Trauma-Informed Practice in Boarding Schools
🏷️ From £110
🎧 Houseparents, Deputy Houseparents, Heads of Boarding, Pastoral staff, DSL’s?
📍 Online
🎥 Watch live or on catch up
✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass
Course Content
This session introduces trauma-informed practice within the unique context of boarding schools, recognising that many pupils arrive with experiences of loss, disruption, or unmet emotional needs. Staff will explore how trauma impacts emotional regulation, behaviour, and relationships, and why traditional punitive responses may escalate rather than resolve difficulties. The session emphasises the importance of safety, consistency, and predictability in house routines, alongside the principle of connection before correction. Practical strategies for de-escalation, co-regulation, and restorative responses will be discussed, with a strong focus on staff self-regulation, teamwork, and the use of supervision to sustain effective and compassionate house parenting.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this event, participants will be able to:
- Understand how trauma and attachment disruption can affect behaviour in boarding
- Respond to challenging behaviour using trauma-informed approaches
- Apply practical strategies to support regulation, safety, and connection
- Maintain nurturing care while working within professional boundaries
Speaker:
Julie Harmieson, Director of Education and National Strategy,Trauma Informed Schools UK
Julie is Director of Education and International Strategy at TISUK, with over 25 years’ experience in education, specialising in trauma-informed practice and supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. A former Headteacher of a Primary Alternative Provision and current SEMH school Governor, she has supported the implementation of trauma-informed approaches across every sector of education from early years to higher education.
Julie delivers consultancy, training, coaching, mentoring and supervision for education professionals, helping schools create inclusive, relational cultures that promote mental health, well-being and belonging. She is passionate about removing barriers to learning so every child can thrive.
