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Building Positive Relationships

At Ysgol Ty Coch,  it is very important that our children's  well being and interaction with each other  is positive. Staff and children alike are encouraged to be positive role models  to support each other.

The school is on the journey to becoming a Trauma Informed school and Trauma Informed Approaches are used on a daily basis.  There are a number of staff trained to TIS diploma level and all staff in school have had TIS training. TIS approaches are written into our context booklets.

Part of Trauma Informed involves PACE.

PACE: Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy A trauma-informed approach to supporting children and young people

PACE is a way of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving that aims to make children and young people feel safe. It is particularly effective in meeting the needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma. Developed by clinical psychologist, Dan Hughes, the approach focuses on building trusting relationships, emotional connections, containment and a sense of security. More information can be found in the Relationships Policy.

Creating Loving Attachments: Parenting with PACE to Nurture Confidence and Security in the Troubled Child by Kim S. Golding and Daniel A. Hughes

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Proven Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Dr Tina Payne Bryson and Dr Daniel Siegel

YTC endorses the Restorative Approach to behaviour, focussing on building, maintaining and repairing relationships. We believe this fits with the ethos and values of our school.

 YTC  provided training for two days for all staff in the Restorative Approach, working with Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership. WRAP has also provided the full four days training to some staff, met with SLT and governors. The Restorative Approach gives positive results regarding pupils being aware of their feelings and managing conflict, although the school recognises that the RA may not be suitable for all learners and needs to be discussed on an indiviudal level whether it is appropriate for that child/ young person.

Positive behaviour is encouraged through reward, distraction, clear structure and routine. Some pupils may need positive behaviour plans for more individualised programmes to assist their behaviour. If this is needed, then the school will work in cooperation with the parents. PHPs are reviewed frequently throughout the year.

All staff are trained in Team Teach- a recognised provider which ensures  that 95% of the course  is regarding de-escalation.  Team Teach is a provider which has  been advised  by the LA. Staff  at YTC are very experienced at recognising low level arousal and  de-escalating before they become more challenging situations. If Team Teach is required for a young person, then it is written into the PHP and agreed with the parent.

More detail can be found in the Positive Behaviour Policy.

Regarding bullying, we take bullying very seriously at YTC and aim to manage any unkindness in the early stages before it becomes an issue.   Where appropriate, the Restorative Approach is used to encourage children to think about their feelings and the impact of their actions with regard to others.

If you have any concerns about your child being bullied, please contact us straight away, where the matter will be addressed immediately. More detail can be found in the Anti-Bullying Policy.