Trauma-Informed Practice in Schools: Perceptions of School Staff

Background: The concept of ‘trauma-informed practice’ (TIP) has developed over the last twenty years. Recently, TIP has been applied to schools in acknowledging the widespread nature of trauma and preventing impacts on education, and mental health and wellbeing more broadly. ‘Trauma-informed schools’ are increasingly prevalent in the USA and are beginning to emerge in the UK. Preliminary research suggests positive results however research exploring school staff, perspectives is lacking. This is important in informing the development of this approach.

Aims: This research explores school staff perceptions on the impact of trauma and TIP in UK schools. It aims to present perceptions of trauma and TIP, to explore experiences of responding to trauma and identify any barriers and areas for
development.

Method: Semi-structured interviews took place with thirteen school staff members working in a variety of roles, across a range of schools. Interviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis.

Results: Thematic Analysis generated three themes: ‘Theory to practice: challenges defining trauma and TIP’; ‘Practice to theory: current response to trauma in schools’; ‘The influence of the wider context’. Eight subthemes were also generated.

Conclusions: Although staff are largely unfamiliar with TIP and internalise a lack of expertise in the absence of training or guidelines, their individual practice is
consistent with TIP. Indeed, findings suggest the barriers to a whole-school approach lie in the wider context. Implications highlight the need for an education paradigm shift towards prioritising wellbeing, and for greater funding and resource in schools and other public services, enabling a systemic approach. With greater resource and capacity, findings suggest TIP may be an acceptable and meaningful
framework to embed in schools. This should involve strategic investment, wholeschool policy and training, staff support, and community involvement. The Covid-19 pandemic has both increased barriers and provided hope for a systemic shift.