Category Archives: School

Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help…

Jake age 9 was a quiet child who was often disengaged and would stare out of the window for long periods of time. His class teacher had moved him away from the window but this didn’t improve his attention span, … Continue reading

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Making a Difference guide

My Making a Difference guide is now available for purchase online.  Based on many conversations with school staff over the last few years it is a resource to support staff in understanding and supporting children with their behaviour and emotional … Continue reading

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Being aware of children’s internal dialogue

Some children may have learnt to respond in a defensive way as a coping mechanism to manage the feelings of anxiety and fear that situations evoke in them. The child may present as feeling the opposite of this, for example, … Continue reading

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The impact of school staff leaving

When a member of school staff leaves the school at the end of the school year, this can have a big impact on some children. It is important for schools to consider how this is communicated to the children and … Continue reading

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Helping children who struggle with transition to their new class

Some children find any change extremely difficult as it can evoke feelings of loss, anxiety and uncertainty. It is useful therefore that children’s transitions to new classes are managed with patience and understanding. For a child who has experienced many … Continue reading

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The importance of Building relationships

It is worthwhile exploring what opportunities exist in school to build relationships between staff and children and how these can be increased. For some children, the experience of spending individual time with a member of school staff may seem terrifying. … Continue reading

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What message does the following behaviour communicate to children?

Staff being negative about each other Staff snapping at each other Staff challenging each other in an aggressive manner Staff asking each other for help Staff providing help to each other Staff supporting and encouraging each other Staff being relaxed … Continue reading

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The book of positive things…..try this at school or at home

I frequently come across children in school who lack confidence and have low self-esteem, and it can often be difficult for school staff and parents to find or create enough time to help children with this on a daily basis. … Continue reading

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What is this child trying to tell me?

What do you do if you feel upset, worried or have just had a bad day? As adults we have the ability to use language to express our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and our experiences. Children do not have … Continue reading

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Developing life skills

  The school setting is the ideal place for children to learn about and practice developing essential life skills and the opportunity to do this can be integrated in to the school curriculum through lessons and activities. The possibilities to … Continue reading

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