Below is a selection of free pre‑recorded training sessions created to support educational professionals. These resources cover a range of topics and offer practical strategies and interventions to help you in your professional role. 

These training videos have been created by Buckinghamshire Assistant Educational Psychologists. 

Tree of Life

Tree of Life training involves exploring and externalising personal issues and challenges by using the metaphor of a tree. Students learn to visualise their life experiences, strengths, and aspirations as different parts of a tree. The training may include:

• storytelling
• discussions
• creative activities

This helps individuals to reframe their narratives, emphasising resilience, connections, and personal growth. 

By metaphorically representing one's life as a tree, this training encourages a positive and empowering perspective. It allows individuals to build a narrative that reflects their strengths and potential for positive change.

[Download a transcript for the Tree of Life training - PDF, 420KB]

Lego-based therapy

LEGO-based therapy is an evidence-based approach specifically designed to cultivate social communication skills in children with social communication difficulties. It focuses on key aspects such as:

• sharing
• turn-taking
• following rules
• using names
• problem-solving 

In practice, children engage in small group sessions. Each participant assumes a distinct role within the collaborative construction process: 

• Engineers refer to LEGO instructions and collaborate with the Supplier.
• The Supplier is responsible for providing the necessary LEGO pieces.
• The Builder, in turn, follows the instructions provided by the Engineer, constructing the LEGO model. 

This structured approach not only addresses core social communication skills but also introduces a clear framework for cooperation and interaction. This makes it particularly effective for individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN). 

 [Download a transcript for Lego-based therapy training - PDF, 402KB]

 Precision Monitoring

Precision Monitoring teaching is an instructional approach aimed at refining the precision and fluency of reading, spelling, and maths skills. Precision Teaching concentrates on targeted skill enhancement. 

The sessions are taught in a one-on-one setting between: 

• an adult (such as a Teacher, Teaching Assistant (TA)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), or parent)
• a student

Each session is approximately 10 minutes and occurs daily. 

The method uses a repetitive structure to prompt students to recall spelling and reading skills. This approach allows students to master specific skills before moving on to the next task. Ideally taught in a quiet setting outside the standard classroom environment, daily sessions are imperative to afford students consistent opportunities for skill practice and development. Progress needs to be tracked over time to ensure continual progress. 

[Download a transcript for Precision Monitoring training - PDF, 300KB]