Making Connections, is a programme designed by Milton Keynes Virtual School to increase understanding and use of attachment aware and trauma responsive practice in Milton Keynes schools. By providing a quality framework tool and research backed training as well as individual school focussed support from Educational Psychologists and the Virtual School.
The programme aims to equip and empower schools to improve the educational experience and progress of all children living with and through adversity including looked after and previously looked after children and children with a social worker.
Making Connections – 4 pillars of support
- ARC audit and development planning tool
- Training programme
- Dedicated education psychology support
- Peer network
From April 2024 to March 2025 Making Connections will operate as a pilot project, initially in up to 30 Milton Keynes City schools.
There's more information in the Making Connections brochure. For an accessible version please contact us.
There’s more about the ARC audit and ARC matrix tool, and the benefits of the ARC membership, which is one of the four pillars of support provided by Making Connections, in ARC’s digital brochure.
Milton Keynes schools and other education settings wishing to express an interest in becoming part of the pilot programme, should complete the Expression of Interest form by 22 March 2024.
You can also hear more about the experiences of two schools who have already integrated attachment and trauma informed practice into their school’s day-to-day operations and policies, Goodyers End Primary School in Warwickshire and Gillingham School (secondary) in Dorset, in this Rees Centre webinar. You may also be interested in the experiences of Spen Valley High School in West Yorkshire and Whitefield Primary School in Liverpool.
Other related links
ARC – The Attachment Research Community
The Trauma Council – Childhood Trauma and the Brain
Alex Timpson Attachment and Trauma Awareness in Schools Programme
For more information on the Making Connections programme please email louise.cooper@milton-keynes.gov.uk