Skip to page content

Virtual Study Visits

The global training team specialises in organising and facilitating working visits to a range of children’s services across local authorities, voluntary sector and private organisations in the UK that demonstrate how deinstitutionalisation works. 

The topics of these are quire varied and can cover a more general overview of the system of care in the UK or more specific areas such as leaving care services, foster care, services for children and adults with disabilities, standards and quality assurance of children’s services, birth and early years services, inclusive education, community-based support services for families and others.

The visits are usually two or three days long for a group of minimum 4 to maximum 12 delegates and the team plans all visits and meetings in a bespoke way as per the requirements of the group.

The unit can provide examples of cost breakdowns for visits to the UK to help you plan with budgeting. We can also provide you with contacts of local transport companies and recommendations for other providers in terms of logistics, if required.

If you would like support with facilitating a working /study visit for your organisation, you can contact us at training@wearelumos.org, we will issue you with relevant forms that will need to be returned and filled out. 

Alternative Care of Children Under Six Years Old in Slovakia

A Virtual Study Visit to Slovakia introducing the service of the so-called “professional parents” who take care of children under six years old in the child protection care system. Under Slovak law, these children are not allowed to be placed in institutional care. This video discusses the functioning of this service, as well as the practicalities of establishing it.

Watch video

Virtual Study Visit Ireland

Fostering in Ireland

In many countries, institutions exist because there are few established alternatives such as foster care. Foster care can include placements with extended family, temporary or short-break placements, or long-term arrangements depending on the needs of the child. This video discusses the practicalities of establishing and strengthening a foster care system, from the perspective of the state Child and Family Agency in Ireland.

Watch video

Lough Road

A virtual study visit to Lough Road Centre in London, which provides short breaks for children and young people with severe and complex disabilities. Available in English, Bulgarian, Romanian, Czech and Russian. Password required.

Watch Videos

Tollgate Primary School

A Virtual Study Visit to Robert Owen Early Years Centre, which is a Children’s Centre for families with a pregnancy or a child under five years old. Available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bulgarian, Romanian, Czech, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Hindi and Mandarin. Password required.

Watch Videos

Children's Home

A Virtual Study Visit to a children’s home in London, which is home to 6 young people aged from 12 to 17. Available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bulgarian, Romanian, Czech, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Hindi and Mandarin. Password required.

Watch Videos

Robert Owen Early Years Centre

A Virtual Study Visit to Robert Owen Early Years Centre, which is a Children’s Centre for families with a pregnancy or a child under five years old. Available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bulgarian, Romanian, Czech, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Hindi and Mandarin. Password required.

Watch Videos

Residential social service for children with disabilities in the community, Czech Republic, film 1.

This film introduces a unique practice in the Czech Republic, where a residential service for children with disabilities is provided in two rented flats in the community. Film 1 has been created for managers of institutions for children and people with disabilities, country officers and decision makers. Available in English, Spanish, French, Bulgarian, Czech, Russian and Ukrainian.

Watch videos

Residential social service for children with disabilities in the community, Czech Republic, film 2.

This film introduces a unique practice in the Czech Republic, where a residential service for children with disabilities is provided in two rented flats in the community. Film 2 has been created for social workers and carers. Available in English, Spanish, French, Bulgarian, Czech, Russian and Ukrainian.

Watch videos