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Issue 7 TIPs Magazine out 20th January 2024

Our latest magazine edition delves into the theme of overcoming the “post-season blues” that  often affects parents after the festive period. We are thrilled to feature a seasoned play specialist and coach, Laura Haver, who shares insightful tips on the importance of play in our lives. Laura provides valuable guidance on how to integrate play into our daily routine, even when we lack motivation.

As the winter season approaches, parents may face the challenge of convincing their children to wear a coat. Our article provides a comprehensive analysis of the underlying reasons behind this behaviour and offers practical advice on how to support children through this challenge.

Additionally, we are delighted to welcome Lydia Pask, Art Therapist, who shares her expertise on the benefits of this practice. Her insights offer a deeper understanding of how art therapy can help promote emotional well-being and healing.

Furthermore, we have compiled a comprehensive list of upcoming events in CoECT, including NATP listening circles and Inspire Training webinars. These events are free for those with combined membership to NATP and Trauma Revolution. Don’t miss out on the January sale discounts across CoECT, which will end on 31st January.

To subscribe to the TIPs magazine free digital version click here.

Trauma-Informed Parenting Magazine – Issue 6 out November 20th 2023

Our National Conference in Coventry was a massive success, and we’re grateful for the parents, teachers, social workers, and alternative education providers who came together to support neuro-diverse children in education. The atmosphere was electric, and we felt positive about the changes we could make. We have included some of the conference’s highlights in a CoECT News Special on page 6.

Additionally, we focus on a topic that most of us can relate to – the quest for being the perfect parent. With the rise of social media, the pressure to showcase a flawless family life can be overwhelming. But let’s face it, how often is everything genuinely perfect? Join us as we explore the reality behind the picture-perfect moments on social media and delve deeper into the question of whether a perfect parent even exists.

As the holiday season approaches, we may need to navigate through transitions. Christmas can be challenging for both children and adults, especially from a sensory processing perspective, with the flashing or twinkling lights and social events with relatives, which can be overwhelming. In this issue, we will explore how to manage seasonal transitions.

Jessica, a therapeutic social worker and TBRI practitioner provides an introduction to Trust-Based Relational Intervention® and explains the process involved. Additionally, our wellbeing article delves into the topic of compassion fatigue and provides practical tips for preventing burnout. Mark, a parent, seasoned life coach and personal trainer, shares his insights on how exercise can serve as an effective stress reliever.

To subscribe to the TIPs magazine click here.

CoECT Annual Conference: Meeting the needs of neurodiverse children in education settings.

 

In October, the COECT Schools team, were joined by Author and Attachment Therapist Sarah Dillon at the Annual CoECT Conference 2023; this year’s focus was education.  Sarah and Sair shared their experiences as parents navigating the education system at the conference. They discussed the challenges they faced and how this led to the creation of the A-Z of Trauma-informed Teaching book. Hannah and Sair also shared the journey of the creation of Wickselm House Learning Centre CIC.  The conference highlighted the impact of the education system on neurodiverse children and those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

Sarah and Sarah Dillon role-played school-related scenarios to emphasize the importance of understanding the root cause of a child’s behaviour. Daniel and Anne discussed therapeutic teaching using a trauma-informed approach and shared strategies and solutions for implementing this approach in schools. Hannah explained the workings of Wickselm House, an alternative education provision, and its success in bridging the gap for children. The conference then concluded with a Q&A session from the panel of speakers.

You can purchase a recorded version of the event here.

The Annual Conference for 2024 is being planned, and more details will be released next year. Stay tuned for updates!

You can read more about the conference in the next edition of TIPS which is out November 20th.

Trauma-Informed Parenting Magazine – Issue 5 out September 2023 (SCHOOLS SPECIAL)

In this issue, Daniel and Anne discuss trauma-informed teaching, while Hannah shares how her alternative education centre, Wickselm House Learning Centre CIC, supports children’s emotional and social needs to help them reintegrate into school. Sair explores compassion fatigue in teaching, provides a recap on the signs and symptoms to look out for and strategies to prevent teachers from slipping into compassion fatigue.

We also have an NATP resource that identifies the pre-birth and post-birth indicators of early trauma and how to support children with early life in the school environment, and Emma discusses why some children cannot fit into the traditional school system with the help of some children who have been unable to attend for significant reasons..

We are all looking forward to sharing our topics from the book with you at our upcoming conference, which is being held on Thursday 19th October, in Coventry. More information about the conference and how to book tickets can be found on the Inspire Training group website at www.inspiretraininggroup.com/upcomingevents

To read Issue 5 of the magazine subscribe here.

New Schools Book Launch: The A-Z of Trauma- Informed Teaching.

