Welcome to the Groom Room Training Academy, Winsford, Cheshire
Who Are We?
Owned and run by Rachel Birchall, qualified to City & Guilds Advanced Level in Grooming and qualified PTLLS in teaching. Rachel and the staff regularly attend seminars to further their professional development. It is our pledge to deliver a first class training service for everyone who studies with us.
Whether you would like to learn to groom your own pet dog, or you wish to train to be a professional dog groomer, The Groom Room will tailor the training to your individual needs. Training is given one to one at the City & Guilds standard, so you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to take NVQ exams should you choose to do so.
What Should you Look For in a Training School?
When choosing a grooming school, ask the trainer what you will have achieved at the end of the course? If you are able to, visit the centre so you can soak up the atmosphere. You should look for a professional, friendly salon with a relaxed, happy environment. Ask whether the trainers are experienced in dog behaviour, as this skilled training is just as important as learning to groom. Also ask the trainers if they are City & Guilds & PTLLS qualified, and what steps they take to keep up with the latest techniques and styles. Find out what the student to trainer ratio is, so you know how much attention you will receive during your training.
Our Facilities
We have a purpose built, state of the art salon in Winsford, set in its own grounds, next to the town centre, and with free parking. The spacious salon is equipped with the latest technology, including three baths, many different driers and a whole range of quality grooming equipment. This makes for a great learning experience for you, and a happy grooming experience for the dogs we provide for you to learn to groom. You will train alongside experienced groomers in the commercial salon, giving you a good feel for the real world of dog grooming.
Our Training Courses
You may choose an individual days training, or a course of as many days as you need. You can spread them over a period of time, or take them in a block. We always do our best to accommodate your needs.
A minimum of 20 days training is recommended if you intend to start your own grooming business, 30 days training will give you a broader range of the breeds you are likely to come across regularly, in addition to improved knowledge, skills and confidence.
You may wish to study for just one or a few days if you want to learn to groom one specific breed; or, if you already have grooming experience, but wish to improve your skills. We also offer one or two day hand stripping courses, giving you a specialised skill that will set you apart from the majority of groomers.
'The Groom Room Training Academy Diploma' certificate will be presented to those students who have studied for at least 20 days, and have in the opinion of their trainer, achieved an acceptable level of knowledge and skill to warrant the award. Every student will be presented with a certificate to show that they have completed their training course. Additionally, for those who attain the standard, a Certificate of Excellence in Handling and Control will be awarded.
For those wishing specifically to take the City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants, or the City & Guilds NPTC Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming, the training course and exam is now run together in a block, only at City & Guilds registered examination centres, of which The Groom Room Training Academy is not one. You will find these centres by looking on the Pet Care Trust website.
The Groom Room Training Academy does however offer training to improve your practical styling skills and techniques required in order to pass your City & Guilds Level 3 practical exams.
Do feel free to discuss your requirements by telephoning Rachel on 07833 681574. And of course you are very welcome to come and visit us for a look around and a chat.
CLICK HERE to email for more information.
What Form Will My Training Take?
Our courses have a strong practical element. To start with you will learn good dog handling and control and how to prepare a dog for grooming. This includes brushing techniques, ear clearing and cleaning, nail trimming, coat types and shampoo selection, gland expression, bathing, and various drying options. You will also start daily scissoring exercises in advance of beginning to trim dogs.
As you progress, you will learn to health check dogs, becoming familiar with common ailments; and you will learn about a wide range of breeds. You will also begin to use clippers and start to put your scissoring skills in to practice with the dogs. As you progress, you will groom a dog each day from start to finish with the close guidance of your tutor. Day by day, you will make more of your own decisions throughout the grooming process as your knowledge and confidence grows; you will complete a feedback form with notes on your work to which your tutor will add guidance notes.
Taking courses of 16+ days enables you to learn to groom a wider range of breeds, progressing onto Poodles, Bichon Frise and Bedlingtons which need a high degree of skill. It also gives you the opportunity to learn the skills you will need to start your own business such as costings, premises and salon layout, buying equipment, advertising, pricing, and day to day salon management.
You will also have access to a post training telephone / email help backup service, so you never need to feel alone.
CLICK HERE to email us to discuss your needs.
Your Career Path Options
1. City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants (a good introduction, but not compulsory in order to progress to level 3)
2. City & Guilds NPTC Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming
3. City & Guilds NPTC Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists
Further information on C&G courses and exam content is available at www.nptc.org.uk
4. British Dog Groomers' Association Higher Diploma
Information on the BDGA Higher Diploma is available at www.petcare.org.uk
Prices (excluding VAT which is applicable at 20%)
| An individual day | £141.25 |
| 2 - 3 days | £131.80 per day |
| 4 - 5 days | £125.25 per day |
| 6 - 10 days | £122.40 per day |
| 11 - 15 days | £120.50 per day |
| 16 - 20 days | £118.65 per day |
| 21 - 25 days | £116.75 per day |
| 26 - 30 days | £114.90 per day |
| 31 + days | £113.00 per day |
Our training days are Monday to Friday at the newly extended training hours of 9.30am - 4.00pm. We accept major Debit and Credit cards. A 20% deposit is payable on booking (minimum £150 including VAT), and the balance is due two weeks before the start of your course.
CLICK HERE to email for further information or to apply for training.
Testimonials
I booked a training course in 2011 at The Groom Room Training Academy. The pre-course information and advice was brilliant. As a student, I bought and used my own scissors for training, Rachel was more than helpful in locating where to purchase them and obtaining a student discount for me - this was particularly useful, as I am left handed and the range of scissors is somewhat limited compared with right handed groomers.
Rachel's approach to training is first class and is very professional and thorough, she always made me feel at ease and gave me constant reassurance when needed. At the start of the course, it all felt a bit daunting, and I didn't know whether I had the confidence to do dog grooming, but I needn't have worried - Rachel is on hand constantly to guide you every step of the way, and after a couple of weeks, I couldn't wait for my weekly visit to the Groom Room and grooming a different dog every week - a challenge but I did it!!
If you are looking to train as a Dog Groomer, I would not hesitate to recommend Rachel Birchall and The Groom Room Training Academy to anyone. I loved every minute of my training, and I am now running my own dog grooming business, and getting nothing but praise and positive comments from all my new customers!
Jan Hanby
Dinky Dogs Grooming
Cheshire
Where Are We?
The Groom Room, Dean Lodge, Dean Street, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1HG.
We are situated just off the main A54 in the centre of Winsford with adjacent free car parking. The railway station is a four minute drive away. Junction 18 of the M6 motorway is just 10 minutes drive away and Manchester airport is only a 35 minute drive. There are plenty of places to stay both in and close to Winsford.