Workshops & Training for Schools and Parent Communities
Training That Strengthens School Communities
Safeguarding, Mental Health first response and emotional well-being, SEND, bullying prevention, Online safety and digital culture, and child sexual abuse training for international schools, parent communities, and educational organisations.
Expert guidance, delivered with empathy and clarity.
Vânia Mendes offers bespoke workshops, safeguarding training, and specialist talks for international schools, parent associations, and educational communities.
With over 18 years of experience in social work, child safeguarding, family mental health, and educational well-being, her sessions help schools and families turn complex topics into practical strategies they can use immediately.
Core Workshops & Training Topics
Safeguarding Training for Schools
Specialist training for teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and school staff to strengthen child protection awareness, safeguarding confidence, and early intervention.
Topics may include recognising concerns, responding appropriately, understanding professional boundaries, communicating with families, and creating safer school environments.
Child Sexual Abuse Awareness
A sensitive and carefully delivered workshop designed to move from fear to empowerment. This training provides practical tools to help adults identify risks, encourage open communication, and implement protective strategies at home and at school.
It can be delivered to both parents communities and teaching staff with relevant adaptations to each core group.
Neurodiversity, Vulnerability, and Safeguarding
Training for educators, SENCOs, and pastoral teams supporting children with ADHD, autism, sensory needs, emotional regulation challenges, or other neurodiverse profiles.
The focus is on moving beyond diagnosis and towards practical, inclusive strategies that work in the classroom.
We’ll explore areas such as:
Safeguarding neurodivergent students
Anxiety and emotionally based school non attendance
Masking and vulnerability
Bullying and radicalisation risks
SEND Support in Mainstream School
Guidance for schools and families on supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities within mainstream educational settings.
This workshop explores communication, reasonable adjustments, school support plans, emotional needs, and collaborative parent-school working.
Bullying, Discrimination, & Harmful Sexual Behaviour
This training supports staff in recognising and responding to different types of peer abuse including harmful sexual behaviour within diverse and multicultural school communities.
The session explores the differences between bullying and discriminatory behaviour, sexual harassment, harmful sexual behaviour, consent, online risks, gender-based harm, image- sharing and the impact of social media on young people's relationships.
Staff will develop confidence in identifying concerns early, understanding appropriate reporting pathways and responding in ways that are child-centred, proportionate and trauma-informed.
A practical session for schools and parent communities focused on moving beyond awareness and towards effective prevention, early intervention, and follow-up, contributing to a safe, respectful and inclusive school culture.
My Body is My Shield
CSA Awareness for Primary School Children (international safeguarding standards requirement)
Drawing on international safeguarding standards, this child-friendly workshop helps primary school children understand body autonomy, personal safety, trusted adults, and safe environments.
Through interactive games and quizzes, children learn to recognise safe and unsafe feelings, understand personal boundaries, and develop the confidence to say “no” when something feels uncomfortable.
Children will learn to:
understand their bodies, personal space, and private parts
recognise the difference between a secret and a surprise
identify safe and unsafe feelings
practise ways to say “no” when they feel uncomfortable
know when and how to speak to parents or trusted adults
Workshops & Training FAQs
Still have questions? Explore the FAQs or send an enquiry. If you are ready to discuss a workshop or training session, tell us a little about your school community.
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International schools, British and English-speaking schools, parent associations, teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and school leaders.
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Yes. Every session is adapted to your school’s needs, culture, and priorities.
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Yes. Vânia can create safeguarding training for teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and school staff.
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Yes. Parent workshops are practical, supportive, and designed to give families tools they can use at home.
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Yes. Workshops can be delivered online, in person, or in a hybrid format.
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Fees vary depending on the format, audience, number of attendees, duration, level of preparation required, and whether the session is a one-off workshop or part of a wider development package.
As a guide, parent workshops start from €300, and staff training sessions start from €450. A tailored proposal will be provided after Vânia understands your school or organisation’s specific needs.
Ready to bring specialist training to your school, organisation, or parent community?
Tell us a little about your community, your audience, and the support you are looking for. Vânia will be in touch within 48 hours to discuss the most suitable workshop, training format, and tailored proposal.