FEATURE FOCUS: VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM


What does a trauma informed school ‘look like’?


At Stonelow, as a TISUK school we feel empowered to place the well-being of all children and staff above curriculum expectations without diluting learning. We strive to be a school that supports all children and staff without judgement, where everyone is met with an empathic and curious response.


We encourage our pupils to be respectful of themselves and others, be independent and have healthy positive relationships. Our pupils understand that failure and making mistakes are all part of the learning process, and we understand children and staff are individuals and may need a different approach to learning or support.


A big part of being trauma informed is the approach is empathic, and the language we use is positive and reassuring. We do not meet the children or each other with judgement, we take the time to see what lies behind their behaviour. The training empowered all our staff to make the positive change that was needed. The training also included the scientific basis to a trauma informed approach, which we also share with the children and their parents, to show that it is based on extensive scientific research and is not ‘airy fairy’.


TISUK recognise the importance of providing alternative environments and connections to nature, so all pupils have the chance to regulate themselves. The school was built in the 60’s and we are fortunate to have lots of open outside space. Over the past two years we have developed a forest school area fenced with willow with wooden seating, renovated our overgrown pond, replanted the flower garden and planted a woodland wild area.


Since returning to school after lockdown, many pupils are experiencing difficulties socialising


with their peers and solving problems, so at the moment we are zoning our large playground to provide more structure. We are creating areas for quiet play, games and spaces for louder more boisterous play - hopefully the new zones will give the children more choice about the environment they need.


What has changed at Stonelow since becoming a TISUK?


TISUK is a holistic approach - it impacts on


the whole school community and determines how we behave, react, respond as well as the language we use, the way we speak and our body language. Empathy is shown to all and this impacts on the fantastic relationship we have with parents and the support we can offer as they feel that they can talk to us without judgement.


Prior to the TISUK training, staff would sometimes become frustrated with children’s behaviour, and meet children in anger, dismiss the underlying reasons for their lack of attention, and focus purely on academic achievement. Now staff have the ‘permission’ to give children time outside class if they are upset and dysregulated, so that they can talk to an adult and regulate their feelings, returning to class ready to learn. This is now accepted as an everyday part of school life.


Pupils joining us from other schools with ‘history’ as school refusers, disruptive behaviours such as repeatedly running and hiding, or violent outbursts, quickly settle into school as they feel valued and listened to.


The importance of taking time to ‘unpick’ and understand behaviours is recognised and staffroom chat has become a discussion about children being vulnerable, dysregulated or anxious, rather than ‘disruptive’ and ‘naughty’. Corridor conversations and ‘whisperings’ have stopped as staff know that they can talk to each other without fear of judgement. Staff can also be open and honest about their own mental health, and we can offer time and support. We call ourselves the ‘Stonelow Family’, we work together so closely as a team that it truly feels like a school family - school is now a place that everyone wants to be.


For more information on Trauma Informed Schools (TISUK) please go to uwww.traumainformedschools.co.uk uinfo@traumainformedschools.co.uk


October 2022 www.education-today.co.uk 17


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