Building Bridges, Not Barriers in Education

As the education sector evolves, relationship-centred approaches are transforming school cultures by prioritising healthy, meaningful connections. These approaches can enhance educational, occupational, emotional and social student outcomes through trauma-informed and attachment-aware practices.

Research shows that, by embedding approaches which support even the most vulnerable children, educators can create learning environments that don’t only accommodate student’s unique needs, but actively embrace them.

Why Relationships Matter in Education

In challenging and fast-moving sectors like education, relationship-building often takes a back seat to academic targets and administrative demands, despite studies showing that relational practices are not a “nice-to-have” – they are essential.

A 2023 study by Hinze et al. found that students’ perception of their school climate is a strong predictor of mental health in early adolescence, highlighting the power of a supportive environment.

Similarly, evidence from HM Inspectorate of Probation shows that the most consistent factor in improving outcomes for at-risk children is their healthy connections with adults in their community.

Relational Approaches – the Evidence

Constructive relationships support effective education. As Roffey (2012) states:

“Positive relationships in schools are central to the wellbeing of both students and teachers and underpin an effective learning environment.”

One example of the impact of relationship-focused frameworks is the University of Edinburgh’s work on social, emotional and behavioural challenges in education settings. Their research has influenced a national shift from punitive discipline models to restorative practices, prioritising building and maintaining healthy relationships. As a result, school exclusion rates have fallen, demonstrating the potential successes to be gained.

Core Principles of Relationship-Centred Approaches

Relational approaches are built on a foundation of principles which build trust, enable stability and encourage academic and personal growth:

Creating Trust and Safety

Sankalaite et al. found that emotionally supportive teacher-student interactions can alleviate stress, protecting mental processes like working memory. When students feel emotionally safe, their anxiety decreases, and they can engage in class, learn and retain new information more easily.

Clear Boundaries and Expectations

When students know what is required and expected from them, they are more likely to succeed. Clear and consistent boundaries and expectations help students to feel stable, and they create a learning environment that is conducive to growth.

Conflict Resolution and Restoring Relationships

Restorative practices (conflict resolution approaches focused on repairing harm) are central to managing behavioural challenges. Rather than excluding or disengaging students, these practices mend relationships and keep students in the classroom, helping to build emotional resilience and reduce learning disruptions.

Implementing Relationship-Centred Practices in Schools

Incorporating a relationship-centred ethos isn’t just beneficial – it’s vital for creating caring and responsive environments where both students and teachers thrive.

Relationship-centred education starts with a strong foundation of comprehensive, whole-school training in trauma-informed approaches, attachment theory and emotional development.

Establishing cohesive support across a child’s ecosystem can also help to set them up for long-term success. Research consistently shows that, when educators and parents/ caregivers work collaboratively, children’s work habits, academic performance, social skills and attitudes towards school improve. They also adapt better to new and challenging situations and have fewer behavioural issues.

Parents and teachers benefit from this partnership too. By working together, educators and parental figures can share valuable insights into children’s behaviour and learning needs. As Pirchio et al. (2013) observed, such collaboration positively influences a child’s social orientation, emotional well-being, and overall adjustment in educational settings.

Flourish’s Empowered Parenting Course Bundle complements school-based strategies by equipping families with practical tools to build resilience and maintain positive connections at home. This reinforcement helps to embed relational practices across all aspects of a child’s life.

Building a Relationship-Centred School Culture

Implementing a relational school culture starts with small, everyday actions that make students feel seen, appreciated and connected with their educators and school staff.

The Power of Everyday Interactions

Research by Sandstrom shows how greeting students as they enter the classroom can help to build a relationship between student and teacher, even if it’s not feasible to learn every student’s name.

Recognising Individual Needs

A relationship-centred culture acknowledges that every student is unique. Tailored support helps educators to understand each child’s distinct strengths and challenges. An important aspect of this approach is the recognition of behaviour as a form of communication, and addressing underlying needs rather than simply managing surface behaviours.

Flexibility with Consistency

While consistency in relational practice is essential, taking a flexible approach is equally important, as different strategies work for different students. The key is to consistently commit to relationship-focused principles, while remaining adaptable enough to meet individual needs.

The Academic Case for Relationship-Centred Approaches

Some critics and sceptics may argue that relational approaches distract from academic priorities – far from it, they actively drive student success. Evidence shows us that when students feel genuinely supported, their attendance improves, their focus sharpens and their willingness to tackle challenges grows.

Students who feel understood and valued are more likely to actively participate in class and persist through academic difficulties. They are also less likely to be disruptive, improving learning time for all students.

Relationship-centred approaches also help at-risk students, such as those with histories of trauma or attachment difficulties. By addressing these challenges, and providing emotional support and stability, relational practices help learners facing the steepest barriers to academic success to still achieve their potential.

These approaches can also aid schools in reducing exclusions, increasing regular attendance and improving academic outcomes – helping to meet key performance metrics whilst creating resilient learners who excel in and beyond the classroom.

Building Bridges to Brighter Futures

Relational strategies drive academic, social and relational success. By building positive connections between teachers, students, parents and colleagues, schools can create inclusive and supportive environments where both academic and personal growth can flourish.