1Assess
Select statements that most closely match observed behaviours and use the expanded examples to support your assessment.
MS
Dr Margot SunderlandBritish Medical Association award-winning author, Child and Adult Psychotherapist, Founding Director of IATE and Co-Director of TISCUK
TIS
Trauma Informed Schools UKComplements the TISCUK Diploma
1k+
Evidence-basedOver 1,000 published research studies
Every child, free to fly
Children thrive when they feel safe, connected and understood. Free to Fly helps every adult around them make that happen.
How it works
Four steps, from first noticing or concern to real progress
Every behaviour tells us something. Free to Fly turns what staff notice into a clear picture of a child's needs, and a plan to meet them.
2Plan
See which emotional systems need support, then build a plan from proven strategies and activities guided by a wealth of information and resources.
3Do
Work on the plan you have created, sharing with colleagues where needed for consistent approaches and to deepen impact.
4Review
Complete your plan by reflecting on what your child or young person now knows about themselves and what you now know about them. Reassess to measure change, create a new plan if needed and compare assessments to complete a picture of change over time.
Illustrations of the app. The finished page would use real screenshots with sample data.
What you get
Everything in one place
Child-centred
Focused on each child, building on your TISCUK skills and strategies.
Assess and respond
Assess individuals or groups and build plans around their needs.
Guided every step
Built-in guidance and resources, so staff always know what to do next.
Track improvement
Data to target support, show impact and report with confidence.
The science
Six emotional systems
Based on neuroscience research into how our brains respond to safety and threat.
Triggers pro-social chemicals
CAREWarmth and connection SEEKINGCuriosity and drive PLAYJoy and creativityTriggers stress hormones
FEARWorry and anxiety RAGEAnger and frustration PANIC/GRIEFLoss, separation, sadness and overwhelmFive executive functions
The five executive functions enable assessment of how well children and young people are developing concepts of mental health, emotional wellbeing and building connections in learning.
HANDLING STRESSExperience a feeling and make choices about how and whether to respondTHINKING AND CONCENTRATIONBuild independent learning skillsCONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEMBecome confident and steadyINTERPERSONAL SKILLSSocial engagement system functioning wellEMOTIONAL LITERACYPerceptive, sensitive and self-aware
The approach
Evidence-based research shows positive change in well-being and mental health through
PROTECTFeel safe
RELATEFeel connected
REGULATEFeel calm
REFLECTMake sense
Who it's for
For every adult around the child
Relationships are at the heart of it. Free to Fly gives everyone who supports a child the same clear picture, and the same plan.
Senior leaders
Whole-school data on wellbeing, and evidence of impact for reporting and accountability.
SENCOs and ALNCos
Clear plans for each child, with progress you can track and share.
Mental health and pastoral leads
Spot needs early and target support where it will make the most difference.
TISCUK practitioners
Put your training into practice every day, with strategies and activities ready to use.
All staff
Recognise their role in underpinning trauma informed and mentally healthy approaches.
Free trial
Try the full system free for 30 days
- Your own demo schoolReady with sample classes and anonymous ‘dummy’ pupils.
- Every featureAssessments, plans, groups, charts and reports.
- Bring your colleaguesInvite staff to explore it with you.
30 days
Free. No payment details. Nothing to install.
Start your free trialNo real pupil data. Your demo school uses anonymised ‘dummy’ pupils only.