“This is a remarkable achievement. Like Batman’s Utility belt for teachers. So many practical, wise, inspiring, and achievable ideas are packed in here. I can imagine this becoming as indispensable for teachers as Gray’s Anatomy is for doctors…” – Stephen Fry
“If you want a book to assist with your work with traumatised children, choose this one. It is the best!” – Professor Peter Fonagy OBE, Chief Executive, Anna Freud National Centre for Children & Families
“Humane and grounded in science, this book could change lives.” – Sir Norman Lamb, Chair of Maudsley NHS and Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition

 

What does trauma-informed teaching really look like in the classroom, and can we really achieve it?

We all have those days where we feel absolutely drained, struggling to find the energy to dive into a heavy theory book on trauma. Well, the CeOCT Schools Team have got some good news for you! We are excited to launch our new book The A-Z of Trauma Informed Teaching, which takes the format of Sarah Naish’s A- Z of Therapeutic Parenting whilst focusing on schools and the emotional age of the child.  The team who have joined Sarah Naish to write this book are Anne Oakley, Hannah O’Brien, Daniel Thrower and Sair Penna, all whom have worked with children in the school environment and also fostered an ethos of working with families to support their child’s educational journey.

This book doesn’t bombard you with complex jargon and theories but still helps you understand how our little humans develop and explain those puzzling behaviours we encounter in the classroom. And here’s the best part – it provides inclusive strategies that benefit ALL the children in your school and classroom!

Part 1

Part 1 of this book will introduce you to the world of trauma-informed teaching, breaking it down into easy-to-understand concepts. No more feeling overwhelmed by the subject! You’ll gain a solid grasp of what it means to be trauma-informed and how it can positively impact your teaching.

Part 2

Now, let’s talk about Part 2. This section is a game-changer for those busy moments when we’re juggling a million things simultaneously. It’s organised alphabetically, making it easy to find what you need. From Aggression to Lateness, Learning Challenges to Sleep Issues (Zzz), this book covers it all! It’s like having a quick reference guide right at your fingertips, ready to help you address any issue or behaviour that pops up in your classroom.

But here’s the real beauty of this book – it goes beyond just understanding and managing challenging behaviours. It’s about fostering a supportive environment that promotes the mental health and resilience of every child. It’s about creating a space where every child feels seen, heard, and understood.

So, if you’re ready to gain a fresh perspective on the children in your classroom and learn effective strategies to support their mental well-being better, this book is worth a read. It’s a powerful resource that will not only benefit you as a teacher but also make a significant impact on the lives of the children you teach. Let’s create a classroom where every child can thrive!

 

 

Trauma-Informed Parenting Magazine – Issue 4 out July 2023

Next month brings the launch of the new A-Z of Trauma-informed Teaching book which the CoECT schools teamhave been working on. The book launches on 21st August and we are looking forward to sharing our perspectives, strategies and solutions relating to Trauma Informed Teaching at the Annual CoECT Conference in October. You are invited to our virtual launch event for the book on Monday 14 August, more details can be found on page 16 of this issue.

In this issue, we explore the benefits of therapy dogs with Rachael and her therapy dog Buddy. As the summer holidays approach we take a look at how to manage the summer holidays, with strategies to use before, during and after. Emma takes us through the basics of therapeutic parenting, and Amy tells her well-being journey. Also, our Ask the Experts section focuses on lying and stealing in this issue of the magazine.

 

To read the Issue 4 of the free online magazine subscribe here

Trauma-Informed Parents Magazine – Issue 3 out May 2023

This edition is packed full of articles including an article on Sibling Rivalry, where we look at navigating family life when therapeutically parenting siblings. We also take a look at the therapeutic parenting ethos, setting boundaries and how it is ok to say ‘No’.

To coincide with the increased interest and uptake of the new Therapeutic Fostering Assessment (TFA) we look at

 how the TFA can benefit fostering families and supporting professionals. Also, our resident Attachment Therapist, and former looked-after child in care Sarah Dillon, explores the terminology of language from a child in care’s perspective and the need for it to change to support the child’s internal working model.

We also have some exciting news from the CoECT Schools Team who have been busy for the past 18 months writing ‘The A-Z of Trauma-Informed Teaching’, which is to be published in August. The book will also be forming the focus of the CoECT conference this year, you can find more details of the book and the conference on pages 1 & 22 of this issue.

To read Issue 3 of the TIPs magazine you can subscribe here.

Trauma Informed Parents Magazine Issue 2 – Out March 2023

In this highly anticipated second edition, we are thrilled to present to you a collection of thought-provoking articles that delve into a range of topics, from practical strategies for the upcoming Easter holidays to our exclusive insights on the profound effects of early life trauma in children who are removed at birth. We are also privileged to share a parent’s personal experience in navigating the intricate education system, as well as provide invaluable insights into the world of therapeutic fostering.

