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.

We are currently offering both in-person and online Bookbug Session Leader Training Courses.

Course details

Course objectives

The course will offer a range of 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

Online course format and length

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 course format and length

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)

As COVID-19 restrictions and legal requirements change, we will continue to follow good practice guidance and take health and safety precautions during our in-person training sessions. The precautions will be aligned with the most recent Scottish Government guidance, and information provided by the training venues.

Our current precautions for in-person training sessions are as follows -

• Delegates and staff should not attend if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling unwell. If a delegate has symptoms or develops symptoms during the training session, they may be asked to leave the session.
• If possible, we recommend that trainers and delegates take a lateral flow test on the morning of the training session and must not attend if they receive a positive result.
• Delegates who test positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms will be offered a space at a future training session.
• The session will be limited to a maximum of 15 delegates and a maximum of 4 staff from Scottish Book Trust.
• The training will take place in a well-ventilated room.
• There will be regular breaks and access to handwashing facilities.
• The delegates and trainers will be expected to be respectful of other's personal space.
• Masks are recommended for delegates and trainers (who are able to wear them) when moving around the training venue.
• Delegates will be given their own set of resources so will not need to share with others.
• Delegates may be able to eat their lunch away from the main training space.
• Unsure about attending? If you feel uncomfortable attending an in-person training session even with the precautions above please only apply for online training sessions.

These sessions are subject to change or cancellation if COVID-19 restrictions change, but this will be communicated in advance.

If you feel like you would not be comfortable attending an in-person training session even with the above precautions, please only select our online Bookbug Session Leader training session dates as part of your application.

How to apply for Bookbug Session Leader training

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

Who can apply?

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 code of conduct
• Be over 16
• Preferably, be a member of the PVG scheme(this will open in a new window)

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

Application form

The online application form must be completed in one attempt so it is strongly recommended that the applicant prepares answers to all the questions before attempting to complete the online application form. You can download a copy of the questions below.(this will open in a new window)

This 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.

The applications for the following training dates are now closed. You will be notified about the outcome of your application by October 14th.

In person training sessions

• Tuesday 11 October, 10am – 4pm, Glasgow
• Wednesday 26 October, 10am – 4pm, Edinburgh
• Thursday 10 November, 10am – 4pm, Glasgow
• Thursday 24 November, 10am – 4pm, Edinburgh
• Thursday 8 December, 10am – 4pm, Perth 

Online training sessions

• Tuesday 4 October, 9:30am – 1pm & Tuesday 11 October, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Zoom)
• Thursday 6 October, 9:30am – 1pm & Thursday 13 October, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Zoom)
• Thursday 27 October, 9:30am – 1pm & Thursday 3rd November, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Zoom)
• Tuesday 1 November, 9:30am – 1pm & Tuesday 8 November, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Zoom)
• Wednesday 2 November, 9:30am – 1pm & Wednesday 9 November, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Zoom)
• Wednesday 16th November, 9:30am – 1pm & Wednesday 23 November, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on MS Teams)
• Monday 5 December, 9:30am – 1pm & Monday 12th December, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Zoom)
• Wednesday 7th December, 9:30am – 1pm & Wednesday 14th December, 9:30am – 1pm (Online on Teams) 

Spring 2023 applications: for training courses taking place from January to March 2023

We will open for applications for Bookbug Session Leader training sessions taking place from January to March 2023 on Monday 31 October at 10am until Monday 14 November 2022 at 12pm.

The exact training dates are to be confirmed.

Check back on Monday 31 October for access to the application form and details of the training dates.

Accessing the online training session

Technical requirements

To attend this session you will need -

• You will need a computer, laptop or tablet that has a camera and microphone, and you are required to be seen and heard to participate. If you don't turn your microphone and camera on, you may be asked to leave the training session. If you have the option, a laptop or computer is better. A mobile phone is not suitable due to the format of the training.
• To be able to access Zoom(this will open in a new window) or MS Teams(this will open in a new window) (depending on the platform of the session you registered for). Before the session starts, please check if your organisation allows access to Zoom or MS Teams using work devices. If it does not, we suggest that you use a personal device if appropriate.
• A stable internet connection. If your wi-fi is unstable, you might want to consider plugging your computer directly into your router.
• A quiet space in which to participate in the session. If one of your colleagues is also participating in the session, please make sure you are in separate rooms as your microphones will cause a feedback loop when both are turned on near to each other.

What to expect at an online training session

In our online training course, you need to have a device that connects to the internet with working audio, camera and microphone. The trainer and other delegates will be able to see you and speak with you directly and you will be able to participate directly. All attendees must be registered individually on the training course and participate on their own individual devices. The number of people attending is limited to a maximum of 12 people.

More training and information

Sign up for our regular Working with Bookbug(this will open in a new window) newsletter to be notified when the next round of applications are open or view the rest of our Bookbug training courses.(this will open in a new window)

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