​​Trauma-informed Schools UK are educational institutions that adopt practices and policies aimed at supporting students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or trauma. These schools recognise the profound impact that trauma can have on a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development and they prioritise creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments. Staff are trained to understand the signs of trauma and to respond with empathy and care, promoting resilience and reducing the risk of re-traumatisation. Trauma-informed approaches include flexible discipline strategies, emphasis on building strong relationships and integrating mental health support into the school framework. By addressing the holistic needs of students, trauma-informed schools aim to enhance educational outcomes and promote well-being, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

​Motional is an online platform offering evidence-based tools to assess, enhance and report on emotional health in schools. Designed to support student well-being, it provides features such as Snapshots to measure emotional states, targeted interventions to address specific needs and progress tracking to monitor improvement over time. The platform also offers a wealth of resources and activities for both individual and whole-class strategies, enabling schools to take a comprehensive approach to mental health. User-friendly and cost-effective, Motional equips educators with the insights and tools needed to promote positive change, create supportive learning environments and promote emotional well-being for all students.

​When The Adults Change is a platform dedicated to promoting relational practice in educational settings, emphasising the pivotal role of adult behavior in shaping student outcomes. Founded by Paul Dix, author of When the Adults Change, Everything Changes, the initiative offers bespoke programs and online courses aimed at transforming school cultures through positive relationships and inclusive teaching strategies. Their approach focuses on setting high behavioral standards, promoting deep trust and nurturing aspirations among students. By providing tailored support and resources, When The Adults Change assists schools and colleges in achieving sustainable culture change and improved behavioral outcomes.

​Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect or household dysfunction, including parental substance abuse or divorce. Research has shown that ACEs can have long-lasting effects on an individual's physical, emotional and mental health, often increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health disorders and social challenges in adulthood. The cumulative impact of ACEs is measured using the ACE score, with higher scores correlating to greater risk. However, resilience-building factors, such as supportive relationships, emotional regulation skills and access to resources, can mitigate the negative effects of ACEs. Understanding ACEs is crucial for creating trauma-informed practices in healthcare, education and social services to promote healing and support for those impacted.

​Dr. Margot Sunderland is a prominent child psychotherapist, author and expert in neuroscience and child development. She is best known for her work in bridging the gap between research and practical parenting, particularly through her book The Science of Parenting. Sunderland emphasises the importance of understanding how early experiences shape the developing brain, advocating for responsive and empathetic caregiving to promote emotional well-being and resilience. As the director of the Centre for Child Mental Health in London, she has contributed significantly to training professionals in trauma-informed and neuroscience-based approaches to working with children. Her work highlights the critical role of secure attachments and compassionate communication in nurturing healthy, thriving children.

Carl Rogers was a pioneering psychologist best known for developing person-centered therapy, a humanistic approach that emphasises the individual's capacity for self-healing and personal growth. Central to his theory is the belief that people possess an innate drive toward self-actualisation, which can flourish in an environment of empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness. Rogers challenged traditional, directive therapeutic models, advocating instead for a collaborative and nonjudgmental relationship between therapist and client. His concepts, such as the "self-concept" and "congruence," have had a profound impact on counseling, education and leadership. Rogers’ work emphasised the transformative power of understanding and acceptance, making him one of the most influential figures in 20th-century psychology.

​Jaak Panksepp was an American neuroscientist renowned for his groundbreaking research in affective neuroscience, which explores the neural basis of emotions. He is best known for identifying the brain's primary emotional systems, such as SEEKING, FEAR, RAGE and CARE, which are shared across mammals and form the foundation of emotional experience. Panksepp's work highlighted the evolutionary roots of emotions and their critical role in survival and social bonding. He famously discovered that rats emit ultrasonic "laughter-like" sounds during play, advancing the understanding of joy in animals. His research bridged neuroscience and psychology, offering profound insights into the emotional lives of both humans and animals.

​Paul Dix is a renowned educator and behaviour specialist known for his transformative work in improving school behavior systems. With decades of experience, Dix has focused on promoting positive relationships between students and educators as the foundation for effective behavior management. His book, When the Adults Change, Everything Changes, offers practical strategies for creating consistent, fair and respectful school environments that promote better behavior and learning outcomes. Dix emphasises the importance of emotional regulation, restorative practices and clear boundaries in shaping a culture of accountability and trust within schools. His approach has been widely adopted, helping educators move away from punitive measures and toward methods that nurture growth, resilience and mutual respect.

​Edith Grotberg, a prominent developmental psychologist, identified three key strands of resilience that help individuals effectively cope with adversity: I Have, I Am, and I Can. The "I Have" strand emphasises external support systems, such as relationships with family, friends and mentors, which provide stability, encouragement and practical assistance. "I Am" focuses on personal traits, including self-esteem, confidence and a sense of purpose, which empower individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Lastly, "I Can" relates to problem-solving skills, emotional regulation and effective communication, enabling individuals to navigate difficulties and maintain control over their circumstances. Together, these strands form a holistic framework for building resilience, highlighting the interplay between external resources, internal strengths and practical skills in promoting well-being and adaptability.