Supporting Students & School Staff Experiencing Anxiety

Supporting Students & Schools: A Somatic Approach to Anxiety and Emotional Wellbeing

About This Training

For children and young people, some level of anxiety is normal as they grow up and learn to navigate the world. However it is important that they have the tools to manage these feelings and can tell the difference between normal emotions and more severe anxiety that is interfering with their everyday life.

Promoting mental health in education is crucial for pupil wellbeing, academic attainment and long-term life outcomes. Key data published by the NHS states that roughly 1 in 5 children aged 8–16 have a probable mental health disorder, directly impacting their capacity to learn.

Both courses use body-based approaches from Trauma Informed Somatic Counselling and Therapy to bridge the gap between learning and mental health support, giving school staff the knowledge, tools and confidence to make a real difference.

What You Will Learn

Across both courses you will explore:

• The common signs and behaviours associated with anxiety, including masked anxiety

• The physiological and neurological changes that occur when a child is feeling anxious

• The pedagogy of PolyVagal Theory and its impact on learning

• Attachment theory and how it organises learning styles

• Whole school strategies to support Ventral Vagal states and the Window of Tolerance

• Practical tools integrating breathwork, body-based safety, learning orientation and movement

• How to implement a whole school approach and embed body-based practices into everyday learning

• Yoga and dance tools to support presencing and orientation for learning

Aims of the Training

• Understand and identify anxiety in children and young people, including its physical and emotional presentations

• Support a strategic whole school approach to emotional health and wellbeing

• Develop practical, classroom-ready tools and strategies to support emotional regulation

• Empower school staff to implement body-based, trauma informed practices across all settings

Who Is This Training For?

Suitable for anyone working with children and young people in a school, college or community setting, including:

• School leaders

• Teachers and staff in schools and colleges

• SEN and Designated Mental Health Leads

• Learning mentors

• PSHE leads

Lead Trainer

Jenny Roche is a Qualified Reading Recovery Specialist, SLE for English, Senior Yoga and Movement Teacher, Somatic Therapist and Counsellor, specialising in working with young people. This training has been tailored to support all children in their learning whilst specifically targeting pupils experiencing mental health challenges.