As we embrace the season of Spring, a time synonymous with growth and renewal, it is crucial that we acknowledge the importance of prioritizing our own well-being. We understand that this can be particularly challenging when we are constantly tending to the needs of others. Whether you are an Adopter, Foster Parent, Kinship Carer/Special Guardian, Step-parent, or a Bio parent of a neurodiverse child, we have tailored this issue to cater to your unique circumstances. Our aim is to offer you a wealth of resources and articles that resonate with your own personal journey.

The theme of mindfulness takes centre stage in our well-being focus for this issue. Mindfulness, an ancient practice that has gained significant traction in recent years, encourages us to be fully present in the moment, fostering a deep sense of self-awareness and an appreciation for the world around us. It is a poignant reminder that amidst the chaos of daily life, we must take the time to nurture our own souls.

Within these pages, you will find articles that explore the various facets of self-care and mindfulness, tailored to your specific role and circumstances. We recognise that each of you faces unique challenges, but we firmly believe that by prioritising self-care, you will be better equipped to provide the love, support, and guidance that your children require.

Our articles on the effects of early life trauma shed light on the profound impact that such experiences can have on children who are removed at birth. By delving into this complex subject matter, we hope to ignite a broader conversation and encourage a more empathetic and informed approach when it comes to supporting these children on their journey towards healing and resilience.

Additionally, we present you with a firsthand account from a parent who has walked the path of navigating the education system. This invaluable insight offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for your child’s educational needs. We hope that this article serves as a beacon of hope for parents who may be facing similar hurdles.

Also our article on the exploration of therapeutic fostering aims to provide you with a deeper

understanding of this unique form of care. By delving into the principles and practices that underpin therapeutic fostering, we hope to inspire and equip you with the tools to create a nurturing environment that promotes healing and growth for your child.

You can read issue 2 by subscribing to the magazine here.

Brand New Free Online Parenting Magazine.

We are so excited to announce the very first edition of TIPs, Trauma Informed Parents, our new free online magazine. We know many of you will think of yourselves as Therapeutic Parents (like we do), but it’s all interchangeable, so don’t worry.

TIPs is not just another online magazine; it is a transformative platform designed to empower parents and caregivers from all walks of life. Whether you are an Adopter, a Foster Parent, a Kinship Carer/Special Guardian, a Step-parent, or a Bio parent of a neurodiverse child, this magazine has been tailored to meet your unique needs. Also, if you are a professional working in education or social care, you will find an abundance of invaluable resources within these virtual pages.

What sets TIPs apart from other publications is its unwavering commitment to providing practical strategies and real-world insights. We understand that parenting is not just about theoretical concepts and abstract ideas; it is about rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into the beautiful messiness of raising children. Therefore, you can rest assured that each article within this magazine is brimming with helpful tips that have been acquired through years of experience and learning, often taught to us by our very own children.

As you embark on this exciting journey with TIPs, we encourage you to approach each article with an open heart and an open mind. Allow yourself to be inspired by the wisdom shared within these pages and let it shape your own unique approach to parenting. The key to growth often lies in embracing new perspectives and constantly evolving our understanding.

So, without further ado, we invite you to delve into the first edition of TIPs, which will leave you feeling empowered, enlightened, and equipped with the tools you need to navigate the intricate tapestry of parenthood. Together, let us embark on this journey towards creating a more nurturing, compassionate, and trauma-informed way of supporting our children.

Click here to access the first magazine and prepare to be amazed.

Wellbeing Award Winners!

On Friday 22nd October Sarah Naish and her team at The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma attended The National Children’s and Young People awards.

You may have seen the fun on social media as the team share snaps from the night!

The highlight of the night was certainly winning the Wellbeing award, this a team effort which includes work from NATP, Inspire Training Group, The Haven, Safer Foster, and True Fostering.

This award recognises an agency who goes above and beyond to promote wellbeing for children and young people and/or ensure that families can stay together.

“This is an impressively innovative organisation committed to helping foster and adoptive families to stay together. Experts by experience act as advocates and a voice for children, and are a growing movement that is making a real difference, impacting outcomes and changing lives. Truly inspirational!”
 
 

Sarah Naish, as CEO and founder of COECT collects the Well Being award with the full support and cheers from the COECT team attending the night. The team enjoyed celebrating the success of the hard work by everyone at the event and by those that sadly couldn’t attend in person.

On behalf of COECT we would like to thank YOU too for being part of our team, supporting us in our journey for better outcomes for ALL children!