Trauma Informed Schools

Brightside Nursery Infant School is proud to be a Trauma Informed School!

Trauma-Informed Practice at Brightside Nursery Infant School

At Brightside Nursery Infant School, we understand that every child is unique and that their experiences, relationships and environment can have a significant impact on how they feel, behave and learn.

We take a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach to supporting children. This means that we consider what may be happening for a child and recognise that behaviour can sometimes be a form of communication. Rather than simply asking “What is wrong with this child?”, we aim to ask “What has happened to this child, and what do they need from us?”

Helping children feel safe and secure

We know that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, understood and connected. Our staff work hard to create nurturing, predictable and supportive environments where children know that trusted adults are available to help them.

We support children by:

• Building positive, trusting relationships with children and families.

• Providing consistent routines, boundaries and expectations.

• Using calm, respectful and emotionally supportive language.

• Helping children to recognise, understand and manage their emotions.

• Supporting children to develop self-regulation and resilience.

• Giving children opportunities to talk about their feelings and experiences in an age-appropriate way.

• Providing reassurance, comfort and co-regulation when children become overwhelmed.

• Recognising that children may respond differently to stress and difficult experiences.

• Celebrating children's strengths, achievements and individuality.

• Working closely with parents and carers and, where appropriate, other professionals to ensure children receive the right support.

Understanding behaviour as communication

Young children are still developing the ability to understand and communicate their emotions. When a child is upset, overwhelmed or dysregulated, they may find it difficult to explain what they are feeling.

We therefore seek to understand the need behind the behaviour and help children develop safer and more effective ways of communicating their feelings and needs.

Our staff use trauma-informed, therapeutic and restorative approaches, alongside clear and appropriate boundaries. We understand that being trauma-informed does not mean removing expectations or consequences; instead, it means responding to children with compassion, consistency and an understanding of their individual needs.

Relationships are at the heart of what we do

We believe that strong relationships are fundamental to children's wellbeing, development and learning. Our aim is for every child to have trusted adults around them who know them well, listen to them and help them feel that they belong.

We also recognise that parents and carers know their children best. We welcome open communication with families and will work together to understand and support a child's individual needs.

Supporting the whole child

Our trauma-informed approach sits alongside our safeguarding, pastoral, SEND, behaviour and wellbeing practices. Where we have concerns about a child's welfare or believe that they may need additional support, we follow our safeguarding procedures and work with families and relevant professionals where appropriate.

Above all, we want every child at Brightside Nursery Infant School to feel:

Safe. Seen. Heard. Valued. Connected. Ready to learn. 

If you would like anymore information or advice regarding mental health or wellbeing, please speak to Mrs Jenkins-Omar.