Part one of this training comprises three 90-minute online workshops. In addition to this, you will need to be able to commit to four hours of reading and preparation activities.

In part two, you’ll join eight, 75-minute small group supervisions. Taking part in these groups requires around one hour of preparation each time – reading Watch Me Play! materials and writing notes on a recent Watch Me Play! session with a family.

The course concludes with an optional follow-up online meeting for everyone who took part in training this year. It is an opportunity to take part in a Watch Me Play! case discussion, share experiences of current work and applications of the approach with other practitioners, ask questions and hear updates from research.

Two cohorts are available – please note that dates are not interchangeable, delegates must pick and book either cohort A or B, although the workshops are common to both cohorts. The dates are as follows:

Cohort A

Cohort B

This course will be delivered remotely using Zoom.

You will need a device with a microphone and camera together with a suitably fast internet connection. Although mobile devices and tablets can be used, we recommend the use of a laptop or desktop PC for the best experience. Some devices provided by employers may have restrictions in place. Please use this Zoom test link to check your set up before booking.

You will be sent the necessary login link about a week before the course start date. Should you have any concerns about the accessibility of remote delivery please contact us to discuss how we can best help you.

Part one: An introduction to Watch Me Play

Part one comprises three 90-minute online workshops:

• Workshop one: You will be introduced to the Watch Me Play! approach and explore the importance of child-led play and individual attention from caregivers.
• Workshop two: You will discuss the role of a Watch Me Play! practitioner and who can benefit from the approach, as well as case studies exploring the approach in different contexts.
• Workshop three: You’ll prepare for implementing Watch Me Play! into your practice and for checking fidelity to the approach in your work.

Part two: Watch Me Play! in practice

For part two of the course, participants should be using Watch Me Play! in current work with individual families or parent/carer-child dyads. You must have time to prepare for the training including:

• one hour for reading materials
• one hour for writing a case summary before each group
• four hours for collating case summaries and writing a reflection at the end of the course

We recommend that you are not taking part in another training at the same time.

The WMP approach was developed by Dr Jenifer Wakelyn, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, in collaboration with colleagues in early years, mental health, perinatal and social care services, and services for children with developmental and neurodevelopmental difficulties. Funding from the Tavistock Clinic Foundation supported the development of WMP. The approach is now used in services across the UK and in countries including China, Israel, Italy, Greece, Japan and South Africa.

More information about the approach can be found on the following websites:

• The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
• Watch Me Play! (dedicated website)

Integrating Watch Me Play! into your practice requires careful preparation. You will need time for direct work with families and for writing notes, and the support of managers and colleagues to develop your practice.

To benefit from this course you need:

• at least two years’ experience of work supporting children and families
• a good understanding of baby and child development
• opportunities to work with parents or carers and their baby or child where children are aged 0-8 years, or, in early years settings and schools, with individual children
• a room or a suitable quiet space for 1-1 work, or the capacity to offer home visits, or work online
• time to read the Watch Me Play! resources
• time to write detailed notes on Watch Me Play! sessions and to check sessions for fidelity to the Watch Me Play! approach

During the course teaching activities, participants are expected to be in a private space, where they can engage with other participants and live course learning without any interruption and with access to a device with a camera that is turned on.

Course members are expected to fully attend all the training sessions for the entire session- to ensure that all participants gain the maximum from everyone’s full participation in the programme.