CompletedInterventional

Evaluation of the Trauma Informed Schools UK training and implementation

This study, run by Ipsos UK and funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, is testing if a training program called TISUK helps students in Year 8 (typically 12-13 years old). The training aims to teach school staff how to better support pupils' behaviour and mental well-being. Researchers will study about 100 schools, some receiving the TISUK training and others continuing their usual way of working. They will compare information collected from pupils and staff at the start and then 15 months later. The goal is to see if this particular training makes a positive difference for young people in schools.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Ipsos UK

Enrolment target

16,000

Start

01 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2023

Externalising behaviour, internalising behaviour, mental wellbeing in school children

What is this study about?

This study is called 'Evaluation of the Trauma Informed Schools UK training' and it's being run by Ipsos UK. Its main goal is to find out if giving teachers and other school staff special training can help improve how young people behave and how they feel about their mental well-being. The training is called TISUK (Trauma Informed Schools UK) and it teaches staff different ways to support children who might have experienced difficult things.

The researchers are focusing on pupils in Year 8, which is typically when children are 12 or 13 years old. They want to see if the TISUK training helps these particular students. The study will look at about 100 schools in the UK. Half of these schools will receive the TISUK training, while the other half will continue with their normal school practices. This setup helps the researchers compare the two groups fairly.

The TISUK training involves several parts, like special workshops for all staff, deeper training for school leaders, and ongoing support. The researchers will collect information from pupils and staff at the beginning of the study and again 15 months later. By comparing these results, they hope to understand if the TISUK training makes a real, positive difference in pupils' behaviour and how they feel mentally.

Key takeaways

Tests if special staff training (TISUK) helps Year 8 pupils.
Compares schools getting training to those continuing as usual.
Focuses on improving pupils' behaviour and mental well-being.
Runs from June 2023 to December 2025.
Participation involves data collection from staff and pupils.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for secondary schools in specific parts of the UK to take part. The main focus is on Year 8 pupils (children who are usually 12 or 13 years old) during the 2023/2024 school year.

However, some schools won't be able to join. For example, if a school has already done the full TISUK diploma training, or received other similar intensive training about trauma-informed practices in the last three years, they can't participate. Also, private fee-paying schools and special schools that mainly focus on social, emotional, and mental health needs are not included in this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my child in Year 8 (aged 12-13) in a UK secondary school?
Is the school a standard state-funded secondary school (not fee-paying or a special school focused on mental health)?
Has the school NOT already done the full TISUK diploma training?
Has the school NOT had similar intensive trauma training in the last 3 years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a school takes part in this study, they will be randomly chosen to either receive the TISUK training or continue with their normal school activities. The TISUK training for staff involves different sessions, such as two 3-hour whole-staff training sessions, leadership training, and ongoing support like workshops and webinars. Pupils themselves won't receive direct training but their experiences will be monitored.

Information will be collected from both school staff and pupils at the very beginning of the study. Then, the same information will be collected again about 15 months later. This is to see if there have been any changes or improvements over time, especially in the schools that received the TISUK training. There are no specific medications or regular visits for pupils involved in this study. The total duration of the study activities for data collection runs from June 2023 to December 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer benefits, such as improvements in a pupil's behaviour and their mental well-being, both from the TISUK training itself or from the general attention given to these areas during the study. The study creators state there are no significant risks involved in taking part. However, it's always important to remember that participation is completely voluntary, and schools or individuals can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

TISUK
City only
Saltash, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'Year 8'?

Year 8 is a school year in the UK, typically for children aged 12 to 13 years old, usually their second year of secondary school.

What does 'trauma-informed' mean?

It means understanding how difficult or upsetting experiences can affect people's behaviour and feelings, and then teaching staff ways to respond helpfully to those needs.

Will my child have to do anything extra if their school takes part?

Pupils won't receive direct training, but information about their behaviour and well-being might be collected, usually through surveys or observations, at the beginning and later in the study.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund (UK), which aims to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in violence.

How long will the study last?

The study started in June 2023 and is expected to collect information and run until December 2025.

How to find out more

Facundo Herrera

facundo.herrera@ipsos.com +44 7947443259 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.