Creating a culture where every child feels they belong requires a whole-school approach built on relationships, consistency and a shared commitment to inclusion.
In partnership with The Attachment Research Community (ARC), this recorded webinar brings together school and local authority perspectives to explore what belonging looks like in practice, and how schools can embed relational and trauma-informed approaches that improve outcomes for all learners.
Drawing on real examples from Beacon Hill Academy and Dudley Virtual School, the session shares practical strategies that have helped reduce suspensions, improve attendance and strengthen school culture.
About this webinar
In this webinar, Assistant Principal Tom Clarkson shares Beacon Hill Academy's journey over the past three years, explaining how a sustained focus on relationships, routines and restorative responses has transformed school culture. Working in partnership with Flourish, Beacon Hill Academy has reduced suspensions, improved attendance and strengthened outcomes while ensuring vulnerable groups are not disproportionately affected by exclusion.
Emma Thomas, Virtual School Head at Dudley Council, shares the common challenges schools are facing and the approaches making the greatest difference. She discusses why belonging is the foundation for engagement, attendance and achievement, and highlights the importance of collaboration between schools, local authorities and wider services to identify needs early and provide the right support.
Our Attachment and Trauma Training Programme helps schools become attachment and trauma aware, giving staff the tools to support every child to feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
What the session covers
This webinar explores:
- How schools can create a whole-school culture of belonging through relationships, routines and restorative practice.
- Why belonging is fundamental to improving attendance, behaviour and inclusion.
- Practical examples from Beacon Hill Academy's three-year improvement journey.
- The role of adult behaviours, consistent routines and everyday interactions in shaping school culture.
- How leaders can use attendance, behaviour and inclusion data to identify emerging needs and monitor the impact of their approaches.
- Approaches to reducing disproportionate suspensions for vulnerable groups, including pupils with SEND and those eligible for Pupil Premium.
- Why becoming trauma-informed is a journey rather than a destination.
- How collaboration between schools, local authorities and wider services supports earlier intervention and better outcomes for vulnerable children.
