Michelle Dewsall

Behaviour in the classroom is evolving, influenced by the trauma experienced by individuals over recent years, even in subtle ways. This topic explores the key elements of trauma-informed practice and how these can support educators in working sensitively with pupils to promote positive behaviour. By acknowledging that trauma isn’t always a single major event but can result from an accumulation of smaller experiences, a trauma-informed approach offers a pathway to help everyone reach their full potential.

As wellbeing and mental health remain priorities across organisations, a common question arises: how can we care for ourselves while supporting our staff and those in our care? This topic delves into the effects of stress on our bodies and minds, emphasising why a disciplined approach to wellbeing is essential. Practical tips and strategies are shared to help manage stress effectively in the workplace, addressing both individual and organisational levels.

The way we respond to behaviours plays a crucial role in outcomes; sometimes, the instinctive reaction can actually be counterproductive. This topic explores how removing emotion from responses and engaging the higher cortex to make decisions creates an integrated experience, where our behaviour positively influences others. The goal is to create a classroom culture of respect, meaningful praise and positivity—one where unwanted behaviours are not spotlighted and students who most deserve recognition receive it.