Schools
PAC has a designated trainer who delivers training to schools (and other educational settings) that work with pupils whose lives have been marked by traumatic experiences; many adopted and looked after children fall into this category, as do other children with disrupted early histories.
The training covers a range of topics that are particularly relevant to the needs of children who have had adverse (early) life experiences and whose learning and behaviour now causes concern as well as a sense of helplessness in school staff. These children very much include children looked after and adopted children.
Examples of topics included in the training:
- attachment theory and the importance of early relationships
- the effects of trauma, including abuse and neglect
- the impact of early experiences on children’s brain development
- the difficulties children may present with in school, including learning, relationship, emotional and behavioural difficulties
The training also guides staff through the latest evidenced-based interventions and strategies that help to support, contain and include children in schools:
- how to establish healthy relationships and key worker systems
- how to support peer relationships and play
- how to provide support through transitions at times of loss and change
- how to increase concentration and learning
- how to deal with sensitive issues such as ‘family trees’, birthdays, mother’s /father’s day, etc.
School training sessions are planned in accordance with the needs of each school and can be delivered in primary as well as secondary schools.
The training sessions usually take place in the commissioning school.
Most sessions will be up to 2 hours (e.g. as part of a staff meeting). Longer sessions of a half or whole-day (e.g. as part of an INSET day) are also possible. One follow-up session is available also.
This training service is currently funded by a generous grant from the Esmee Fairburn foundation. Therefore schools are invoiced for a nominal fee only, to cover travel, administration and other associated costs:
- £50.00 for London schools
- £100.00 for schools in the home counties
- Beyond home counties: cost to be established per school
“Excellent – Julia delivered an intelligent presentation but made it accessible to all through everyday examples” (Assistant Head teacher, Surrey)
“Relaxed, informative, tailored to suit our needs” (SENCO, Kent)
“Very user friendly and open to comments” (SEN Governor, Essex)
“Very clear, handouts useful, engaging, nice pace” (Class Teacher, Camden)
Please contact Julia Clements (PAC’s Schools Trainer) directly:
Email: schools@pac.org.uk
Office: 020 7284 2630
Julia Clements is a former primary school teacher. She currently works as a Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist for a Local Authority. Other senior specialist roles have included working with schools to support child and adolescent mental health and emotional well-being. Julia has over 18 years of experience of working with children, schools and families.
PAC Schools FlyerChildren who have suffered trauma in their early lives can present as having social, emotional and behavioural difficulties at school. Their learning and their way of relating to teachers and peers is often affected too. This training can help staff teams in schools to understand and support these children!
