About IRSA
Independent UK Reflexology Schools
Furthering the highest quality reflexology training through independent schools and courses…
IRSA is a group of independent reflexology schools, specialists in reflexology training, many of whom have been teaching the therapy to the highest standards for over thirty years. Our aim is to impart knowledge gained over those years, teaching with the freedom afforded by independence.
Some are of the opinion that a qualification is more important than the training. We take the view that the quality of your training is by far the most important factor.
If you are wanting to train in order to practice this great therapy, then the course content and the quality provided by your training provider are by far the most important factor in your long-term success. A growing number of the highest profile schools are moving away from the constraints placed on their training by the regulated system in an effort to raise standards and making the needs of students our absolute priority.
With independent courses, offered by IRSA member schools, you can be assured that the needs of our students are paramount, because independent courses fit the content to the requirements of the student, not the other way round.
More about what we do
A growing number of the highest profile reflexology schools are moving away from the awarding body-controlled training route, (also known as “regulated”), in an effort to raise standards and make the needs and future of our students and graduates an overriding priority.
Member schools who have taught under the regulated system for many years are now benefitting their students by teaching independent, non-regulated courses.
Regulated means controlled, and non-regulated means freedom, freedom to teach reflexology as it should be: Holistically.
Reflexology is a subject where regulated standardisation of teaching is not appropriate, because every therapist and every client is different. and in order to treat clients effectively training should allow the flexibility which IRSA independent schools employ
IRSA schools choose to comply with NOS (National Occupational Standards for Reflexology,) but IRSA schools training allows an adaptation of approach fitting the diversity of each individual student and their clients.
By choosing to learn at an IRSA member school you know that the quality standard of your training is guaranteed and that you will be able to use your future qualification in any way you wish.
THREE SHIRES REFLEXOLOGY
A bit of background...
Training on a regulated course does not mean that your training will be the best, or of a high standard.
A little research on the internet will show you that some “regulated” courses only have to be attended for four days!
Regulation of reflexology training began over twenty years ago at the instigation of reflexologists. This grew from a desire for greater recognition for our therapy, and initially worked well.
From the IRSA point of view, there is a problem with current ‘regulated’ training in that the content is tailored to fit the criteria of specific educational levels. Not, as it should be, to fit the specifics of the subject or the needs of the student. Also, that criteria is no longer decided by reflexology professionals but non-industry specific bodies.
For example, Level 3 reflexology is a qualification with only one of the units specific to reflexology. The other units are generic covering aspects of a number of other complementary therapies.
Some courses have had to become increasingly academic in structure in order to be awarded their particular level.
Schools and colleges, that are members of IRSA, teach courses tailored to the needs of the student rather than the restrictions of any particular level.
That said, there are some regulated courses both at Level 3 and level 5 that do maintain excellent standards.
However, training on a regulated course does not mean that your training will be the best, or of a high standard.
For example, a little research on the internet will show you that some “regulated” courses only have to be attended for four days.
Training with an IRSA non-regulated course guarantees training will be of the highest quality. IRSA guarantee it. It is the reason we were formed.
