ATTUNE

ATTUNE schools and settings are; Attachment aware; Trauma informed; they focus on building Trusting relationships; seek to Understand the individual needs of their learners and wider community; take a Nurturing approach, and recognise the importance of a whole school approach to promoting Emotional wellbeing.

The framework for the project previously known as TIAAS, has been enhanced to include aspects of the Sandwell Well Being Charter Mark (SWCM) and the Anti-Bullying Charter Mark (ABCM). Combined, these evidence-based models of practice form the basis for the new ATTUNE project. Schools and educational settings in Wolverhampton are invited to benefit from the support and guidance being offered through the Wolverhampton Educational Psychology Service with their trauma informed, attachment aware practice, their anti-bullying practice and their approach to promoting pupil and staff well being at a whole-school level.

An ATTUNE Setting is where:

• Practice, policies and procedures are guided by an understanding of the impact of trauma on a child’s development and behaviour and are rooted in relational approaches.
• Staff recognise signs of trauma and understand the impact this can have a child’s development, learning and behaviour.
• Staff understand that all behaviour is a form of communication and respond in a way that recognises the child’s need.
• Staff are confident in managing behaviour through restorative practices, co-regulation and Emotion Coaching. Connection and relationships are prioritised.
• There is an environment where children and young people feel safe and feel a sense of belonging and connection with the school community.
• The curriculum supports students to understand and regulate their emotions and resists re-traumatisation.

A trauma-informed attachment aware approach could lead to benefits such as:

• Calmer school environment
• Improved relationships with pupils and parents
• Improved attendance and pupil engagement
• Reduction in exclusions
• Positive impact on staff confidence
• Fewer sanctions used, particularly with vulnerable pupils

(Timpson Attachment and Trauma Awareness in School Project, 2021)

The ATTUNE project includes:

• EP/ Ast Psych (AP) support and guidance over a 2 year period, with 3 days of EP input along with 5 days of AP support in Year 1 to support your journey to becoming an emotionally heathy and trauma-informed setting.
• Support to evaluate your current practice, strengths and areas for development.
• Collection and analysis of key information and data through an audit, staff surveys, parent and pupil focus groups and setting ‘well-being walk throughs’
• 1.5 days whole school training on Attachment & Trauma and Emotion Coaching (delivered by EPS)
• Facilitation of a bespoke Development Plan for your setting for the next 12 months, reviewed with your EP each term. Settings will be supported to meet criteria to gain certification as a bronze, silver or gold ATTUNE school.
• The project is subsidised by the Wolverhampton Virtual School and Public Health so the cost to schools will be £500 per year, over a 2 year period.

In April 2024 we had 12 schools and settings from across Wolverhampton city who were involved in our TIAAS pilot project, and who are now continuing with us for their 2nd year as ATTUNE settings . These include mainstream primary and secondary schools, nursery settings and specialist settings. We are keen to support as many settings as possible across the city.

We are keen to respond to all schools and settings who are committed to develop their trauma-informed practices through the ATTUNE Project and who are willing to dedicate time, effort and actions towards this intended outcome. If you are interested in becoming an ATTUNE school or setting and want to access the ATTUNE support package and accreditation framework that is being offered by the Wolverhampton Educational Psychology Service – please email Sarah.Pryce@wolverhampton.gov.uk. (Note: an online form is currently being updated.)

TIAAS Pilot Project Evaluation (Jan 25)
12 Education Settings currently engaged with the TIAAS Pilot Project working towards certification:
1 Nursery (Low Hill); 7 Primary Schools (St Michael’s COE, Warstones, Christ Church Junior/Infant, Loxdale, Berrybrook, Villiers, West Park); 2 Secondary Schools (St Peters Collegiate & Khalsa Academy); 1 Specialist Settings (Broadmeadow); 1 Specialist Vocational Training Centre (WVTC)

8 TIAAS School Leads were interviewed (many of whom were HTs) and they said;

• "The EPS has been instrumental in our journey so far and the TIAAS project has helped. Regular catch ups have really helped with implementing trauma informed practice into our ethos."
• "The relational approach has impacted behaviour and student attendance."
• "We can now better recognise and respond to the needs of all our children and young people."
• "Staff morale is higher than it was a couple of years ago and they feel they have a voice and input."
• "I think doing the TIAAS work has really helped me shape what we are doing as a school."

The feedback from TIAAS leads was supported by feedback from school staff members who completed the Steering Group Staff Survey who said that:

• "Being part of this TIAAS pilot significantly developed their awareness and understanding of trauma informed practice."
• "The TIAAS project had informed their daily practice when supporting individual pupils."
• "The TIAAS project helped them to drive forward positive change in their school."
• "The support provided by the EPS had helped them implement change."

80% of staff felt it was ‘unlikely’ or ‘very unlikely’ that they would have made the positive changes they have seen in relation to trauma informed practice if they hadn’t been involved in the Wolverhampton EPS TIAAS project and they would recommend the Wolverhampton EPS TIAAS Project to other schools.