As care professionals, foster carers, and practitioners working with children and young people, we often focus on the actions we take and the support we provide. But have you ever stopped to consider the profound impact of the words we use every day?
Language is far more than a communication tool. It shapes identity, influences self-worth, and can either build bridges or create barriers in the relationships we form with the children and young people in our care. A single phrase, repeated over time, can become part of how a child sees themselves and their place in the world.
Consider the difference between saying "a child in care" versus "a looked-after child," or referring to someone as "my foster child" rather than "the child I foster." These distinctions might seem subtle, but they carry significant weight. Language can inadvertently label, stigmatise, or diminish a young person's sense of belonging and identity.
Throughout my years working in social work, foster care, and shared lives care, I've witnessed firsthand how the language used by professionals and carers can either empower or undermine the children we're meant to support. I've seen young people internalise negative labels, and I've also seen them flourish when spoken to and about with dignity, respect, and thoughtfulness.
This is why we've developed the Language That Matters course—a reflective and transformative learning experience designed specifically for professionals working within the UK care system.
Language That Matters isn't about political correctness or learning a list of "approved" terms. Instead, it's about developing a deeper awareness of how our words affect the children and young people we work with. The course encourages genuine reflection on the language we use in everyday practice and challenges us to consider the messages we're sending, both intentionally and unintentionally.
Through this course, you'll explore real-world scenarios and practical examples that resonate with your day-to-day experiences. You'll examine common phrases used in care settings, understand their potential impact, and discover more empowering alternatives that promote dignity, respect, and positive identity formation.
The course covers essential topics including:
- Understanding the psychological impact of language on children's self-perception and identity
- Recognising stigmatising language and labels commonly used in care settings
- Developing person-first and strengths-based communication approaches
- Creating inclusive language practices that promote belonging and self-worth
- Applying reflective practice to continuously improve how we communicate with and about children
Language That Matters is designed for anyone working with children and young people in the UK care system, including:
- Foster carers and prospective foster carers
- Social workers and care managers
- Residential care staff
- Support workers and care practitioners
- Teachers and education professionals working with looked-after children
- Health professionals supporting children in care
- Anyone committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
At The Bespoke Training Hub, we believe that every child deserves to be spoken to and about with respect and dignity. This isn't a luxury—it's a fundamental right. That's why we've made the decision to offer Language That Matters completely free of charge.
We want to remove every barrier to accessing this vital training.
Whether you're an experienced foster carer, a newly qualified social worker, or a care professional looking to enhance your practice, this course is available to you at no cost. Our mission has always been to deliver accessible, high-quality training for care professionals, and offering this course for free is one way we're living that commitment.
When we change the way we speak to and about children in care, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual conversations. We influence how these young people see themselves, how their peers perceive them, and how society views children in the care system as a whole.
By choosing our words carefully and thoughtfully, we can help dismantle stigma, challenge negative stereotypes, and create environments where children feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. This is the transformative power of language—and it starts with each of us making a conscious choice to do better.
Language That Matters is more than just a training course—it's an opportunity to reflect on your practice, deepen your understanding, and make a tangible difference in the lives of the children and young people you work with.
The course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at a time that suits you, and it's grounded in evidence-based practice and real-world application. You'll come away with practical strategies you can implement immediately in your day-to-day work.
We invite you to join us on this journey of reflection and transformation. Together, we can ensure that every word we use matters—because every child matters.
Ready to get started? Sign up for free today and access the Language That Matters course at www.mybespoketraining.com/course/language-that-matters
Because the words we choose today shape the futures we create tomorrow.
