the educator mag May 24 (1) - Flipbook - Page 30
Attachment and
Trauma Informed:
Why It’s Not Merely an Educational Strategy
Understanding the impact of attachment and trauma on students is crucial
because it directly in昀氀uences their learning, behaviour, and overall well-being.
For educators, recognising and addressing these impacts is essential for
creating supportive educational environments where every student can thrive.
Jasmine Mulligan, a passionate educator and coach with
extensive experience in the education sector, sheds light on this
critical issue through her recent guest blog for AC Education.
In her blog, Jasmine explores the complex issue of dissociation-a
manifestation of trauma that is often misunderstood within the
educational setting.
This survival mechanism, employed by children and young
people who have experienced trauma, presents in ways that can
easily be misinterpreted as disengagement or defiance.
Dissociation within educational settings can have profound
impacts on both the individual student experiencing it and
the broader classroom environment.
Mulligan suggests that because of this, educators should assume
that every child might have experienced trauma in order to
foster a more compassionate and understanding environment.
Her exploration of dissociation highlights a significant gap in
educators’ ability to recognise and address the signs of
attachment and trauma—a gap that AC Education’s Attachment
and Trauma Training Programme aims to fill.
AC Education’s whole school Attachment and Trauma
programme is at the forefront of a movement towards
trauma-informed education. By empowering educators
with the knowledge and tools to become attachment and
trauma-aware, AC Education strives to help create environments
where every student can flourish, regardless of their background
or experiences. It’s about fostering a positive learning
environment that improves attendance, reduces exclusions,
and boosts academic engagement.
Led by experienced attachment and trauma specialists Sheila
Mulvenney – ex Virtual School Head and author of ‘Barriers to
Learning’, Alun Rees - ex Virtual School Head and Policy Advisor
to NAVSH as well as author of the Virtual School Handbook,
and Andrew Russell – ex Virtual School Head of various London
Virtual Schools, the programme offers practical strategies that
extend beyond traditional teaching methods. These strategies
are designed to deepen educators’ understanding of the role of
attachment and trauma in children’s education, enabling
them to address the needs of their students better.
Delivered in a flexible format, with options for face-to-face
sessions or virtual webinars, the programme ensures that
schools can tailor the training to their specific needs and
constraints. Teachers who undertake AC Education’s programme
will be more confident in addressing and dealing with
attachment and trauma-related issues in education, improving
relationships across the school community.
However, the journey to becoming a trauma-informed school is
not just about training; it requires a commitment to change at
all levels of the school community. It necessitates a shift in
perspective from viewing behaviour as a choice to
understanding behaviour as communication. This shift is
crucial for creating the inclusive and supportive relationships
that underpin a trauma-informed educational environment.
By becoming trauma-informed, schools can enhance their
capacity to support vulnerable students, ensuring they have the
support needed to thrive academically and emotionally.
Jasmine’s earlier insights remind us that being trauma-aware
is not merely an educational strategy; it’s a comprehensive
approach that fosters empathy, inclusion, and healing. It’s about
seeing beyond the surface, recognising the hidden struggles,
and responding with compassion and support.
Understanding and addressing the impacts of attachment and
trauma is essential. AC Education’s whole school Attachment
and Trauma Training Programme offers a path forward,
providing schools with the training and tools they need to
respond to children who have experienced trauma.
If you’re seeking Attachment and Trauma Training for your staff,
look no further. AC Education’s trauma-informed, relational
approach will enable your team to work therapeutically and
build relationships with young people in education.
For more information, call +44 1923 850408 or email
contact@ac-education.co.uk.
