Reading List

The resources below support this course on using ACT-informed psychological flexibility skills in children's homes. They combine workplace stress guidance, NHS self-help materials and official children's homes references so staff can apply stress-management and reflective practice in care settings.

Children's Homes Practice Context

• Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the Quality Standards: Statutory guidance for England covering the Quality Standards, leadership, protection, positive relationships, staff support and the day-to-day purpose of children's homes.
• Ofsted SCCIF: children's homes: Inspection guidance for children's homes in England, linking wellbeing, supervision, safeguarding and outcomes for children.
• NICE guideline NG212: looked-after children and young people: Guidance on supporting looked-after children and young people, including relationships, participation, emotional wellbeing and co-ordinated support.

Workplace Stress and Workforce Wellbeing

• HSE: work-related stress: Employer and worker guidance on workplace stress risk factors, prevention and management.
• NHS: stress: Plain-language information about stress signs, coping steps and when to seek help.
• NHS Every Mind Matters: Practical mental wellbeing advice and self-help resources for use outside formal therapy.
• SSSC: workforce wellbeing: Wellbeing resources for social service staff in Scotland.
• Social Care Wales: health and well-being resources: Wellbeing resources for social care workers and employers in Wales.
• nidirect: workplace stress: Northern Ireland public guidance on workplace stress, common causes and support routes.

Technique-Specific Reading

• NHS: stress: Information on stress signs and available support.
• NHS self-help guides, tools and activities: Practical exercises that complement ACT-informed work on values, defusion and committed action.
• NHS: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Background on how thoughts, feelings and behaviour interact; ACT is a related behavioural approach but this course is not therapy training.

Four-Nations References

• Wales: National Minimum Standards for children's homes: Standards for children's homes in Wales, useful when adapting practice examples to Welsh services.
• Northern Ireland: children's homes standards: RQIA standards for children's homes in Northern Ireland.