In this episode, Alice Clarke (Educational Psychologist) talks to Lou Pattinson (Inclusion Lead at Castle Hill Infant and Junior Schools) about the journey the school has been on to become a truly trauma-informed place.
Lou gives some incredible examples of the power of embedding trauma-informed practice throughout everything the school does. But what does it mean to be trauma-informed? And how does it support the wellbeing of the whole school community, including staff and families?
In a trauma-informed school, the adults in the school community (all school staff and parents/carers) are prepared to recognise and respond to those who have been impacted by traumatic stress.
Pupils are provided with clear expectations and communication strategies to guide them through stressful situations. The goal is to not only provide tools to cope with extreme situations but to create an underlying culture of respect and support.
The focus is on ensuring safety, establishing trustworthiness, maximising choice and collaboration, and prioritising empowerment. Emerging research suggests that shifting school culture to become more trauma-informed sets the stage for maximum academic growth.
If you are interested in working with the Psychology and Therapeutic Services to embed trauma-informed practice in your setting, contact psychology&therapeuticservices@suffolk.gov.uk