Empowering schools with the TRUST method

The TRUST method is New Leaf Learning’s unique framework for helping children build confidence, wellbeing, and readiness to learn. It stands for:

T – Trying: Giving your best effort
R – Resilience: Developing skills to overcome challenges and stay motivated
U – Understanding: Building self-awareness, understanding of others and empathy
S – Self Regulation: The ability to change your emotional state
T – Teamwork: Learning to collaborate, communicate, and support one another

This nurturing approach supports emotional growth and academic progress, helping every child feel capable, confident, and ready to thrive.

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.

At New Leaf Learning, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining the very best safeguarding practices, in line with statutory guidance and partner school policies.

All of our trauma informed safeguarding documents listed below, can be downloaded here

• Safeguarding Policy 24

• Glossary

• KCSIE 24

• Sexual abuse

• Emotional abuse types

• Emotional abuse effects

• How to safeguard children in education

• FAQS about reporting

• Child protection legislation

At New Leaf Learning, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of every child and young person are at the heart of all we do. Our policies provide a clear framework to ensure consistent, high-quality practice across our schools and programmes. They set out the standards, responsibilities and procedures that help us create safe, inclusive and inspiring environments for learning and growth.

Each policy 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 to ensure we continue to uphold the highest standards of care and accountability.

Safeguarding Information in the above tab contains all the relevant trauma informed information and policies for you to download relating specifically to safeguarding.

Here you can download copies of all other New Leaf Learning policies here:
👉 Read and download all other policies

Policy Index (2025)

• Admissions Policy (2025)

• Attendance Policy (2025)

• Anti-Bullying Policy (2025)

• Behaviour Policy (2025)

• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (2025)

• Complaints Policy (2025)

• Confidentiality Policy (2025)

• Curriculum Policy (2025)

• Data Protection and GDPR Policy (2025)

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (2025)

• Exclusions Policy (2025)

• First Aid and Medical Needs Policy (2025)

• Health and Safety Policy (2025)

• ICT and Online Safety Policy (2025)

• Looked After Children Policy (2025)

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy (2025)

• Premises Management Policy (2025)

• Prevent Duty Policy (2025)

• Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) Policy (2025)

• Recruitment and Selection Policy (2025)

• Safer Working Practice Policy (2025)

• SEND Policy (2025)

• Staff Code of Conduct (2025)

• Trips, Visits and Outdoor Learning Policy (2025)

• Whistleblowing Policy (2025)

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

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.