WHOLE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT USING TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE

How can a trauma informed approach secure rapid whole school improvement?

Progress and improved achievement

When children feel supported at school, they are more likely to engage in their learning and make good progress.

Behaviour

A relational and restorative approach to behaviour ensures pupils feel safe and supported and therefore they are more likely to behave positively, create positive relationships and adhere to boundaries.

Attendance  

When children feel safe and supported at school, they are more likely to attend regularly. This is especially important for children who have experienced trauma, as trauma can often lead to school avoidance.

Whole school ethos

 A trauma-informed approach can help create a more positive school ethos, where everyone feels safe, supported and respected. This is an essential aspect of a whole school approach to wellbeing.

Mental health

 When children feel supported at school, they are more likely to have better mental health overall. This includes things like reduced anxiety, depression and stress.

Staff wellbeing and retention

 A trauma-informed approach can improve mental health outcomes for staff. When staff feel supported in their work, they are more likely to stay in their jobs and feel satisfied with their work.

Wherever you are on your school improvement journey, we are here to help. Have a look at our sample training packages and contact us for a bespoke package that meets the needs of your school.

Please note that you don’t have to be a school to get in touch. We welcome enquiries from anyone working with children who would like to know more about how a trauma informed approach will benefit their organisation and the children they serve.

HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF A TRAUMA AWARE SCHOOL
As an adoptive parent I quickly came to realise that the usual “journey” through school does not work for every child.


My two children benefitted hugely from a whole school trauma informed approach which meant that every key member of staff they interacted with knew the strategies and approaches that would help my children.  They put the children at the centre and formed a nurturing structure around them.  This in turn increased their resilience and self esteem, something children who have experienced trauma struggle with.  


The progress my children have made is remarkable.  My son joined the school having spent his time before working on a 121 basis outside of the classroom environment.  He is now in class full time and working independently for the majority of his learning.  He works with staff who he trusts to keep him safe and as a result is thriving under their care.  My daughter who has significant attachment issues was able to form close partnerships with several key members of staff, who helped provide with the tools she needed to move forward with her learning.
The school encouraged close partnerships between our family and the staff which benefitted both parties immensely. 
I am confident that the progress my children have made, educationally and emotionally, is without a doubt due to the trauma informed schooling they receive.

Parent, FLCJS
FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOL STAFF ON COACHING SERVICES
AVERAGE RATING 4.67
The session highlighted actions that I had not considered that are useful for furthering my career.
Thank you for making me feel at ease and giving me time to talk.
I find the sessions useful to reflect on practice. Your insights are positive and helpful.
FEEDBACK ON TRAUMA AWARENESS TRAINING
How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of trauma and its effects on early childhood development after training?
How would you rate your understanding of behaviour after training?
  (The training) was very good and informative. Relatable.
Very helpful. Lots of good ideas to try.
School staff, MJS, Attending Trauma Awareness Training

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Why Choose Us

We are passionate about securing the best outcomes for children. Safe, supportive relationships and listening to pupil voice, are at the heart of our practice.

Any one adult, using a trauma informed lens when interacting with children, will positively effect outcomes. However, a whole school approach will have far greater impact, not just for individual children but every child and the whole school community.

At Acumist Education, we ensure that the support and training we provide is bespoke to the school’s needs, starting from where the school is on their trauma informed journey, and building on the good practice already in place.