and its benefits. The NVR course aims to help parents to respond to challenging behaviour in a calm, planned and thoughtful way. It is based on building connections with your children. NVR can also help with siblings, your own wellbeing and home life in general.
• Sensory processing - this is run in-house by our Sensory Processing Coordinator and has a focus on understanding children's sensory needs and giving strategies to parents to help manage them.
• Parents' Craft Group - A relaxed, parent-led Craft Group every Thursday morning at 10.30am! Our inclusive group welcomes all parents, whether you're an experienced crafter, enjoy sewing, or have never tried art or crafts before. No previous experience is needed—just come along, have a chat, learn something new, and enjoy being creative together. The crafts that the parents and carers make are sold at school fundraising events, with all proceeds going to Friends of Willow Dene to help support our school community. We'd love to welcome you!
• Greenwich Time To Talk - Focused training and workshops on Increasing Self Esteem and Building Resilience.
• Royal Borough of Greenwich parents workshop, Pathways Into Moving To Adulthood -This informative workshop is designed to support parents and carers to understand the transition from children's to adult services for their young person with additional needs. It is an opportunity to gain information, ask questions, and learn more about the support available throughout the transition process.
• Deputyship Workshop – To support Willow Dene parents and carers in understanding and navigating the legal framework of Deputyship, particularly when their young person with SEN approaches adulthood.

Look out for information coming home via Home School Contact Books about upcoming training.