Wellbeing
Attachment & Trauma
Over the last 12 months, we have undertaken training in making us all as staff in school more aware of the impact that attachment and trauma has on individual's lives. The work was very intense but also extremely rewarding and enlightening.
The aims of the Programme were to:
- raise school staff awareness and increase understanding of the role of attachment and trauma in children’s education and strategies to better address their needs
- reduce exclusions from school and improve attendance of children who are vulnerable
- improve educational progress and the well-being of children who are vulnerable
- develop the confidence and skills of teachers and other staff (including early years) to address trauma and attachment
- identify the most effective approaches to addressing attachment and trauma in school
As a result of the training, we are reviewing our policies on behaviour support/management and have the theories and rationale of being trauma aware throughout all of our work. Children can only learn at their best when they feel at their best so we aim to approach the individual's needs to further the individual's development.
For further information, either get in touch or there is lots of information available:
https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/parenting/attachment-issues-and-developmental-trauma
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-health-development/attachment-early-years
https://www.familiesempowered.co.uk/understanding-attachment
Children's mental health - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Top tips to support children and young people
Be there to listen
Regularly ask how they're doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know there's always someone to listen if they want it. Find out how to create a space where they will open up.
How to start a conversation with your child
Support them through difficulties
Pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through difficulties. It's not always easy when faced with challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they're feeling and why.
Help with difficult behaviour and emotions
Stay involved in their life
Show interest in their life and the things important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.
Encourage their interests
Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team help connect us with others and are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encourage them to explore their interests, whatever they are.
Take what they say seriously
Listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, in turn makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a more constructive way.
The Anna Freud Centre support guide
Build positive routines
We know it still may not be easy, but try to reintroduce structure around regular routines, healthy eating and exercise. A good night's sleep is also really important – try to get them back into routines that fit with school or college.
1 in 5 children and young people suffer from mental health illness in any given year. At Kooth, we believe every young person has the right to thrive and to access high quality mental health care.
Kooth.com is commissioned by the NHS, Local Authorities, charities and businesses to provide anonymous and personalised mental health support for Children and Young People. With over 4000 logins per day, we provide end to end support whatever the need.
This service is currently only for young people between the ages of 10 and 16. That unfortunately means only our Y6 children can access this.
Other sources of support and guidance:
 | Place2Be provides mental health support to children in UK schools.
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 | Recognising the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health can be really hard. We've got advice to help you support children who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings or self-harm.
Signs That a Child Is Suffering From Mental Health Issues | NSPCC |