Fairfield City Council's Children's Services decided for the first time to run a team building 'conference' over two days for Directors and second in charge staff. This idea, when implemented, was a great success, primarily because of the involvement of Semann and Slattery as the training providers.
The two days were tailored to meet specific needs identified by the Children's Services Branch, and the enthusiasm and energy of Anthony as the presenter was paramount to the positive outcomes. All of the Directors and second in charge staff who attended the 2 days felt that they had participated in something that was extremely worthwhile, and that was enriching and useful for their professional growth and development.
Vicki Cowling
Branch Head
Fairfield Council
Personal coaching with Colin assisted me through some challenging management issues, helping to focus on goals and self improvement, and deal with difficult situations and staff. Acknowledging both the personal and professional lives of his client gives meaning to Colin's coaching style and ensures the sessions are most valuable. Highly recommended!
Senior Manager
Government Department
As a director of a human services organisation I first approached Semann & Slattery to assist me with my leadership skills. The mentoring program has provided me with support, encouragement and advice tailored to meet my individual needs. Anthony’s wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, passion for the human services sector and skill base has been inspirational and invaluable.
Manager
Human Service Organisation, Sydney
I asked Semann & Slattery to develop specific training to support all Star Kidz early childhood professionals on the use of action research and reflective practices for the children and families who use this centre. This was a challenge as the centre operates 7 days a week, 6am to 10pm, and 70% of children who attend Star Kidz do so on changing four week rotating rosters that mirror their parents four week rotating rosters at Star City.
The first series of training focused on how the centre could use reflective practices in a meaningful way, accommodating the diversity of children, their families and the shift work impact. What I observed in the Star Kidz people after the training sessions was a renewed enthusiasm, active participation, a heightened respect for the centre's environment, and an absolute focus on the children. The centre is now a place of beauty, serenity and celebration of children.
All Star Kidz people have just finished a second series of training looking at the outdoor area in a more cohesive way. I can't wait to see what they come up with!
Prue Warrlow
CEO Families at Work
Semann & Slattery have delivered several training sessions for AlburyCity’s Children’s Programs. From the first training session Semann & Slattery were an instant success, with staff asking when he would be available again. Their passion, knowledge and commitment to supporting Children’s programs whether they are LDC, FDC or OOSH are a credit to the team at Semann and Slattery.
The ‘Positive Psychology” session that Anthony conducted with Co-ordinators from AlburyCity was a thought provoking and engaging experience. Staff left feeling empowered and more confident in being Co-ordinators of busy demanding services. With the Co-ordinators embracing change on a personal level it has enabled positive change to occur at a business level. These changes will enable AlburyCity to continue to provide high quality child care choices to the community. Thanks Semann & Slattery.
Rebecca Bates
Community Services Team Leader
AlburyCity
We consistently return to Semann and Slattery to deliver training to the children's services sector in the ACT. Participants inevitably walk away inspired, challenged and with a renewed appreciation of the vital role they play in children's lives.
Thanks for the community facilitation session, it was wonderful, and thank you again for such a productive session - they're (the participants) are still talking about it
Bronwyn McNally Manager
Communities at Work ACT
Anthony is an inspirational trainer who has a genuine passion for early childhood environments. His action based research approach to training is practical and really effective. Everyone works together and builds on previous learning. Anthony's approach to training allowed the group to take ownership of what we were doing, he asked for input and didn't talk at us but with us, he questioned why and this helped open our minds to new ideas and change. We got to reflect on our current practices and think about why we do what we do.
Julie and Bernadette
Co-Directors Star Kids NSW
Offering relevant and appropriately delivered professional development to a 250+ team of casual staff is challenging. It requires a training organisation that is ‘switched on’ and understands that the training delivered has a dual purpose. One: to keep casual staff up to date with contemporary theory and quality practice. Two: to address the unique needs that casual staff have in the area of professional support. With Semann and Slattery we get this and so much more.
Anthony and Colin have developed and delivered our casual staff-training program since 2003. From day one they were an instant success. As per their brief they have imparted knowledge but most importantly the Semann and Slattery Team have engaged our staff in a sensitive and highly responsive manner. Their input has built self-esteem and encouraged our staff to reflect on their practice, to consider their professional status and to recognise their value. We look forward with anticipation to working with Anthony and Colin into the future. They understand our particular needs, they support our staff, and they add value to our business.
Bernadette Dunn
National Manager Children's Services McArthur Managment Services