PACE Mindset for Schools: Module 1 (1/2) – OPEN COURSE

PACE for Schools – Module One: Foundations

This is part one of our Professional Development & Whole-School Culture Program for Schools. Module One must be completed before attending Module Two, as it establishes the shared understanding and language needed for consistent, trauma-informed practice across the school.

Key Learning Aims

1. Understand Developmental Trauma & Attachment: Grasp the biological impact of ACEs on the brain's survival, emotional, and executive states, and recognise classroom attachment patterns without pathologising pupils.
2. Embody the 4 PACE Pillars: Master how Playfulness interrupts shame, Acceptance validates inner experiences while maintaining boundaries, Curiosity explores the "why" behind behaviour, and Empathy provides co-regulation during distress.
3. Master Classroom De-Escalation & Support Planning: Learn to respond effectively to defiance, refusal, and outbursts, and embed PACE into living, actionable Behaviour Support Plans.
4. Protect Staff Resilience & Drive Whole-School Alignment: Identify triggers and early stress signals, prevent blocked care through micro-regulation, and build a cohesive, trauma-informed whole-school culture.

Why Choose This Course?

• Neurobiologically Grounded & Evidence-Based: Explores how trauma fundamentally alters the stress-response system, brain development, and readiness to learn - shifting staff from asking "What's wrong with this child?" to "What is this behaviour communicating?"
• Translates Theory directly into Classroom Practice: Teaches clear, actionable tools such as Name It to Tame It, top-down/bottom-up regulation techniques, non-judgemental wondering statements, and the "Language of AND" to maintain limits while accepting inner feelings.
• Focus on Co-Regulation & De-escalation: Masters the art of "lending your calm" through tone, presence, and non-verbal attunement during moments of refusal, defiance, withdrawal, or emotional outbursts.
• Prioritises Staff Wellbeing & Emotional Availability: Recognises that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Addresses blocked care, secondary stress, and reflective supervision so staff can sustain a warm, regulated presence over the long term.
• Drives Whole-School Cultural Consistency: Provides practical templates for PACE-integrated Behaviour Support Plans and guides school leaders on creating an aligned, trauma-informed environment across classrooms, corridors, and social spaces.

(Scroll down for FAQs)
(It is essential that all participants begin with Module One)

Day One: Foundations & Understanding Behaviour

By the end of Day 1, participants will be able to:

• Understand developmental trauma
  Describe how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and developmental trauma impact brain development, emotional regulation and readiness to learn.

• Understand attachment and behaviour
  Explain key attachment principles, including the secure base, and recognise how unmet attachment needs often present as challenging behaviour in the classroom.

• Understand PACE as a mindset
  Clearly explain PACE and why it is a relational “way of being”, rather than a set of techniques, supporting calmer and more emotionally attuned responses.

• Reframe behaviour as communication
  View behaviour through a trauma-informed lens, shifting from “what’s wrong with this child?” to “what is this behaviour communicating?”. Participants will also gain an introductory understanding of behaviour support planning and documentation.

Introduction to the PACE Components

• Playfulness
  Understand how tone, body language and playful connection can reduce shame, lower threat and support engagement and learning.

• Acceptance
  Learn how to communicate acceptance of a child’s inner world (thoughts, feelings and intentions) while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries around behaviour.

Who this training is for

PACE for Schools – Module One and Module Two are designed for all staff working in educational settings:

• Headteachers, Deputy Heads, and Senior Leadership Teams (SLTs)
• Teachers and Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
• Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and SENCOs
• Teaching Assistants, Higher Level TAs, and Pastoral Support Staff
• Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) and Learning Mentors
• Lunchtime Supervisors and Residential/Boarding School Care Staff

Staff working more intensively with children who have experienced trauma (e.g. SENCOs, inclusion leads, pastoral teams) may wish to deepen their learning by attending the individual P, A, C and E modules. Annual refreshers are recommended to support consistency and sustainability.

What others say

"We recently completed the P.A.C.E. Training for Schools with Social Care Training Solutions and were extremely impressed. The training was engaging, practical, and immediately applicable, giving our staff the confidence to use P.A.C.E. in everyday practice. It has strengthened staff relationships with pupils and helped foster a more consistent, nurturing school environment. We would highly recommend their training to other schools."

Nikki at Egham Park School

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the PACE Mindset for Schools training?
A: It’s a practical, trauma-informed training designed to help teachers and support staff apply Dan Hughes’ PACE approach in the classroom. The course equips schools to better support pupils with trauma and unmet attachment needs.

Q: How does PACE benefit pupils in schools?
A: PACE helps pupils feel safer, more connected, and better able to regulate their emotions. This supports learning, improves relationships, and reduces behavioural challenges.

Q: Do I need to complete Module 1 and Module 2 in order?
A: Yes, all participants must complete Module 1 before joining Module 2. Module 1 provides the foundations needed to apply PACE effectively in the classroom. Both Modules make up the full course, so please book both.

Q: How do I book places on PACE for Educators Training?
A: You can book directly on this page by selecting your preferred date and adding the course to your basket. Then ensure that you book the other session. Once payment is complete, you’ll receive full joining instructions by email.

Those seeking to be certified in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) or to further explore PACE in action are invited to visit the founder's website.

Format: Live on Zoom. It includes taught sections, small-group work, work in pairs & group discussions.

Handouts & Certificates:  PDFs of course slides and certificates of attendance are provided. A comprehensive Downloadable resource library is available to purchase separately.