Please note: the inclusion of any commercial product/service in this article is not intended as a recommendation from The Key.
What is trauma-informed practice?
Schools that are ‘trauma informed’:
- Are aware of previous experiences and events in a child’s life
- Understand that those experiences and events have an impact on the child’s present
- Can identify which pupils have experienced trauma
- Know that trauma doesn't manifest in all pupils equally
- Know that trauma can affect groups and communities
- Recognise that adults within the school may also be impacted by experiences from their childhood
Trauma-informed practice takes those traumatic events into account and creates a safe environment for pupils and staff, avoiding re-traumatisation.
This definition is taken from Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK) and the working definition of trauma-informed practice for the health and care sector, which is also useful for schools.
Consider your safeguarding responsibilities
Talking to pupils about traumatic or challenging events can be difficult for everyone involved.
