This masterclass shares Therapeutic Teaching as an effective approach to supporting children in the classroom who may have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We explore the impact of ACEs in relation to mental health in the schools, and unpack the PACE model concept which was devised by renowned clinical psychologist Dr Daniel Hughes.
The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report found one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 had a probable mental health condition in 2023.
Research also shared 20.3% of eight to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorderin 2023. After a rise in rates of probable mental disorders between 2017 and 2020, prevalence continued at similar levels in all age groups between 2022 and 2023.
Educators are not trained to be clinicians, but are often the first port of call when it comes to supporting children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Whilst it’s important for students to feel seen, safe, supported, and secure in a therapeuticallyinformed traumaaware environment, staff wellbeing also needs to be at the forefront. After all, a dysregulated educator cannot effectively support their students.
This masterclass starts by exploring the emotional needs of educators to help reduce stress and mental illness recurring. We then proceed with unpacking ACEs and how therapeuticallyinformed classrooms can help children thrive, build emotional resilience, and develop the necessary skills and resources to navigate their way through life’s ups and downs.
We will then focus on developing a school action plan following the principles of Dr Dan Hughes PACE model. This will enable you to enhance security and attention of students and staff, increase worthiness, and most importantly, a create a sense of belonging in a safe school environment.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Headteachers, Deputy Heads, Pastoral Staff, Teachers, TAs/ Learning Support
FACILITATOR
Nicola is a Senior Education & Mental Health Consultant, Mental Health First Aid England Instructor, former SEND Teacher, and trained therapist with over 15 years’ experience. Nicola strives to deliver trauma-informed approaches to support the wellbeing of school staff, parents and students.
Nicola is also a DEI Strategist and is proud to be a Trustee of mental health charity, Black Minds Matter; an Anti-Racism in Schools Advocate; and an Accredited Clinical Reflective Practice Supervisor for Educators, approved by the British Psychological Society.
With a compassion-focused approach, Nicola strives to embed person-centred wellbeing into her practice. She is also a published author of two mindfulness books to support children’s emotional health and wellbeing.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To learn the concepts of Therapeutic Teaching and PACE
To reflect on your own and other educators’ emotional wellbeing
To explore an emotional needs audit for educators and students
To understand the impact of ACEs on child development
To develop a therapeutic teaching practice
To learn how to create a therapeutically-aware action plan
To reflect on your school’s current practices
