Intercultural awareness training (IAT) for midwives, school nurses and health visitors: evaluation of impact, learnings, barriers & recommendations

An intercultural awareness training (IAT) programme was delivered to the 0–19 workforce designed to strengthen cultural awareness and competence, build practical skills and confidence, and promote improved staff wellbeing. Between May and September 2025, 96 midwives, health visitors and school nurses attended six training sessions across the south east of England. The training combined experiential learning, facilitated discussion and reflective practice with teaching on key principles of intercultural awareness and trauma-informed practice, safeguarding and staff wellbeing. Follow-up reflective sessions provided space to share experiences and changes in practice.

The evaluation found the training to be highly acceptable, appropriate and feasible for the 0-19 workforce. Participants reported increased confidence, awareness and reflective capability, alongside improved communication, advocacy and culturally responsive practice with CYPSAR and families seeking asylum or with refugee status. Experiential exercises, particularly ‘BARNGA’, and practical, role-specific examples were central to meaningful changes in practice. The emphasis on reflection and wellbeing supported practitioners to better manage vicarious trauma and reduce burnout risk.

One participant shared: “I think the training needs to be integrated further and spread amongst the team more, it is such essential training, and I feel that our whole team would benefit from the training as would the people we care for.”

Sustained impact of the training can be achieved when intercultural awareness is treated as an ongoing process, supported by strong team cultures, protected reflective practice and visible leadership commitment.