HU9 Pilot: Trauma Informed Policy & Practice Guidance for Schools

Policy Summary

Led by the University of Hull, this document is designed to support schools that wish to review and update their behaviour and relationship policies to incorporate trauma-informed approaches. Trauma-informed approaches help create safe, supportive environments where all students and staff can thrive.

The recommendations are drawn from a 3-year evaluation of trauma-informed approaches in a Hull primary school in an area with high prevalence of domestic abuse and multiple unmet needs, known as the HU9 Pilot.

The guidance highlights key policy and practice considerations for schools wanting to embed trauma-informed approaches at both operational and system levels, with clear practice examples derived from the pilot. This offers a real-world approach to implementation, learning from the successes and challenges of the HU9 Pilot.

Thank you to the participating school, their compassionate leaders and incredible staff.

How to Use the Guidance

Please note that the advice is flexible. Schools may select and adapt sections to fit their unique context. Policies are most effective when they are developed collaboratively with students and staff and consistently applied across the school community in a whole-school approach.

Click to read the document Click to read the HU9 Pilot Phase 1 report Click to read the HU9 Pilot Phase 2 report