Reduce Exclusions - Supporting SEMH in the Classroom

A practical, evidence-based CPD series designed for teachers and practitioners who want to confidently respond to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in the classroom — without adding to workload.

Three short, focused online sessions that fit around your teaching schedule. Build confidence, reduce behaviour issues, and create a calmer, more inclusive classroom culture.

Event Description:

Schools across the UK are seeing a sharp rise in SEMH-related challenges. According to the Department for Education, one in five pupils now experience mental health difficulties, and exclusions linked to emotional and behavioural needs have increased by 45% over the last five years.

This series has been created by LPW School (Ofsted Outstanding) to help teachers and support staff understand the why behind behaviour — and respond with confidence and compassion rather than consequence.

Each 80-minute session gives you the tools to build a trauma-informed classroom where pupils feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

What You’ll Learn:

• Attachment and Learning: Understand how early experiences shape classroom behaviour and engagement.
• Non-Punitive Strategies: Explore restorative and relational approaches that work better than sanctions.
• Restorative Conversations: Gain scripts and strategies to de-escalate, repair relationships, and rebuild trust.
• Emotional Availability: Learn how to remain calm, consistent, and supportive — even under pressure.

Why Attend:

• Improve learning and behaviour outcomes: Evidence shows trauma-informed approaches reduce exclusions and increase engagement.
• Protect your wellbeing: Handle challenging moments more effectively and avoid compassion fatigue.
• Show impact to Ofsted: Demonstrate proactive, inclusive practice in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership strands.
• Join a growing movement: Be part of a community of educators shaping a more emotionally intelligent education system.

Your Speakers:

Nicola Lace MA, QTLS, PGCE, BA(hons) - Headteacher and Director of Education

Nicola has been working in education since 2009, with a career dedicated to supporting learners often excluded from mainstream provision. She has spent over a decade and a half championing SEND and alternative education, specialising in working with NEET young people and those facing significant barriers to learning.

Nicola’s practice is rooted in a deep commitment to neuro-inclusion and universal strategies that meet the diverse needs of all learners. A strong advocate for neurodiversity, Nicola holds an MA in Education and brings experience across a wide range of settings — from secondary schools and prisons to further education and independent training providers.

Based in the South West, she has also contributed to national policy and practice as part of the Education and Training Foundation’s Centres for Excellence in SEND. Nicola’s voice in the sector is informed, compassionate, and unapologetically learner-centred.

Ella Edwards DSL, QTS - Head of Safeguarding

Ella is Head of Safeguarding and Trauma-Informed Practice at LPW. She leads on safeguarding across their services, ensuring that children and young people receive safe, consistent, and supportive care.

Ella is passionate about embedding trauma-informed approaches into everyday practice, helping staff recognise the impact of trauma and respond in ways that build trust, resilience, and emotional safety.

She loves seeing young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential, and is committed to sharing best practice and leading initiatives that make that possible.

Mia Casey SENCo, PGCE, BSc - Head of SEND and Inclusion

Mia is an experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) with over a decade working across mainstream, specialist, and alternative education settings. Currently Head of SEND and Inclusion at LPW School, she leads on inclusion strategy, EHCP processes, and multi-agency collaboration to support pupils with complex SEN and SEMH needs.

Mia holds a First-Class BSc in Psychology, a PGCE (graded Outstanding), and a NASENCo qualification with distinction. She is also a qualified Trauma Informed Schools Practitioner with distinction, and has extensive additional training in Adverse Childhood Experiences, PACE, and Trauma Informed Leadership.

Her approach is grounded in trauma-informed, relational practice and evidence-based pedagogy. Known for her calm, reflective manner and deep commitment to pupil wellbeing, Mia creates inclusive, engaging learning environments that foster trust, resilience, and achievement. She is passionate about helping every child reach their potential—cognitively, socially, and emotionally.

Practical Details:

Dates of the three sessions (All must be attended)

• 25th November – 3:40 to 5:00pm
• 2nd December – 3:40 to 5:00pm
• 9th December – 3:40 to 5:00pm

Format: Live online (Teams)
Duration: 3 x 1 hour 20 minute sessions
Cost: £98 + VAT (Introductory Offer) (normally £140 + VAT)

Act Now:

Don’t miss this chance to join a select group of educators taking a proactive, compassionate approach to behaviour and inclusion.

Reserve your place today – spaces are limited for this cohort.

"Nicola and Mia have provided a framework that exceeds the Ofsted outstanding award. It is generational work and should be considered if not replicated by all education establishments. The main message? “Relentless care”. That ability to be relentless in your ability to care for these young people whilst ensuring that you manage your own emotions. Amazing CPD!" Previous attendee