Training

ImaginationGYM® Training
for Professionals

Comprehensive training in the ImaginationGYM® Methodology for teachers, Special Needs Assistants, clinical practitioners and other professionals working with children. In-service training approved by the Department of Education in Ireland.

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Why Train With Us

Training That Changes Practice

ImaginationGYM® training is delivered by experienced educators and practitioners who have worked with the methodology in real classrooms and clinical settings for many years.

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Department of Education Approved

In-service training for teachers is approved by the Department of Education in Ireland — formally recognised professional development.

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Nurses & Midwifery Board Accredited

The Adults with Intellectual Disabilities programme is Category 1 Training with the Nurses and Midwifery Board, carrying 9 CPD credits for registered nurses.

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Taught by Real Practitioners

Training is delivered by experienced practitioners — including Rosaleen Durkin and Mary Mountstephen — who have used the methodology in schools, clinics and community settings for decades.

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Practical Tools Included

Every course includes practical facilitation guides, lesson plans, case histories, and Activity Book resources that can be deployed immediately in your setting.

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Suitable for All Locations

Training can be arranged in-person at your school or organisation, or through our established training venues in Ireland, the UK, and internationally.

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Become a Trainer

Qualified professionals can go on to become ImaginationGYM® Trainers or Coordinators, delivering the programme in their region. The work can be arranged to fit existing routines.

Training Courses

Courses Available

Training is available for a wide range of professional roles and contexts. Each course is tailored to the specific needs of its audience.

For Educators

ImaginationGYM® Training for Teachers

In-service · Department of Education approved (Ireland)
Approved in-service training

The foundational training course for primary school teachers. Covers the full ImaginationGYM® methodology and its application in classroom settings across S.P.H.E., Media Studies, Nature, Global Studies and other curriculum areas. Includes practical session planning, case histories, and evaluation tools.

Course Topics

✓ ImaginationGYM® Methodology and Principles
✓ Educational & cognitive theory
✓ Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
✓ Vygotsky & The Zone of Proximal Development
✓ Flow Theory (Csikszentmihalyi)
✓ Using ImaginationGYM® in educational settings
✓ Dealing with behavioural, emotional & learning difficulties
✓ Adult participation and involvement
✓ Creative & inclusive project ideas
✓ Lesson Plans for the SPHE Curriculum
✓ Case histories from real classroom practice
✓ Evaluation process and ongoing assessment
Suitable for: Open to all primary school teachers. No prior experience of the methodology required.
Enquire About This Course
For SNAs

ImaginationGYM® Training for Special Needs Assistants

Professional development · In-person
Professional development

A tailored training course for Special Needs Assistants covering the ImaginationGYM® methodology as applied to individual and small group support. Focuses on using the programme with children who have learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, or emotional needs.

Course Topics

✓ ImaginationGYM® Methodology overview
✓ Supporting children with learning difficulties
✓ One-to-one and small group session facilitation
✓ Working with children with dyslexia and dyspraxia
✓ Building self-esteem through the process
✓ Adapting activities for different special needs
✓ Communication with class teachers
✓ Using the programme with hyperactive children
Suitable for: Open to all SNAs working in primary or special education settings.
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For Care Staff

Workshop Training for Alzheimer's & Dementia

Specialist care · Activity therapy
Specialist care training

Specialist training in the adaptation of ImaginationGYM® as activity therapy for older people with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Designed for activity coordinators, care home staff, and nursing teams who wish to use the methodology with older adult residents.

Course Topics

✓ ImaginationGYM® adapted for older adults
✓ Dementia-sensitive facilitation techniques
✓ The 13-step workshop programme
✓ Managing group dynamics in care home settings
✓ Individual response monitoring and documentation
✓ Involving families in the programme
✓ Staff relaxation and wellbeing
✓ Reporting and evaluation
Suitable for: Open to activity therapists, coordinators and care staff working with older adults.
Enquire About This Course
Accredited Training

Activity Therapy: Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Category 1 Training · Nurses & Midwifery Board · 9 CPD credits
9 CPD credits (Nurses & Midwifery Board)

A formally accredited programme for professionals caring for adults with intellectual disabilities. Approved as Category 1 Training with the Nurses and Midwifery Board of Ireland, carrying 9 credits for registered nurses. Covers the full ImaginationGYM® methodology as adapted for this specific population.

Course Topics

✓ ImaginationGYM® Methodology for adults with intellectual disabilities
✓ Person-centred facilitation approach
✓ Communication and engagement techniques
✓ Adapting activities for different levels of ability
✓ Group and individual session formats
✓ The 13-step workshop programme
✓ Documentation and outcome measurement
✓ Staff wellbeing and reflective practice
Suitable for: Open to nurses, activity therapists, coordinators and care staff. Registered nurses receive 9 Category 1 CPD credits.
Enquire About This Course
Community Training

Training for Professionals Working with Children in the Community

Community & childcare · Flexible delivery
Community training

For professionals working with children in community settings — after-school programmes, childcare centres, family support services, and community organisations. Covers the core ImaginationGYM® methodology and practical applications in community contexts.

Course Topics

✓ Core ImaginationGYM® Methodology
✓ Using the programme in group settings
✓ Working with mixed age groups
✓ Engaging parents and carers
✓ Adapting for different community contexts
✓ Session planning and facilitation
✓ Child protection and safeguarding awareness
✓ Evaluation and feedback
Suitable for: Open to childcare practitioners, community workers, youth workers, and family support professionals.
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Parent Events

Information Talks for Parents

Information talks for parents of children with special needs are available as standalone events or as part of a school's wider ImaginationGYM® programme. These talks help parents understand the methodology and how to support their child's use of it at home.

Arrange a Parent Talk
Get Involved

Become an ImaginationGYM® Trainer

"We want to hear from childcare professionals, teachers, clinical practitioners, parents who wish to become ImaginationGYM® Trainers or Co-ordinators."

"The work can be arranged to fit in with your existing routines — an ideal way to earn additional income at a time that suits you. We are interested in hearing from applicants from all over the world."

  • ✓Work flexibly around your existing professional commitments
  • ✓Train others in the ImaginationGYM® methodology
  • ✓Earn additional income from an activity you believe in
  • ✓Be part of a growing international network
  • ✓Supported by an experienced team throughout
Express Your Interest
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Who Can Apply?

→Primary school teachers
→Special Needs Assistants
→School counsellors
→Clinical practitioners (counsellors, therapists)
→Childcare professionals
→Community workers
→Parents with relevant professional backgrounds

Ready to Get Trained?

Contact us at info@imaginationgym.com to enquire about any of our training courses or to find out about becoming an ImaginationGYM® Trainer.

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