The future of pastoral care in schools: exploring whole-school trauma-informed approaches

It is estimated that trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as exposure to violence, abuse neglect affect approximately a third of school-aged children in England Wales. There strong growing evidence for the devastating impact across lifespan, with psychological biological effects indicated by neuroscientific research. Prolonged chronic stress can brain development leading behavioural changes problems regulating emotions. Children exposed may experience difficulties accessing engaging learning reduced ability form trusting relationships. The scale problem has major implications provision pastoral care, school staff often lack sufficient training resources support complex needs young people affected trauma. Drawing on my working mentor primary sector, this article considers whole-school trauma-informed approach potential model future care schools.