What is the Capability in Schools Programme?
Capability in Schools is a 9-week early intervention group work programme for children with emerging social and emotional support needs. The group is designed to be delivered with 8-10 children in Key Stage 2 (primary school’s years 3 to 6). Children who are referred to the programme will have needs in one or more of the following areas:
- identifying, expressing and managing their feelings and emotions
- low confidence or self-esteem issues
- friendship issues
- vulnerability to internet abuse
Many of the children who will meet the criteria for the group may have also experienced multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including trauma, isolation and loss of social skills, neglect, unexpected separation of the family unit (death, relationship breakdown etc.), emotionally based school non-attendance and domestic abuse. These types of experiences will increase their vulnerability to having developmental and social difficulties.
Aaliyah, aged 10
'I have enjoyed the group because we are able to explain ourselves without people interrupting.'
The aims of the programme are:
- To help children to understand their feelings and emotions and develop strategies to express themselves in healthy ways.
- To enable children to identify the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and enhance their problem-solving skills in everyday situations.
- To equip children with the tools to thrive in their friendships by enhancing their communication skills and understanding boundaries in relationships.
- To explore issues of disinformation and cyber bullying and teach children how to keep safe online.
- To support children’s resilience and self-esteem with a focus on body positivity and celebrating diversity.
Marcus, aged 9
'Welcare has helped me learn that it is okay to have worries, and how to show how I feel and share it with others.'
What Welcare can offer in the partnership with schools
- The programme is delivered in person by our trauma-informed family support workers. They are managed by an experienced social worker who holds responsibility for safeguarding and risk management.
- We can work with children and families in complex and challenging circumstances while managing all aspects of safeguarding
- If needed, we can use our established networks and community connections to signpost families to other appropriate support. If a family is identified as needing additional support, with consent, we can provide this through our 1:1 whole family support service.
Sophie, aged 8
'Welcare has helped me to trust others more and be more confident with my friends.'
What we need from partnership schools
- A designated member of staff to be our point of contact throughout the academic year
- Referrals to be received using Welcare’s referral process
- Commitment to supporting the charitable work of Welcare with a fundraising event during the school year
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