More than 40% of children nationally will have experienced episodes of loss, separation, abuse or neglect before their 18th birthday. Such experiences can lead to trauma and attachment issues, which affect all aspects of a child’s functioning. On this course, we will explore the varied effects of trauma and developmental trauma on children and how this impacts on their capacity to cope with the demands placed on them in school. Referring to the research and best practice, we will detail how to support these vulnerable children so that they can feel safe, learn and ultimately thrive in school.

The course will include:

• An examination of trauma, developmental trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
• A detailed look at the areas in which traumatised children can struggle and why
• Whole-school approaches that support traumatised children
• Specific approaches for traumatised children
• A focus on supporting behaviour for learning in a trauma-sensitive way
• Individual case studies
• Opportunities for discussion and reflection

What you can take away

• Further resource and reading recommendations
• Model behaviour policies 
• Useful infographics and short video clips to aid dissemination to colleagues