RESPECTING BIOLOGY

The Neurodevelopmental approach to supporting children in school.

Together we will explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the body and the mind so that we can consider the regulation needs of these pupils in school. We will reflect on one of the biggest asks for traumatised children – ‘felt safety’. We will consider the Polyvagal Theory and how significant it is for understanding how children will function best in school. We will discover how we can all support ‘felt safety’, increasing their window of stress tolerance by sensitive, attuned and responsive care.

There will be opportunities to experiment, first using different types of sensory interventions. We will reflect on the importance of respecting biology so that all can function well in the school context. Until we do this many pupils will be at risk of being misunderstood, isolated, secluded and excluded from the very place that could offer them opportunities for growth.

Let’s respect all our pupils have lived and honour what minds and bodies need to thrive. Let’s be trauma responsive in our schools. We can all make a difference and support children and young people into recovery and being in a position to be able to settle to learn.