Support and Training

Support For Co-Workers

There will certainly be occasions when you will need the active help of co-worker colleagues, both within your house and within the larger Camphill community. Everyone needs this. Through the weekly house meetings, you will have a regular opportunity to share your feelings and concerns with others and to make your personal contribution to the development of our communal life. In addition, you will have the assurance of knowing that all your other co-workers are there to provide continuing daily encouragement and guidance, not only in the practical details but also in the emotional ups and downs of living. In particular, the senior house co-ordinators should always be regarded as your first line of support, whether you have a major problem or minor worry - or if you simply wish to suggest a new idea for improving the daily routine.

You will have regular talks with your house co-ordinator to ensure any issues you have will be discussed and explained.


Courses and In-Service Training

Camphill is committed to providing co-workers with opportunities for regular and ongoing training and support. You will have a supervisor, usually the House Co-ordinator, who will meet with you regularly to provide support, supervision and guidance. There will also be regular meetings and training sessions in your house as well as occasional conferences and training events during the year that you will be expected to attend. Sometimes events are held during holiday periods.

During your initial year here you will be expected to complete the Induction Process and participate in the Foundation Process. These consist of a series of learning activities designed to enable you to become competent for your role as a co-worker.


Induction Process

The Induction Process is essential for anyone involved in the care and education of the children within the Community. Induction takes approximately 20 weeks to complete. It starts when you arrive with a course that goes over important elements of the Co-Worker Information Handbook e.g. health and safety, child protection, house and school life. You will also participate in Emergency First Aid and Moving and Handling training at this time.

At an early stage you will be introduced to your new colleagues and to the children with whom you will live and work. A key part of your learning in these early days will be the regular supervision talks that you will have with your house co-ordinator or other senior co-worker delegated to support you. This person will encourage you to think about how you are developing and seek to support and challenge you to grow further. You will be expected to keep track of your progress and demonstrate your skills and understanding through everyday activities, conversation, and completing written worksheets and notes. Completing induction is essential preparation for moving on to the Foundation Process.


Foundation Process

All new co-workers take part in the Foundation Course which is designed to enable you to further develop your knowledge, skills and understanding about your role.

Attendance at a minimum of 15 (out of a possible 21) two-hour weekly lectures/workshops based on mainly Anthroposophical topics, which will entitle you to receive a Participation Certificate.

If you choose to undertake further personal reflection in relation to issues raised during the lectures/workshops you will receive a Completion Certificate.

By offering a theoretical and practical insight into Rudolf Steiner’s view of our human situation, the Induction and Foundation processes complement the experiential learning gained through one’s daily duties at Camphill.

Attendance at a two-day training course on Behavioural Support Strategies (BSS) is another important element in your early training and learning. You will be advised about dates for this course during your induction period.

A logical next step on from the Foundation Process, for those who wish to remain longer in Camphill, is to apply to study towards the BA in Social Pedagogy. Further information and an application form can be obtained by contacting Vincent D'Agostino: v.dagostino (at) crss dot org dot uk. Please be aware that applications must be completed (submitted) by 1st February for the August entry. Evidence of the required IELTS academic English exam (band ‘6’ pass mark) must be submitted with your application.


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