The varying effects of alcohol have been observed by human civilization for thousands of years. Its use is often varied, having a place in all levels of society and utilised consistently in medicine, religion, and social ritualism. The eternal contradiction between alcohol as essential for pleasure yet being a catalyst for pain and societal evil, is found throughout much…
Supporting Children
Autism Awareness Week
This year sees the return of National Autism Week, and the 10th Anniversary of the Autism Act in England. Pioneered by the National Autistic Society (NAS), the goal of National Autism Week is to raise public awareness and draw attention to the 700,000 people living with autism within the UK, and to help make the…
Ofsted Framework Changes and Positive Behaviour
We have all seen and heard the news that Ofsted has launched the consultancy into their revised inspection framework to potentially come into place in September 2019. Within the proposed changes, change to the judgment of personal development, behaviour and welfare split – We at ABLE applaud the changes with this split. Accompany this with…
The Importance of First Aid for Parents and Grandparents
Accidents happen all the time, so the knowledge for what to do when an accident does happen is critical. This is more so the case when you become a parent. Children are very good at getting themselves into accidents and injuries ranging from scraped knees to broken bones are commonplace during childhood. Whether you’re a…
Updates to Safeguarding: Working Together to Safeguard 2018
When working with children or vulnerable adults, the number one priority is their safety. Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable people and protect them from harm. When working with such vulnerable individuals, it’s important to be aware of the policies and procedures to follow to best…
The Myths Surrounding Self Harm
The phrases ‘self harm’ or ‘self injury’ are used to describe a wide range of behaviours. There are many misunderstandings related to these behaviours and the reasons why they occur. Self-harm is often understood to be a physical response to an emotional pain of some kind, and can be very addictive. Some of the things…
Child Sexual Exploitation: myths vs reality
Five myths about child sexual exploitation Three years after the revelation of the biggest child sexual exploitation (CSE) scandal that shocked the country and one year after the publication of ‘Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation’, a comprehensive report that set out how the Government would deal with CSE and respond to the identified failures myths still…
What do you need to know about Prevent Awareness Training?
The Prevent duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on schools and childcare providers to have due regard for the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism without stifling valuable discussion that will help staff and children understand the risks associated with terrorism and develop the knowledge and skills…
Should foster carers learn physical intervention techniques?
Should breakaway, restraint, safe or therapeutic holding and physical intervention training be offered to foster carers? Physical intervention should always be a last resort and de-escalation skills, proactive behavioural strategies and empathetic behavioural support are always preferable but there are occasions when physical skills may sometimes be necessary and appropriate. If a foster carer is…
Three quarters of UK children aged 10-12 have social media accounts
Yesterday was Safer Internet Day which saw thousands of organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people, co-ordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre. A report from the Centre shows that overwhelmingly young people want the internet to be a positive and inclusive…