BrainChild Foundation Course

 Identifying neuro-developmental issues (BCF)

Understanding why children behave as they do.

Brainchild Foundation Course

The next Foundation Course (BCF) is on 8th and 9th August 2026

Venue: The Brainchild Centre, The Green, Frostrow Lane, Sedbergh, Cumbria.

Led by Viv Hailwood. B.Sc, M.Sc  (Educational Research), NPQH, AAMET

Course Summary

The Brainchild Foundation course (BCF) introduces the neurodevelopmental basis of the Brainchild programs. The effects of persisting primitive reflexes after the primal period are explained, together with procedures for neurodevelopmental assessment.

Completion of the Foundation course includes 4 case studies to enable progression to the Level 1 course (BC1).

Course Overview

  • The Foundation course provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to observe and assess children who may benefit from the Brainchild Developmental Program. The program is specifically designed to work on aspects of early brain development that are the foundation of a child’s ability to learn, in the widest sense of the word.
  • The course is designed to provide an understanding of the effects of neurodevelopmental delay, with a balance between theory and practice.

Who is it for?

  1. Professionals currently working with children, including:

  • Teachers, EYFS practitioners and teaching assistants.
  • Social workers and family support professionals, working with children with diagnoses of developmental disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, auditory processing, language disorder and ADHD.  In particular, children at risk, looked after children and adoptive families. Also, those children with no diagnosis but who exhibit anxiety, behaviour and learning issues.
  • Paediatric therapists, for example, physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists.
  • Professionals who are interested in understanding the impact of early life experiences on the future functioning of the whole child, for example, paediatricians and health visitors.

Completion of the Foundation course is a requirement before progressing to the BC1 course.

  1. Parents/carers

Parents, who are not paediatric professionals, are welcome to attend the course, to understand more about neurodevelopment and how to assess their own child.

They will complete all the instruction elements, but are required to complete only one case study of their child.

Progression to learning the integration of the key reflexes in the Brainchild Program involves attendance in part of the first module of the BC1 course. This is provided for use with their own child.

Course Objectives

Understanding Early Neurodevelopment

The Foundation course will provide the knowledge and skills for participants to understand neurodevelopment during:

The pre-birth period:

  • The developing brain of the foetus in utero.
  • The role of primitive reflexes.
  • The physical action of each of the key reflexes.
  • The health and behaviour of parents, pre-conception and during pregnancy.
  • The birth process.

The post-birth period:

  • The importance of the carer during the primal period (conception to one year of age).
  • The impact of neurodevelopmental delay.
  • The effect on learning and behaviours.
  • The impact of stress and movement opportunities on the developing brain.
  • The developmental process, including detailed information about the affect of persisting key primitive reflexes.
  • The relationship between primitive reflexes and sensory integration.

Developing Assessment Skills

  • Physical assessment techniques.
  • Clinical case study recording.
  • Interpreting information provided by parents.
  • Understanding how the Brainchild Developmental Program can meet the needs identified by the assessments.
  • A course manual including assessment materials is provided.

Progression to the next course requires the participants to complete and submit four case studies. Supervision is included in the course fee.

Course Structure and Hours

Foundation Neurodevelopmental training

  1. Two days in-person instruction. Practical application of the assessment process of the neurodevelopmental program at the Brainchild Centre.
  2. Online group training using Zoom.

Total: 20 hours

Developing Assessment Skills

Case study preparation and execution, with supervision:

Group and individual support and supervision will be provided for the four case studies.

Completion of the four case studies is the assessment of your application of  the course content. Approximate time: 10hrs per case.

  • Physical assessment, case history and parent questionnaire.
  • Case study supervision (1 hour 1-2-1, group Zoom meeting, 2 hours)
  • Written case study submissions.
  • Evaluation and feedback.

Total: Approximately 40 hours.

Course total: Approximately 60 hours.

Joining the Course

If you would like to apply for the Foundation course, Register your interest and request a contact time period that is convenient for us to call you. If you would like more information, please email your questions to: [email protected] 

The Next Foundation course:

The next Foundation course is planned for August 8th and 9th 2026. Course fee: £450 (£420 each for participants from the same organisation). Lunches and refreshments provided.

Course location : Sedbergh, Cumbria, in the heart of The Yorkshire Dales. Some ensuite accommodation available. Enquire for details.

Register your interest and request a contact time period that is convenient for us to call you.