This practical masterclass explores how to integrate therapeutic interventions and trauma-informed strategies into classroom practice, helping staff build calm, supportive spaces that promote positive behaviour, engagement, and student wellbeing.
The classroom environment has a profound impact on student behaviour, learning outcomes, and emotional regulation. For students with unmet emotional needs or trauma histories, traditional behaviour management approaches can be counterproductive, escalating distress and disrupting learning. This mastermind introduces evidence-based therapeutic techniques that support self-regulation, attachment, and positive relationships, essential components for calm and connected classrooms.
Participants will explore person-centred and trauma-informed approaches that shift the focus from “managing behaviour” to understanding it as communication. Drawing from the Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools (DfE, 2018) guidance and principles from the Whole School SEND and Emotionally Based School Avoidance frameworks, this session will equip educators with tools that de-escalate behaviour while nurturing trust and consistency.
By embedding therapeutic practices into daily routines, schools can foster environments where both staff and students feel safe, seen, and supported, improving emotional wellbeing and academic engagement.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This masterclass is ideal for classroom teachers, teaching assistants, learning mentors, and support staff across all phases who are looking to adopt therapeutic, person-centred strategies to manage behaviour, reduce classroom anxiety, and create a harmonious, emotionally safe learning environment.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass/session will enable you to:
Understand the impact of trauma and emotional dysregulation on student behaviour and learning.
Explore therapeutic and person-centred strategies to promote calm and safety in the classroom.
Apply de-escalation techniques that align with traumainformed practice.
Embed predictable routines,sensory regulation tools, and relational safety to support behaviour.
Align classroom strategies with government guidance on mental health and behaviour in schools
FACILITATOR
Kelly is a Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant, serving as the Director and founder of Mind Work Matters Ltd., with a focus on prioritising wellbeing and people in education. Renowned as an award-winning motivational speaker, author, and creator of the ‘Family Matters’ programme, Kelly’s expertise extends to advising on school improvement and cultivating healthy work cultures. Employing a systemic approach, she collaborates with various stakeholders, including local authorities, MATS, and pastoral teams, to promote healthy environments and provide expert training for Senior Mental Health Leads. Her strategies empower individuals in education to thrive amidst challenges, enhancing aspirations, engagement, attendance, and outcomes. Recently, Kelly has spearheaded the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return project and continues to lead education development processes, earning recognition from the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre, and The Education Support Partnership as a key influencer in mental health and wellbeing within education
