the educator mag May 24 (1) - Flipbook - Page 80
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 influences 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.
