Gill Taha (Mind Northamptonshire) leads this session.

Audience: The session is suitable for School-based staff - teaching and non-teaching, including leadership (primary and secondary phase colleagues).

Grief is a deeply personal experience, yet we often face pressure—from ourselves or others—to "move on" within a set timeframe. This session shifts the focus away from "getting over" pain and instead explores loss as a continuous journey.

While the loss itself remains a part of our lives, our relationship to it evolves. We will discuss how to navigate this individual path at your own pace, helping you understand that while the journey is different for everyone, it can become easier to carry over time.

The session will explore:

• Understanding Loss: Explore several types of loss and how to support an individual through it.
• Confidence in Conversation: Develop the skills to initiate sensitive discussions about death and loss, and gain confidence in managing highly emotional situations.
• Cultural & Spiritual Perspectives: Briefly explore how diverse beliefs shape the grieving process.
• Holistic Support: Learn how to balance emotional empathy with practical, hands-on support.
• Practitioner Wellbeing: Understand the vital importance of self-care and maintaining your own boundaries while supporting others experiencing grief or loss.

Delivered by Stephen Burnage

Steve Burnage FCCT FRSA M.Ed is an experienced education consultant, author, and fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching with over 35 years’ experience in teaching and leadership.

The school office is a high-pressure environment where safeguarding, customer service, and administration collide. This half-day intensive workshop is designed to sharpen communication, build resilience, and streamline efficiency.

Who Should Attend?

Specifically designed for School Receptionists, Office Administrators, and Front-of-House Staff who want to reduce stress while increasing their professional impact.

Key Areas of Focus:

• The Quality Service Chain: Ensuring every interaction—from the first "hello" to the final sign-out—reflects your school’s values.
• Mastering the Phones: Beyond etiquette—learning the psychology of tone, voice-pattern matching, and the "smile while dialling" technique.
• De-escalation & Boundaries: Practical toolkits for handling upset parents, confidential inquiries, and unannounced visitors with empathy and firm professional boundaries.
• The Priority Matrix: Strategies for planning and prioritisation