'Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.'

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Trauma Informed School

What is a trauma informed school?

'A trauma informed school is one that is able to support children and teenagers who suffer with trauma or mental health problems and whose troubled behaviour acts as a barrier to learning. '

Trauma Informed Schools UK

Why do we need to be  trauma informed school?

Major public health studies, have shown that when children suffer several painful life experiences, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experience), this can lead to mental and physical health issues both as a child and later in life.  These early experience can affect the way we think, feel and behave.

A trauma informed approach enables staff at our school to provide relationships for our children that can potentially heal minds, brains and bodies.

All of the staff at St Paul's have started their training, so that we can provided the best environment for our children to learn in.

Ten Tips to use in a Trauma Informed School

1. Provide a safe and secure place for children to learn.  When children feel safe they perform better and are less likely to become frustrated when challenged.
2. Increase awareness of the sign and symptoms of trauma.  Signs can be withdrawal, avoidance and trouble finishing tasks.
3. Increased awareness of bias and stereotypes.  We are often unaware of our biases and stereotypes. Learning how to identify and counteract biases is important. 
4. Build a community.  Safe and supportive communities promote trust, compassion and respect for differences. differences
5. Develop and model positive relationships.  Adults who show warmth and care to children develop relationships where both feel respected and values.
6. Reduce punitive disciple.  A punitive approach reduces self confidence and can result in a lack of trusty and disconnection.  Teacher who seek to find solutions to situation help children to develop resilience.
7. Communicate and reinforce expectations and goals.  Children who understand expectations and are encouraged to achieve their potential have increased self-confidence and motivation.
8. Avoid deficit thinking and language.  Deficit messages lead to lower self-confidence and motivation.  Teachers should build on strengths and give positive messages that focus on achievements.
9. Incorporate social and emotional skills and positive coping.  Learning how to manage emotions and interact with others strengthens relationships and increases confidence in dealing with challenges.  these need to be shaped to the context of the classroom and individualised to each child.
10. Create support systems.  Schools require to have systems to respond to emerging needs and to work collaboratively with other services.