IncludEd: A Trauma Informed School

WHAT IS A TRAUMA-INFORMED SCHOOL?

Many pupils have had traumatic experiences, trauma can impact learning, behaviour and relationships at school. Trauma can arise from a variety of sources, bullying, pressures of social media, domestic factors, environmental factors, discrimination and other significant life events. 

Having the tools to manage traumatic stress empowers the members of the school community to be part of an environment where they feel safe to learn.

In a trauma informed school, the adults in the school community are prepared to recognise and respond to those pupils who have been impacted by traumatic stress and relate in ways that enhance their self-esteem, confidence and develop their capacity to reflect and resolve. The goal is not to only provide tools to cope with extreme situations but to create an underlying culture of respect and support.

EDUCATION

Our dedicated team undergo continuous development and training to better understand the impact trauma has on learning.

SAFETY

Our team help pupils to stay safe physically, socially, emotionally and academically.

HOLISTIC

We work towards meeting our pupils' needs by taking into account their relationships, self-regulation, academic competence, physical and emotional well-being.

COMMUNITY

Our school community aims to provide pupils with multiple opportunities to practice newly developing skills.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We embrace and practice an ethos of shared responsibility for all pupils.

ADAPTABILITY

Our team are trained to anticipate and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our pupils.

Our dedicated team possess a range of qualities and skills inclusive of:

*  Compassion

*  Warmth

*  Empathy

*  Emotional robustness

*  A non-judgemental attitude

*  The ability to stay stable under stress

*  Imaginative ways of exploring feelings

We aim to work with our pupils in ways that alleviate their suffering, support their learning and make them feel cared for and appreciated.

"Remember: everyone in the classroom has a story  that  leads to misbehaviour or  defiance. 9 times out of 10, the story behind  the  misbehaviour won't make you angry. It will break you heart."                                                                              (Annette Breaux)