We believe that having a school and staff team that runs with trauma awareness at its core will benefit all, not only those who have trauma in their backgrounds. 

These are our priorities when considering our policies and practice. 

1. Safety 
Throughout our school, staff and pupils will feel physically and psychologically safe. The physical setting is safe and interpersonal interactions promote a sense of safety. 

2. Trustworthiness 
Day to day experiences and decisions are conducted with transparency. Our goal is building and maintaining trust and respect among staff, pupils, families, and partnership colleagues. 

3. Collaboration 
There is true partnering between staff and multiple agencies that work to support pupils and families. There is recognition that everyone has valid and valued contribution. There is recognition that healing happens in relationships and in the meaningful sharing of power and decision-making. 

4. Empowerment 
Throughout school and among the staff, pupils and families, individuals’ strengths are recognised, built on, and validated and new skills developed as necessary. 

5. Choice 
The Lifehouse aims to strengthen everyone’s experience of choice and recognise that every person’s experience is unique and requires an individualised approach.