Problem Solving

We can coach you in your use of Solution Circles, Insights and Solution Circles and Circle of Adults.

These are in-depth processes that support professional teams to problem solve together around a young person presenting with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.

These reflective problem solving processes differs from other person centred planning processes in that the child and family are not present. These processes are for stuck teams trying to figure out issues where they need to be very honest with each other, share their emotions, state their greatest fears and struggles in a safe situation. Whilst it is good practice to let a family know that they are being talked about in a meeting – they need to know that this is the professionals sorting themselves out for their benefit and not a time for them to participate. If they insist on being present then talk to us about our emerging Family Circles work.

These innovative processes enable adults involved in working with the young person to reflect and hypothesise about this young person’s needs. This leads to joint problem-solving around ways forward to support this young person in their educational setting.

Circle of Adults uses a structured process and graphic facilitation to guide staff through a set of key questions to reach a deeper understanding of a young person’s behaviour and needs. This deeper understanding is used to generate new strategies for the team’s work with the young person.

Examples of feedback from staff who have attended the sessions include:

The session was very helpful in planning ways forward and empowered for staff (Headteacher of a Devon primary school)

It is the first time that we have shared how this behaviour impacts on us and it’s good to know how we can support each other (Devon primary school teacher)

Brilliant! Getting staff to agree and adhere to common strategies is the key to success (Teacher in specialist provision in Torbay)