Starting a support session well changes everything. This toolkit gives support staff five practical, trauma-informed tools to open every session with awareness and calm. WHAT’S INCLUDED Emotion Scale 1–10 — colour-coded with emoji descriptors Feelings Wheel — 6 emotion groups in secondary-age language Student Check-In Card — sleep, food, mood and session needs Regulation Strategy Prompts — 8 strategies students choose from Staff Observation Strip — confidential session logging for staff Designed for: LSAs, TAs, HLTAs, pastoral leads and SENCOs working with Years 7–10 students with SEMH, SEND, anxiety or complex needs. Format: A4 PDF · Full colour · Print and laminate · Trauma-informed · Restorative approach Pairs perfectly with: De-escalation Scripts for Support Staff.

Manage challenging behaviour with confidence using these ready-to-use de-escalation scripts, designed specifically for secondary school staff working with students who have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. This resource gives you word-for-word language to use in high-pressure moments - so you never have to think on your feet when a situation is escalating. Each script is grounded in trauma-informed and psychology-backed communication principles. What’s included: Scripts for common escalation triggers (refusal, confrontation, emotional dysregulation) Step-by-step de-escalation language for each stage Tips on tone, body language and environment Guidance on when to use each script Who is this for: Teaching assistants SENCOs Behaviour support staff Form tutors and class teachers Any school staff working with SEMH students Why this works: Created by a Learning and Behaviour Support Assistant with direct experience supporting students with complex needs in a London secondary school.