Norfolk Steps OMG

What is Norfolk Steps?

The School and Community Team offers Norfolk Steps-informed workshops for parents and carers, designed to support schools in building consistent, trauma-informed approaches to behaviour across home and school.

These workshops help families understand that all behaviour is communication, and equip them with practical strategies aligned with what their children experience in school.

Why is this area of work important?

Working with families in this way helps schools to:

Strengthen home-school relationships
Reduce behaviour-related misunderstandings
Promote consistency in behaviour support
Support inclusion and reduce escalation or exclusion
Empower parents to take an active role in their child's emotional development

What is the national and Norfolk picture?

Nationally, there is a growing focus on trauma-informed, relational approaches in education. Norfolk Steps supports this by embedding shared language and strategies across schools and families, in line with the Norfolk Inclusion Strategy and SEND transformation.

How does it work?

Our team delivers workshops that:

Introduce Norfolk Steps and its trauma-informed principles
Help parents understand behaviour through a relational lens
Share practical tools: positive phrasing, limited choices, de-escalation
Promote restorative approaches: reflect, repair, restore
Encourage consistent routines and expectations at home
Signpost to further support (e.g. Just One Number, Healthy Child Programme)

Who is affected and why can this be a problem?

Children with unmet needs, trauma, or emotional distress may show behaviours that challenge. When families and schools respond differently, it can lead to confusion, conflict, and missed opportunities for support. These workshops help bridge that gap.

How can this help your school?

Builds trust and shared understanding with families
Reduces pressure on staff by aligning home and school strategies
Supports early intervention and inclusive practice
Encourages parental engagement in behaviour planning
Helps create a consistent, supportive environment for children

What support is available?

Norfolk Steps Parent Workshops - delivered by the School and Community Team
Norfolk Steps Family E-Sessions - digital support for families
Healthy Child Programme - call Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or text Parentline on 07520 631590
Solihull Approach - free online course: Understanding Your Child