Neyland Community School rewarded for work on mental health and trauma

A Trauma Informed School (TIS) is one that equipped to support children with trauma or mental health problems which can act as a barrier to learning. 

To achieve the TIS status, the school had to demonstrate the implementation of the Protect, Relate, Regulate and Reflect principles.

Applicants for the Trauma and Mental Health Informed Award must have completed TISUK staff training and demonstrate the use of emotionally available adults to support children who have experienced trauma.

Following a thorough application, a member of the TIS team visited the school for the day to witness the provision on offer, the ethos of the school, and talk with parents/carers, children and staff.

They also visited classrooms and witnessed key times of the school day such as of the start of the day and lunchtimes. 

The report following the visit and confirming TIS status, said: “Neyland Community Primary School provides a safe, caring and nurturing environment in which all children are supported to flourish and feel happy and safe as they learn.

“The children are happy because they are supported by every member of staff from the minute they arrive at school to when they leave.”

The report concluded: “Children are able to talk confidently and knowledgably about topics related to their well-being and mental health and are supportive of one another - they love their school, dream big and work hard!”

The school’s use of a walking bus, where teachers collect children from different parts of the town to walk together to school was highlighted as best practice.

The walking bus had reduced absences and late arrivals and provided a positive start to the day with an opportunity to talk to adults on the way to school.

Neyland Community School Headteacher Clare Hewitt said: “We are incredibly proud of this award and to be recognised for our Trauma Informed practice. We have been developing this approach over the last few years, it takes time and doesn't happen by accident.

“It is a culture and an ethos that we pride ourselves on for all our children, families and staff that makes Neyland a very special place to be.”

James White, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Engagement & Inclusion, added: “Neyland have been a trailblazer for the Trauma Informed approach from the beginning, and it is great to see their work being recognised. 

“I have been particularly impressed with how the whole staff group and pupils in the school have taken up the work, as well as the senior leaders”.