Bookbug Session Leader Training

Bookbug Session Leader training is for those who plan to deliver Bookbug Sessions (free song, rhyme and book sessions) in libraries or other community venues with groups of children (0-5 years) with their mums, dads or carers. Our interactive training is a balance of practical exercises and researched-based theory about book sharing, music and child development.

Although delegates will participate in songs and rhymes in the group, delegates will not be asked to sing on their own.

Please note: if you are working to support individual families, Bookbug for the Home training might be more relevant to you.

If you have already attended Bookbug Session Leader training, and are looking for a refresher, please register for Bookbug Session Leader Refresher training.

Course details

The course offers a range of online or in-person learning opportunities for delegates to:

• Build their understanding of the importance of songs, rhymes and stories for both children and families
• Learn how to plan a Bookbug Session, selecting appropriate songs, rhymes and a story
• Consider how to make their Bookbug Sessions welcoming, accessible and inclusive
• Practise singing, rhyming and reading aloud
• Identify ways to encourage families to sing, read and rhyme at home as part of their everyday routines

Cost

Funded at no cost for participants

Format

Online

Our interactive online trainer-led sessions combine theory and practical work. This cours takes 11 hours, comprised of:

• 2 x 3.5 hour live interactive sessions, taking place online using either Zoom or MS Teams, a week apart. Attendance is required at both to complete Bookbug Session Leader training. There will be comfort breaks throughout each session.
• 3 hours of self-directed learning (1.5 hours of work before the first live session and 1.5 hours of work after the first live session.)
• 1 hour of post-training mentoring/support (optional)

In-person

Our lively in-person training is a hands-on, all-day session covering theory and practice. This course takes 9 hours, comprised of:

• 6 hour in-person training session
• 2 hours of self-directed learning before the in-person training course
• 1 hour of post-training mentoring/support (optional)

Eligiblity and how to apply

Due to high demand, places on Bookbug Session Leader training are awarded through an application process. Applicants must:

• Be affiliated with an organisation, either as a staff member or volunteer, which will support the applicant to run Bookbug Sessions.
• Plan to deliver regular Bookbug Sessions
• Plan to deliver Bookbug Sessions to groups of children (0-5 years old) with their mums, dads or carers, not just to groups children by themselves.
• Agree to abide by the Bookbug Session Leader Agreement
• Be over 16
• Preferably, be a member of the PVG scheme(this link will open in a new window)

The application should only be completed by the prospective delegate. If you are awarded a place on a training course, this is not transferable to another member of staff - it is for the named person only.

What are we looking for in your application?

Your application will be judged on:

• The eligibility criteria listed above
• Indication of need: In order to ensure that our funded training places have the greatest impact, we want to know why the place is needed and who your Bookbug Sessions will engage. For instance, are you targeting families who are not currently reached by Bookbug Sessions? Are your Bookbug Sessions aimed at a specific need in your area?
• Your local authority area: We aim to support Bookbug Sessions to reach as wide a range of people as possible and are spread throughout every local authority in Scotland.
• The number of applications from one organisation: if we get multiple applications from one organisation/location, we may need to limit the number of spaces offered to that organisation. It is not currently possible to request an in-house Bookbug Session Leader training course.
• Your commitment to start running Bookbug Sessions within 2 months of being trained

Upcoming training dates

Applications are currently closed for training taking place in January to March 2024.

The next round of applications, for training taking place in April to June 2024, will open on Monday 26 February 2024 at 12 noon.

Sign up for our regular Working with Bookbug(this link will open in a new window) newsletter to be notified when applications for future training dates open.

Notes:

• Late applications will not be accepted.
• We can normally only accept applications submitted via our online application form and not other formats, such as PDF or email. If you need support to complete the online application form, or need to use another format for accessibility reasons, please email bookbugtraining@scottishbooktrust.com(this link will open in a new window), or call 0131 524 0179.
• The online application form must be completed in one attempt. We therefore recommend you prepare answers to the questions before attempting to complete the online application form. You can download a copy of the questions below.

Claiming a place

If your application is successful, you will receive an email offering you a place on a particular training date. You must accept by registering on Eventbrite within two weeks of receiving your offer.

Places on our training are not transferable - they are for the named applicant only. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted once all the places have been filled.

We will notify all applicants for January to March 2024 training about the outcome of their application by Friday 8 December 2023 at the latest.

Accessing online training sessions

If you have any questions or you need additional support with the application process, please contact the Bookbug team at bookbugtraining@scottishbooktrust.com(this link will open in a new window) or 0131 524 0179.