Training A Talks
Alec can offer a wide range of training, workshops, CPD sessions and talks to audiences of teachers, librarians, Early Years practitioners, parents, and others. Clients have included the School Library Association, school library services, CILIP’s School Libraries Group, public library services, local education authorities, museum services, the Civic Trust, and individual schools. Alec also works abroad, for organisations like the British Council and IFLA.
Alec is particularly known for training on reading for pleasure, literacy and reader development, boys’ reading, school libraries, promoting reading, and library design. He also trains on storytelling, poetry and children’s books. You can download a list of available courses (PDF), but please ask Alec about other topics too!
Alec was fabulously entertaining. Lots of ideas were sparked; it’s going to be hard to choose which to start with! — Teacher after Lancashire training course, 2013
His frequent visits to schools (running storytelling and poetry sessions) keep Alec right up to date with best practice, in all aspects of library use and reading initiatives. Alec’s frequent work abroad also gives his courses a unique international perspective, showcasing ideas from around the world.
A lifelong advocate of reading, Alec runs courses which are rich in humour, examples, extracts and anecdotes.
The best thing about your sessions is that everyone is relaxed and contributes well, because you have the gift of making the audience laugh and extracting the stress factor. — Librarian after workshop in Belfast, 2011
Training can be ‘bespoke’, to fit clients’ requirements exactly, but here are some of the common formats:
Training Courses
Full day or half day courses, run completely by Alec
workshops
From an hour to a half day; INSET ,‘free-standing’, or as part of a wider event
talks and lectureS
To professionals, as part of a conference; to students; or to parents, as part of a school visit
To those who didn’t attend, here’s a simple message: You missed a fresh, lively experience! He held the evening audience spellbound, and one left on a complete high! — Parent after school talk, Hertfordshire, 2008