Trauma Informed Practice

This session on trauma-informed practice is presented by Lucy Coy, CEO of Headteacher Chat and facilitated by Phil Denton, Director of the Learn platform. In this insightful session, Lucy Coy brings her extensive experience in education to shed light on the importance of understanding and addressing trauma within the school environment. Phil Denton will guide the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of strategies and practices that support traumatised students. This session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools needed to create a compassionate, supportive learning atmosphere that acknowledges the impact of trauma and promotes healing and resilience.

What is Trauma Informed Practice?

Trauma-informed practice is an approach to education and care that recognises and responds to the effects of trauma on individuals. This practice is based on understanding that trauma can significantly impact a person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and that these effects can influence behaviour and learning. Key principles of trauma-informed practice include:

1. Safety: Ensuring that individuals feel physically and emotionally safe within the environment.
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear communication and consistent, reliable actions.
3. Peer Support: Promoting mutual self-help and support among individuals with shared experiences.
4. Collaboration and Mutuality: Recognising the importance of relationships and collaboration in healing.
5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Encouraging autonomy and self-advocacy by validating individuals’ experiences and giving them a say in their care and education.
6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Understanding and addressing cultural, historical, and gender-related factors that influence trauma and its impacts.

In practice, this means creating a supportive and responsive environment that helps individuals feel secure and understood. Educators and caregivers receive training to recognise signs of trauma, respond appropriately, and implement strategies that support healing and learning. This approach aims to reduce re-traumatisation, build resilience, and support the overall well-being and development of those affected by trauma.

Who are Headteacher Chat?

Headteacher Chat is a dynamic platform dedicated to supporting school leaders in their professional journey. Offering a wealth of resources, advice, and networking opportunities, Headteacher Chat connects headteachers and senior leaders with expert guidance and peer support. The platform features insightful articles, webinars, and training sessions on key educational topics, fostering a collaborative community for sharing best practices and innovative strategies. Whether addressing leadership challenges, promoting well-being, or enhancing school management, Headteacher Chat is an invaluable resource for empowering educators to lead their schools effectively and with confidence.

Once you have completed the course, please do click the link to share your feedback with our Learn team: You can feedback to the team here.

Now move on to the lesson delivered by Lucy to find out more on Trauma Informed Practice.