Empowering schools with the TRUST method

At New Leaf Learning, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child and young person are at the heart of all we do. We are committed to maintaining the very best safeguarding practices, in line with statutory guidance and partner school policies, and to upholding the highest standards of care and accountability across all our schools and programmes.

Our policies provide a clear framework for consistent, high-quality practice — setting out the standards, responsibilities and procedures that help us create safe, inclusive and inspiring environments for learning and growth. Each document reflects current legislation, statutory guidance and best practice in education, safeguarding and organisational governance. We encourage all staff, volunteers and partner schools to read and familiarise themselves with these documents.

• Admissions Policy

• Attendance Policy

• Chaperone Policy

• Code of Conduct

• Complaints Policy

• Contingency Plans

• Environmental Policy

• Equality Policy

• GDPR Data Protection & Privacy Policy

• Health & Safety Policy and Arrangements

• Lost Child Procedure

• Medical Procedures Policy

• Prevent Duty Statement

• Risk Assessment — General and Activity Specific

• Safeguarding Glossary of Documents

• Safeguarding Policy

• Safer Recruitment Policy

• SEND Policy

• Trauma Informed Behaviour Policy

• Whistleblowing Policy

Children attend a five-week nature-based programme at Courteenhall Estate, one day a week. Each session blends outdoor exploration and emotional learning through activities like den building, yoga, gardening, and reflective “walk and talk” sessions.

Children learn emotional regulation strategies and teamwork skills through activities that are both fun and purposeful. Progress is measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 1997) as a basis and continuous assessment by trained facilitators.

We have a children’s zone on this website to help teachers, parents and families help children familiarise with the course, the teachers and the types of experiences during the course.

Teachers, TA’s other school staff and volunteers can take part in a five-day CPD programme alongside the children, deepening understanding of anxiety, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed practice.

Staff learn practical strategies grounded in Polyvagal Theory and ACES research, helping them create safe, connected learning environments back in school.

Participants are mentored throughout and work toward TRUST Certification.

Parents join two short sessions (one at the start, one at the end) to explore strategies for supporting self-regulation, nurturing connection, and promoting healthy routines. These sessions strengthen consistency between home and school, giving families shared language and tools to support their child’s growth.

Please visit our families hub, designed to help them familiarise themselves with the course, the teachers and the fact that their mental health matters too.

Please find useful links to our curriculum below:

https://www.newleafl.com/s/The-TRUST-Programme-and-the-Primary-Curriculum-1.docx

https://www.newleafl.com/s/EYFS-Framework-Audit-New-Leaf-Learning-The-Trust-Programme-4.docx

Accessible, affordable and impactful

There are no referral criteria — schools choose which children and families they feel will benefit most. Each course supports small groups of up to six pupils in a safe, supportive environment.

The programme is partially funded through charitable support:

• Schools currently pay £995 of the total cost, with the remainder subsidised by grants and donations.

• Additional children cost £200 each, maximum of 8 children per course.

• There is a maximum of 2 school adults included in each course fee.

• Additional school adults are charged at £100 each per course.

• We are actively seeking commissioning and funding partners to keep costs low and ensure access for all, as the actual running cost of each course costs the charity £3500.

For larger staff teams, we also offer:

• Whole Staff TRUST Training — a one-day introduction (£1,500, up to 30 staff)

• 3 x 2-hour training series on relational practice, safe learning environments, and trauma-informed approaches (£1,200, up to 30 staff).

‍Support us to allow us to continue to offer these subsidised prices for schools.

Schools can select groups according to their needs and we will help you to make sure there is good balance to get the best out of it.

There are no referral criteria.

Places are allocated through referrals from schools, local authorities, and community organisations who identify children that would benefit from additional wellbeing and learning support.

To apply, schools or referrers should complete this form to set up an initial call outlining the child’s needs and goals. Once accepted, we work closely with schools and families to ensure each child is placed in the most suitable group and receives the tailored support they need to thrive.

By partnering with New Leaf Learning, schools gain:

• A proven, evidence-based programme with measurable impact

• Direct support for children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing

• Professional development for staff

• Stronger, more connected relationships with families

Together, we can help every child rediscover the joy of learning — and the confidence to grow.

👉 To find out more or discuss booking for your school, email us

At New Leaf Learning, we know how powerful small acts of community can be in helping children thrive. Fundraising in schools is a wonderful way to not only raise vital funds but also strengthen connection, creativity, and joy across your classrooms. Simple activities such as cake bakes and dress-up days are always popular and easy to organise — they bring smiles, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose. You could also try a sponsored read, a kindness challenge, or a wellbeing walk where pupils celebrate positive steps for themselves and others.

You can also make New Leaf Learning your School Charity of the Year, giving your whole community the chance to make a lasting difference. We’d love to come in and deliver a whole-school assembly, introducing pupils and staff to The Trust Method — our proven approach to helping children build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.

Every pound raised helps more children feel happier, more confident, and better equipped to learn. By getting involved, your school is helping create brighter futures — one fun, meaningful moment at a time.