Parent Talks

As part of our commitment to working with all stakeholders who care for children we offer parent talks.  These online or in person talks introduce parents to an understanding of executive functions, developmental differences, and how executive function challenges can impact learning and behaviour.  We cover:

– How emotions and executive functions interact and the impact on learning and behaviour.

–  A new lens for understanding children’s behaviour and learning challenges. 

– A more sophisticated application of a growth mindset.

– The link between trauma and executive function development

– Our three step approach to supporting children with executive function challenges 

All of our trainers have extensive experience in work to develop strong executive functions.  They are all professionals in their own right working work the field of psychology, coaching, or teaching. 

Assemblies & Talks 

Inspirational sessions designed to celebrate the brilliance of neurodiversity.

We guide students to appreciate different ways of thinking and highlight the strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to their communities. With a focus on executive function skills, our talks empower students to understand how their brains work, fostering empathy and collaboration. These engaging sessions inspire a positive, inclusive mindset where every student feels valued for their unique abilities, creating a more supportive and thriving school environment.

Resources & CPD Webinars

As part of our commitment to supporting teachers to provide explicit executive function skills development as part of their everyday practice, we offer schools affordable subscription services which offer all their teaching staff access to our library of executive function resources and CPD accredited webinars.

Our subscription service offers:

• Monthly Intro. Webinar

• Resource Library

• Discounts on all training

• Twice Termly CPD sessions

• CPD session Library

• Group Supervision

• Consultancy

EF Coach Training

Executive function coach training is for all professionals supporting young people in a 1:1 setting. Schools often send TAs, SEND staff and pastoral staff on our training. 

Trainee coaches learn about the neuroscience behind executive function challenges, key questioning techniques and our proven 3 step approach to helping young people embed new habits in their learning and behaviour.

Trainees leave with Level 1: Core Skills in Executive Function Coaching accreditation and with our support can progress further up the 4 levels and become Master Executive Function Coaches. The course covers 22 core standards and skills needed to start practising as an executive function coach.

Our 32-hour coach training is run over 6 consecutive weeks and follows a blended learning (self-study/workshop) format. 

1: Introduction to executive function skills and neuroplasticity

2: Coaching Skills – questioning and reflection skills used to motivate learners to change

3: Connect Phase – executive function language and empathy to get to the bottom of learner’s challenges

4: Collaborate Phase – working with learners to create strategies which really work for them

5: Support Phase – how to support learners to embed habits over the long term

6. Wider community – how to share and use your knowledge across your whole school community. 

Our training is a blended online model.  The six modules have a self-study (online video-based) element and a 3-hour workshop element (usually held online).  Workshops consist of: group discussions, activities, triad practice, independent reflection and peer group collaboration.  The course concludes with a graded open-book assessment.  

*Our training is based on the seminal book, ‘Coaching Students with Executive Function Deficits’ by Dr Peg Dawson and Dr Richard Guare and the authors of the book have helped us work on the content and accreditation. Based on our own professional expertise we have also integrated more of a focus on promoting and preserving student wellbeing and understanding of the UK education system.

Neuro-Inclusive Classroom Practice

Imagine a classroom where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed. Neuro-Inclusive Classroom Practice equips teachers with the tools to create such an environment, where neurodiversity is not only recognized but celebrated.

Our program guides teachers through a transformative shift, maintaining lesson content while adjusting language, feedback, and classroom dynamics to help all learners develop essential structured metacognitive skills. The ultimate goal? To foster lifelong, self-regulated learners.

Our accredited training focuses on five core competencies:

1. The 8th Sense: Discovering the Power of Interoception
   Understand the foundation of self-regulation through interoception.

2. Self-Regulation through Co-Regulation
   Leverage the transformative power of compassion to foster co-regulation.

3. Humanising Neurodiversity
   Explicitly develop executive function skills to empower all students.

4. Self-Reflection for Independence
   Use mental contrasting techniques to promote independence in learners.

5. Building Habits that Last
   Use feedback to help students develop sustainable learning habits for success. 

To ensure practical application, we offer 4 levels of accreditation, moderated by our team of educational psychologists:

• Level 1: Core Skills
• Level 2: Competent
• Level 3: Advanced
• Level 4: Master (Train the Trainer)

Level 1 is available as a full-day INSET training, delivered at your school or across a group of schools, providing a comprehensive introduction to neuroinclusive practices. Progression through Levels 2 to 4 involves supervision, case studies, portfolios, and independent assessment, giving teachers the tools and guidance to fully integrate these practices.

Most schools aim to have at least one Level 4 practitioner, who can offer training and supervision internally, ensuring a sustainable, long-term approach to neuroinclusive education.

Our approach blends theory with hands-on application, providing the structure and support needed to create neuroinclusive classrooms that benefit every learner.

Self-Study Courses

At Connections in Mind, we are committed to raising awareness of executive functions and reaching teachers from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe. That’s why we have developed a series of easy-to-access online courses at very affordable prices.

Introduction to Executive Functions – 45-minute course (3 x 10 min. videos)

– Learn what executive functions are, the neuroscience behind them and the factors that affect our executive functioning.

– Look at what executive function challenges look like at school, in relationships and how they can impact behaviour at home.

– Understand how teachers should communicate with learners to support the development of these skills.

– Support young people to develop strong executive functioning through shared literacy, specific praise and co-regulation.

– Short quizzes to consolidate your learning.