Adopting a ‘brain-based’ approach to pupil learning and wellbeing

Event Description

Support for Learning, Pastoral Care

This event flips traditional pedagogy on its head, encouraging us to ‘begin with the brain’ when considering effective supports for pupils, especially those who are neurodiverse or who have increased vulnerabilities in their emotional health.

It introduces practitioners to the brain domains, or areas of skills, that affect all areas of our living, learning and emotional regulation, showing how we can ‘map out’ a student’s unique profile of strengths and vulnerabilities. 

Beginning with the brain allows us to understand the challenges that a pupil faces in accessing learning and staying emotionally regulated.  The results of this approach are twofold: supports for learning that are effective, and practitioners who are skilled in identifying and responding to needs on an individual basis.

The day has a workshop format, so is both collaborative and practical.  Case studies will be provided for discussion, but delegates are also encouraged to bring their own experiences in supporting young people for consideration and collaboration.

The event is open to all teaching and support staff. It will be of particular relevance to Support for Learning departments, pastoral staff, and management with remit for learning and teaching.

We are delighted to welome back Ailsa Clarke, owner of Valiant Minds Education, to deliver this session. Ailsa's professional background is in secondary school teaching.  A decade ago, she became an adoptive parent to a neurodiverse son and it is this steep learning curve that that has led her from classroom teaching to found Valiant Minds Education.  She now works internationally as an education consultant, providing training and support for educators in brain-based, trauma-informed practice.

***Places are limited hence early registration recommended.***