The TISCUK YEF Project 
Over the last three years, TISCUK have been part of a Youth Endowment Fund project in secondary schools across England measuring the impact of our training on staff and pupils. We are excited to share that the independent evaluation report has now been published.
Engagement with the surveys was limited which means that the data for pupil outcomes is less reliable than we would have liked and should be treated with caution, but there is still lots to celebrate! The evaluation found that our training had a positive impact on staff wellbeing and a small positive impact on pupil’s externalising behaviour which was the primary outcome of the trial.
Feedback from the schools that received TISCUK training was positive with case study schools reporting a reduction in pupil suspensions and serious behaviour escalations. Qualitative findings from case studies and interviews were positive. Below are some direct quotes from intervention schools:
We cannot develop [curricula] and look at GCSE results if we’re not doing this stuff first.” – Teacher
“Some teachers listen but don’t hear it. Others actually talk to you like, ‘How can I help with it?’” – Pupil
“There’s a weight off your shoulders when you can respond to a pupil with empathy instead of [a] consequence. It’s not about letting them off – it’s about keeping them in.” – Pastoral Lead
“One of the most useful training things I’ve done in many years… It gave me the language [and] the skills, and [it] made me realise how vital this is in education.” – Senior Leader
“[Pupil] used to spend more time in corridors than in lessons… now she has weekly meetings, feels listened to and hasn’t needed her hoodie [a former signal of distress].” – Senior Leader
“Different people have found their tools – for some it’s clay, for others it’s empathy drawings. We’ve given practitioners time each week to work with children, and it’s part of the timetable.” – Headteacher
TISCUK Summary of Findings June 2026
Full Report - Trauma Informed Schools UK | Youth Endowment Fund
Trauma Informed Practice in the Early Years (TIPEY) Project 
TISCUK are working in partnership with the South West Stronger Practice Hub on this independently evaluated study. The Early Years sector has reported an increase in trauma and attachment difficulties in our youngest children after the pandemic and this project seeks to respond to the elevated need by training staff to better support these children.
Research shows that adults who work with young children can have a powerful, positive and long-lasting impact on their emotional and social wellbeing as well as their cognitive outcomes. To maximise the power of these caring relationships, practitioners need to understand how young children’s brains are shaped by early experiences and how to respond to those who have experienced trauma.
Through whole staff, senior lead and trauma champion training, TISCUK are equipping staff in 12 Early Years settings across Plymouth with the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to the emotional needs of children and families.
Youth Justice Project in partnership with Novus
TISCUK are currently working with Novus who provide a range of education and training services to help young offenders gain the skills they need for further education or employment after release from custody.
Children who end up in custody have often experienced trauma and are three times more likely to have mental health problems than those who do not. These young people are capable of extraordinary change if provided with appropriate and empathic support.
As part of this project, senior leaders, SENCOs, education teams and prison regime staff are being trained in HMYOI Cookham Wood and HMYOI Wetherby. TISCUK is working to equip practitioners with trauma informed and trauma responsive knowledge and skills which will help them to foster positive relationships and support the vulnerable young people they work with to heal.
