Relational Practice

Trauma-Informed and Attachment Aware School 

Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed (AATI) practice is a school-wide approach that emphasises the importance of emotional regulation, trust, and positive relationships. It is based on research from psychology and neuroscience and aims to create environments that support positive life outcomes for students. AATI schools are characterised by their focus on understanding and addressing the emotional needs of students, which can lead to increased engagement, stronger learning outcomes, and reduced reliance on sanctions. 

We have reached the threshold for the Bronze Award to recognise that we are a Trauma-Informed and Attachment Aware School. All our young people benefit from the strategies that we implement daily to show empathy, understanding and care. Our work continues in this important area and we look forward to continuing this journey with you all.

Relational and Restorative Practice 

The Relational and Restorative Practice course was attended by staff from 2024-6. The school then embarked on the Bronze Award using the ARC matrix and in conjunction with Staffordshire Virtual School. The Bronze Award was awarded to the school in June 2026 as a result of training all staff on how to effectively use restorative conversations within the school setting in order to strengthen positive relationships between staff and students.

A restorative approach is not just about how we resolve conflict when it arises, but about how we think, how we make strategy, how the adults behave and what we expect from the children.

In short, Restorative Conversations follows a strategy that seeks to repair any harm done to people, and relationships that have been damaged.  Rather than simply punishing someone , it aims to make them take responsibility for their actions and to be aware of the consequences.

We are proud to receive the Bronze Award for the work we have done to embed this practice and encouraged to now pursue the silver award. We understand that building relationships is at the heart of everything we do at King Edward VI School.

Expecting restorative meetings to be a quick fix? It takes time for pupils to be able to answer questions fully and reflect properly. It takes time to change behaviour. Persist and gradually trust is built, conscience is developed and everyone is more aware of their behaviour.

ARC Alex Timpson Awards

The ARC Alex Timpson Awards recognise and celebrate best attachment and trauma aware practice in schools and settings.

We have achieved a regional commendation from ARC Alex Timpson Award for the work that our whole school community have done in implementing Emotion Coaching strategies across the school.