Safeguarding, behaviour & wellbeing: Trauma-informed practice in schools The symptoms of ADHD, autism and other common child diagnoses often match those of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Dr Margot Sunderland looks at the implications
Case study: Creating a happy school Headteacher, John Bryant, was named Happiest School Employee in the National Happiness Awards. Emma Lee-Potter finds out how his school has put happiness at the heart of its work
Recognising pupils’ feelings and emotions Learning to recognise feelings and emotions is an essential part of growing up, but it will not necessarily come naturally. Shahana Knight looks at how we can help support our pupils to spot, identify and manage their feelings
Bereavement in schools: When death happens To mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week – November 15 to 21 – Alison Penny considers how schools can be better prepared to support children who are coming to terms with the death of someone close
Attachment and SEMH: Supporting our children Pikemere School has been working to prioritise issues of Attachment as well as social, emotional and mental health challenges. Emma Lee-Potter explains how the school trains its staff and supports pupils
Vulnerable pupils: Creating safe spaces in the school environment A growing concern for vulnerable pupils has led to the creation of safe spaces, or sanctuaries, at Ripley Infant School as well as a focus on Attachment Theory. Paula Doleman and Kathie Skermer explain
Create a healthy workplace in your school The Education Support Partnership is getting record levels of calls from school staff seeking support and advice. Richard Faulkner urges primary schools to signpost staff to this often vital support
Supporting previously looked after children Previously looked after children can present particular challenges and schools are required to have a ‘designated teacher’ in place. Darren Martindale offers us best practice advice
Getting transition right for vulnerable pupils We all know that transition to year 7 can lead to a dip in student outcomes. Daniel Sobel speaks to Jez Piper about how we can get transition right, particularly for our most vulnerable pupils
Therapeutic schools: Looking after yourself... Our therapeutic schools series continues. This time, Shahana Knight turns her attention to you – the teacher. If we do not look after teachers’ mental health then how can they be expected to support our pupils?
The rising tide of sensory troubles: Low-level behaviours (part 3) In this three-part series, inclusion specialist Joanna Grace addresses the sensory challenges that many pupils face. In her final article, she considers some of the smaller sensory behaviour challenges and offers us some classroom strategies
Adverse childhood experiences and the implications for schools Half of children will live through an adverse childhood experience and around one in 10 will suffer four or more. How can schools support these young people? Lynn Miles, who suffered ACEs herself, explains more and offers her advice
What can schools do to lessen the impact of knife crime on pupils? The knife crime epidemic is having a huge impact on communities and is leaving our youngest children frightened and anxious. A group of schools is now convening a summit in June to discuss the role of primary schools in reassuring and supporting pupils and their families. Fiona Aubrey-Smith reports
Three pastoral challenges: What would you do? Inclusion expert Daniel Sobel outlines three common pastoral challenges that he comes across in schools and discusses how he would approach each situation in order to achieve positive outcomes
In defence of the staffroom When it comes to staff wellbeing, the staffroom plays a crucial role. Kate Sarginson offers some ideas to give staff morale and wellbeing a boost
The rising tide of sensory troubles: Explosive behaviours In a three-part series, inclusion specialist Joanna Grace addresses the sensory challenges that many pupils face. In part two, she considers explosive sensory behaviours – and how not to react
Helping vulnerable pupils to handle the transitions of school life The challenges of the many transitions that pupils go through in school can be incredibly difficult to overcome for vulnerable young people. Nicola Marshall offers some useful strategies
Case study: Making mental health a priority in Morecambe The mental health and wellbeing of pupils and families has become a priority for primary schools, nowhere more so than at Morecambe Bay Primary. Emma Lee-Potter finds out about their work
When a young person opens up to you... When a child opens up about a mental health issue, responding in the right way is crucial. Caroline Hounsell from MHFA England offers five tips for primary school staff
More depth and detail: The new safeguarding guidance Local Safeguarding Children Boards may be on their way out but schools will still be on the frontline when it comes to child protection. Suzanne O’Connell outlines the major changes and implications for schools of the new Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance
Children missing education: It’s time to track the vulnerable Schools are expected to follow up every absence, and yet there are thousands of children who have nobody checking up on them at all. The issue of children missing education is difficult to tackle, so what can be done to protect the vulnerable? Suzanne O’Connell reports
Seeking wellbeing support: Let’s end the stigma... More teachers are reaching out for wellbeing support, but only once they have already reached crisis point. Julian Stanley says headteachers have a key role in ending the stigma over asking for help
How to create a mentally healthy school Creating mentally healthy schools benefits staff and pupils. Emma Mamo from the charity MIND offers her advice both to schools themselves and to staff who are struggling with a mental health problem
The Stella Project: Supporting our vulnerable learners The Stella Project has been working with professionals to provide mental health training in order to better support vulnerable learners. Clare Stafford explains more about the legacy the year-long project hopes to leave
Early Help – getting it right Early intervention is crucial if we are to give pupils the best chances of success. Ann Marie Christian offers her practical strategies and advice on creating and managing an effective early help programme
