Masterclass: Behaviour as communication – looking beyond the behaviour

Who is this masterclass for?

This masterclass is open to all kinship carers living in England.

Caring for children who have experienced early adversity can bring both profound connection and deep emotional challenge. When behaviour feels confusing or intense, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed. This 90-minute masterclass offers a space to gently pause, step back, and reframe behaviour not as something to “manage” but as something to understand.

You might find this masterclass helpful if you:

• want to better understand what might be going on underneath a child’s behaviour
• are curious about how to meet children with more connection, not just correction
• often find yourself doing the emotional heavy lifting and want space to reflect on the impact
• would like some gentle reminders and reflections to support your caring role
• appreciate spaces that focus on empathy, curiosity, and real-life relationships

What this masterclass will cover

In this 90-minute masterclass, we’ll explore the idea that behind every behaviour, there may be a story, a need, or an emotion that hasn’t yet found words. By sparking our curiosity and exploring the stories behind the behaviour, we can begin to see the child with new eyes. When we shift from asking “What’s wrong with them?” to “What might have happened to them and what do they need now?” we open up space for greater empathy, insight, and connection.  

We’ll also reflect on the emotional heavy lifting involved in being on the receiving end of behaviour and how important it is to look after ourselves in the process. This isn’t about having all the answers but about holding space to reflect, strengthen our capacity to stay curious, and keep learning together in ways that honour both the child and the carer. 

How the masterclass will work

The masterclass will last 90 minutes.

We’re holding this masterclass online using a free platform called Zoom. See below for information on how to join via Zoom.

The session will be a presentation, not an interactive workshop. You will be able to ask questions via the chat, but you won’t be able to speak. This is because there will be lots of kinship carers in the session and we have a limited time.

After the session, you will receive a link to a resource page, which will include the presentation for you to download.

How to join the masterclass

You can access Zoom through a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or even your phone. You may need to download Zoom before you join – please factor in time to do that. The best experience will be through a computer or laptop. Watch a video on how to join a Zoom meeting.

To join the masterclass, click on the Zoom link in the email we sent you.

Please make sure you:

• join on time – late joiners might not be admitted after 15 minutes
• have a pen/pencil and paper to make notes

What happens if you need to cancel your place?

We understand that life gets in the way sometimes, so if you need to cancel your place please do try and let us know as soon as possible.

You’ll be able to do this through:

• the email confirmation you received when you first booked
• or by filling out our training and support enquiries and complaints form

Register for this masterclass

To register for your free place, please click on the button below to complete our short form.