Recognising Emotional Distress & Promoting Safety in Primary Schools (3hrs)

This session supports primary school staff in understanding and responding to emotional distress in young children. Participants will explore what emotional distress looks like, why children may experience it and how it may sometimes relate to thoughts of suicide, even in young children. 

This session supports primary school staff in understanding and responding to emotional distress in young children. Participants will explore what emotional distress looks like, why children may experience it and how it may sometimes relate to thoughts of suicide, even in young children. The session will help staff recognise early warning signs and language that may indicate distress. Participants will learn a clear, practical framework for responding safely and effectively to children in distress.

Learning Objectives:

·       Define emotional distress in primary-aged children and understand its possible causes,             including ACEs, neurodiversity, bullying, and racism

·       Understand how emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts, may present in young children

·       Identify key risk factors and protective factors influencing emotional wellbeing

·       Recognise signs and listen for language that may indicate emotional distress

·       Apply the Recognise, Respond, Refer approach to respond safely to concerns

·       Implement strategies to embed protective factors and foster emotional resilience in the school environment

Suitable for: PSHE Leads, PSHE Teachers and Pastoral Staff in primary schools