Inspired Foundations is based in the West Midlands and provides support to both parents and professionals who live or work with children with attachment and trauma difficulties

These are typically children who are looked-after or adopted, as well as some children considered at-risk or vulnerable.

Children who have experienced early trauma and have insecure attachment patterns will have developed a range of strategies to enable them to survive. Behaviours such as attention seeking, asking persistent questions, lack of cause/effect thinking, poor peer relationships, poor impulse control, increased shame levels and difficulties with organisation are all common. Research and development in neuroscience has brought a much greater understanding of the effects of attachment and trauma on the developing brain.  However, regardless of advancements such as this, there is still the belief that simply removing a child from harm and placing them with a loving, caring family will make everything all right.  Sadly, it is not that simple – love is not enough.

Attempting to support children who have attachment and trauma issues can be both draining and frustrating. Trying to understand why the children behave in the way that they do is vital in order to help them achieve their full potential. The training offered for professionals looks at a range of topics such as a child journey through the care system, what attachment and trauma is, brain development and strategies to support children in education settings.  The purpose of the training is that everyone will leave with a clear understanding of attachment and trauma issues, and many ideas for supporting the children they work with. The response to this training has been excellent with many participants saying how important the information is for all childcare and teaching professionals.

All of the services are based on the belief is that all children are individual, every family is unique, and each setting is different in its background, knowledge and values. Training workshops are run on a regular basis, and on-site training for schools and other organisations is also offered. A consultation service for those who require more intensive support is also available.

Please visit www.inspiredfoundations.co.uk for more information.

RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home has officially launched a new name and logo, RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, as part of a major redevelopment

The name change is in recognition of the exceptional support of Pears Foundation which has invested more than £1 million in the Coventry-based service, helping RNIB provide state-of-the-art facilities for young people with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted from all over the UK.

The redevelopment, which is due for completion in 2012, has so far created five bungalows designed to encourage independence as well as cater for individual needs. A new school will be ready later this year and will include specialist classrooms and multi-sensory environments. A hydrotherapy suite will be built in 2012.

Ginny Tyler, Principal Manager: Care and Wellbeing at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, said: "We are delighted to be working with Pears Foundation to create an environment in which our children and young people can reach their full potential for learning. Young people moved into the new bungalows just three weeks ago and already we're seeing a positive impact on their behaviour and quality of life. They enjoy spending time in the gardens and have begun growing vegetables and using the paddling pool. The opportunity to explore and extend their environment in these new and beautifully designed homes is really exciting!"

Trevor Pears CMG, Executive Chair, Pears Foundation, said: "Our family is delighted to support RNIB Pears Centre which builds on fifty years of RNIB's expert education and care. I believe this centre will help transform the lives of the children and young people who live and learn there."

For more information visit www.rnib.org.uk/pearscentre

RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home has officially launched a new name and logo, RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, as part of a major redevelopment

The name change is in recognition of the exceptional support of Pears Foundation which has invested more than £1 million in the Coventry-based service, helping RNIB provide state-of-the-art facilities for young people with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted from all over the UK.

The redevelopment, which is due for completion in 2012, has so far created five bungalows designed to encourage independence as well as cater for individual needs. A new school will be ready later this year and will include specialist classrooms and multi-sensory environments. A hydrotherapy suite will be built in 2012.

Ginny Tyler, Principal Manager: Care and Wellbeing at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning, said: "We are delighted to be working with Pears Foundation to create an environment in which our children and young people can reach their full potential for learning. Young people moved into the new bungalows just three weeks ago and already we're seeing a positive impact on their behaviour and quality of life. They enjoy spending time in the gardens and have begun growing vegetables and using the paddling pool. The opportunity to explore and extend their environment in these new and beautifully designed homes is really exciting!"

Trevor Pears CMG, Executive Chair, Pears Foundation, said: "Our family is delighted to support RNIB Pears Centre which builds on fifty years of RNIB's expert education and care. I believe this centre will help transform the lives of the children and young people who live and learn there."

For more information visit www.rnib.org.uk/pearscentre