Rainbows Workforce Development

Rainbows Professionals Training| Half Day and Full Day Workshops 

Topic 1: Grief & Loss in Front Line Practice (0-12 years) 

Topic 2: Grief & Loss in the Classroom (Primary School Teachers) 

Topic 3: Grief & Loss in Second Level School Communities  

Topic 4: Grief and Loss in Early Childhood (0-6 years) 

Target Audience:  Front line practitioners and teachers across education, health, community, early years, family support, residential or social care settings. 

Workshop Content Note 

While each workshop covers the same core themes and learning objectives, the content is tailored to reflect the specific context of participants. 

• Early Childhood Workshops focus primarily on early years settings and the needs of children aged 0–6, with examples relevant to early years practitioners. 

• Classroom-Based Workshops are centred on primary school environments and use school-based scenarios and examples. 

• Second Level Workshops focus on the experiences and needs of older children and young people in post-primary settings, rather than younger age groups. 

This approach ensures that all participants receive training that is relevant, practical and directly applicable to their work. 

Overview: 

Established in 1987, Rainbows Ireland provides evidence informed, Level 2 early intervention support (aligned with the National Practice Model/Care Pyramid) to children and young people aged 7–18 years who are experiencing bereavement and parental separation. 

Rainbows peer support groups provide children of a similar age and loss experience a safe, nurturing and structured space where they can express feelings, and be supported to begin to adapt and adjust to their changed lives. 

This level of support sits at a critical early point in a child’s journey—before difficulties escalate to clinical or specialist services, and at a stage where responsive, attuned adults can make the greatest difference. 

With almost four decades of experience, Rainbows Ireland has become a trusted national resource for schools, community organisations, youth services and families. 

Workforce Development Workshops offered by Rainbows Ireland aim to deepen understanding, raise awareness, and foster the skills, competence and confidence of front-line practitioners working to support children with life’s most difficult experiences —strengthening and enhancing what you do every day in the course of your work. 

All workshops are currently delivered by Anne Staunton, of Rainbows Ireland, who brings over 20 years’ experience in bereavement and loss support, professional training, and the development of the Rainbows Peer Support. 

Topics Covered: 

• Build the context of bereavement and loss and how it applies in a variety of front-line settings. 

• Key factors that impact on children’s grief, loss and family change 

• How children grieve with a focus on Parental Separation and Bereavement. 

• The importance of the language of grief, loss and change 

• What grief, loss and family change can look and present like in various front-line settings. 

• The significance of age and developmental level 

• An in-depth exploration of key reactions and responses in front line settings and what to expect 

• What front line practitioners can do – helpful strategies for a child impacted by grief and change, keeping the child at the centre of practice. 

• The role, responsibility and boundary of front-line practitioners in relation to grief, loss and change across front line settings. 

• When and how to connect with parents, guardians 

Workshop Options & Fees 

Full Day Workshop 
Cost: €600 (in person – Greater Dublin area) 
Group Size: Maximum 16 participants 

• Tea/Coffee from 9:30am 

• Workshop runs from 10:00am – 4:00pm 

• Includes a 30-minute lunch break and two 15-minute tea/stretch breaks 

The same rate and group size apply to online full-day workshops. 

Half Day Workshop 
Cost: €400 (in person – Greater Dublin area or online) 
Group Size: Maximum 16 participants 

• Tea/Coffee from 9:15am 

• Workshop runs from 10:00am – 1:00pm 

• Includes a 30-minute break 

Workshop Terms & Conditions 

• Travel Costs: For in-person workshops delivered outside of the Greater Dublin area, travel expenses will be charged in line with current Revenue guidelines. 

• Payment Terms: An invoice will be issued upon confirmation of booking and must be paid in full at least one month in advance of the workshop date. 

• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made within four weeks of the scheduled workshop date are non-refundable. In such cases, Rainbows Ireland will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the training at a mutually agreed time.