iST Training & Development
Accredited clinical training with Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST)
At Childhood First, learning is woven into the work we do every day. Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST) training helps our employees understand more deeply, reflect more openly and respond more thoughtfully to the children and young people in our care. Begin with the foundations of iST and, as your experience and responsibilities develop, discover opportunities to progress towards professional accreditation and advanced practice. Our training is created for Childhood First employees and is woven into the experience of working within our therapeutic communities and school. It is not currently open to external course applications. If our approach speaks to you, explore our current vacancies and discover how you could begin your own journey with us.
What is iST?
iST is Childhood First’s therapeutic model for children and young people who have experienced profound early trauma. It begins with a simple but powerful belief: healing happens through relationships.
Everyday life within our therapeutic communities and school creates opportunities for children to experience safety, care and connection in new ways. iST helps the adults around each child think together about what may sit beneath behaviour, how early experiences may be communicated through relationships and what the child may need from us in that moment.
Drawing on psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, systemic and therapeutic community traditions, the model brings together the child, the adults who care for them, their family and the wider professional network. No one person holds the whole story. Through shared reflection, the system around the child can offer a more thoughtful, consistent and containing response.
The iST Training Pathway
Your iST journey begins when you join Childhood First. As your experience, confidence and responsibilities develop, the pathway offers opportunities to deepen your learning and move towards specialist or professionally accredited practice.
Who should I contact?
Your iST journey begins when you join Childhood First. As your experience, confidence and responsibilities develop, the pathway offers opportunities to deepen your learning and move towards specialist or professionally accredited practice.