There is a growing body of research and understanding of the impact of Childhood Adversity on long term mental and physical health and the protective factors that lessen the potential impact.

To ensure every child develops positive mental health and resilience, our aim is to:

support children to make sense of their experience(s)

find ways to manage their emotions and feelings

create an environment of safety, connection and compassion at all times

build a school/Trust network of strong, positive, supportive relationships through training

ensure children maintain the capacity to learn, despite difficult events that may occur

Porter Croft’s behaviour and relationship policy reflects a trauma-informed approach. We use systems, such as, Restorative Practice, timetabled sensory room therapies, Health Mind Champions as well as Zones of Regulations to create a supportive environment and help pupils create and have healthy, strong and positive relationships.

The school fully understands and supports the impact that connection with a trusted, emotionally available adult has on a child and seek to maximise this for those in our care who are identified as requiring additional support. We have a Trauma Informed lead teacher and all teaching staff at school have undertaken training so that they have the skills and understanding to respond appropriately to the needs our students may display. We do not operate a ‘one size fits all’ approach to distressed behaviour.