Wellbeing

From Shaun Andrews, MHWL Leading Teacher

What is Trauma-Informed Education?

You may have heard the term trauma-informed education and wondered what it means. Simply put, it is an approach that helps create classrooms where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Trauma-informed education is not about lowering expectations or excusing poor behaviour. Instead, it combines high expectations with strong relationships, clear routines, and consistent support so that every student has the best opportunity to succeed.

At NMPS, we use the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) to guide this approach. This evidence-informed model is based on research about how children learn and how the brain responds to stress.

What does this look like in the classroom?

Our teachers build positive, respectful relationships with every student. They establish clear, consistent routines and expectations that support learning. They explicitly teach students skills to recognise and manage their emotions through our tailored Wellbeing Curriculum, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Teachers support students to regulate their emotions and return to learning. They maintain high expectations while providing the support students need to succeed.

Why does it matter?

All children experience challenges at times, whether it's friendship issues, family changes, feeling worried, or simply having a difficult day. Creating calm, predictable, and supportive learning environments benefits every student, not just those who have experienced significant adversity. Research shows that when students feel safe, connected, and supported, they are better able to focus on learning, manage emotions, and achieve their best. 

Trauma-informed education is simply high-quality teaching. By combining high expectations with positive relationships and consistent routines, our teachers help every child feel confident, engaged, and ready to learn.