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The return to school can stir up big feelings for children and young people; excitement, nerves, uncertainty, and everything in between.

Trauma-informed practice reminds us that it doesn’t have to be complicated. ✨
Sometimes the smallest swaps in how we welcome, structure, and respond can make the biggest difference.

From visual timetables to personalised greetings, these little changes help children feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

Because every child (and colleage!) deserves a soft landing at the start of term, and every practitioner deserves tools that help make it happen. 💛

How will you be easing the transition as the school term starts? Let us know in the comments!

Not all stress is the same. From positive stress that helps us grow, to tolerable stress we can recover from with support, to toxic stress that overwhelms when we feel alone; understanding the difference is vital.

Trauma-informed practice means staying curious about which level a child, young person (or adult!) may be experiencing, and knowing how connection and co-regulation may buffer the impact.

Sometimes, going back to these foundations reminds us why our everyday interactions matter so much. 💛

Restlessness can feel like being pulled in two directions at once; your body is still, but your mind is racing. 🌀
For children and young people, this might show up as fidgeting, difficulty focusing, or “acting out” when really, their nervous system is seeking release.

With the support of an emotionally available adult, restlessness can be named, explored, and transformed into movement, play, or grounding activities that bring balance. ⚖

When we help children wrap words around their feelings, we widen emotional vocabulary and create space for safety, understanding, and connection. 💛

Play takes on even deeper meaning in relationship with an emotionally available adult. By joining in with curiosity, attunement, and acceptance, adults provide the safety children need to explore their feelings, test out new ideas, and know they’re not alone in their story.

Trauma-informed practice recognises play not as a luxury, but as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and growth

Playfulness can be a part of the everyday - how do you show playfulness in your everyday?

When those in leadership roles understand and implement trauma-informed practices, it has the potential to positively impact the entire setting for both staff and children/young person's wellbeing.

Our 2-day Senior Leadership Training will equip you with the tools to foster a safe, empathic and supportive environment.

Empower your team, transform your culture, and lead the way in making a trauma-informed approach a priority ✨

More information on how to book onto our upcoming November training linked in bio 🔗

This playful metaphor check-in isn’t just a light-hearted question. It’s a gentle, creative way to invite emotional expression, especially for those who might not have the words to say it.

Metaphors help bypass shame, fear or overwhelm by offering safe distance. They allow children (and adults!) to reflect on their inner state with curiosity, instead of judgement.

A few examples:
🫐 A blueberry, small and quiet, but holding a lot inside.
🍉 A watermelon, I look fine on the outside but feel a bit messy inside.
🍎 An apple, balanced today, but easily bruised.
🍊 A grapefruit, bitter and bright, doing what’s best for me even if it’s uncomfortable.”

Metaphors activate both sides of the brain, supporting emotional regulation and connection.

So, what fruit are you today?