School support for pupils who have adverse childhood experiences is improving

Training from a Welsh Government funded support hub has partly helped to raise schools’ awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences and how they can involve all staff in supporting vulnerable children.

Jassa Scott, Strategic Director, says Schools play an important role in helping children to build their resilience and an ability to overcome severe hardships that they may experience. Schools that provide the best support know their pupils well and understand their vulnerabilities. They provide a nurturing environment where all pupils can feel safe and happy.  

Public Health Wales found that one in every seven adults in Wales have experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences when they were young, but with early intervention the impact of traumatic experiences can be minimised.

Staff at the most supportive schools like Rhosymedre Community Primary School work closely with other public services and outside organisations to support vulnerable pupils and families. The school makes referrals to children’s services, the school nurse, health services and agencies like Action for Children. These services support the school to meet the needs of their vulnerable children and their families.

Primary schools are more likely to have involved all their staff in this work. Estyn recommends that all secondary schools take a similar approach and train and encourage all of their staff to understand and support pupils with adverse childhood experiences, not just those involved in pastoral work. It also recommends that local authorities should share relevant information about vulnerable pupils and families more promptly with schools.