KCA Training - Knowledge Change Action

05/06/2026

The most powerful tools aren't found in a training manual – they're already within us.

When stress is high, it's easy to believe we need the perfect strategy, script or intervention. But neuroscience reminds us that some of the most powerful influences on brain development, emotional regulation and resilience come through everyday human connection.

✨ How we show up
✨ The tone of our voice
✨ Our breathing
✨ Our body language
✨ The attention we give
✨ Moments of playfulness and joy

These simple, human interactions help others feel safe, connected and ready to learn, grow and thrive.

At KCA, we call this Five to Thrive – Respond, Engage, Relax, Play, Talk – a practical, neuroscience-informed framework that builds resilience through relationships.

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause, notice, and be present.

03/06/2026

Trauma or Neurodivergence? Or both?

Too often, children and young people are viewed through a lens of behaviour, labels or diagnosis alone.

But what if what we're seeing is an adaptation to stress, adversity, sensory overwhelm, unmet need, or a combination of factors?

The reality is that trauma and neurodivergence can sometimes look similar from the outside. Both can influence regulation, communication, relationships, attention and behaviour. Yet behind those behaviours is a child trying to navigate their world as best they can.

A relational, trauma-informed approach doesn't ignore diagnosis. It simply starts somewhere different:

💙 What's happening for this child?
💙 What do they need to feel safe?
💙 How can we respond with curiosity, compassion and connection?

When we shift from "What's wrong?" to "What might this behaviour be communicating?", we create environments where all children and young people can thrive.

01/06/2026

Our brains are built for connection.

When we feel unsafe, overwhelmed or disconnected, our brains naturally shift into survival mode. Learning, thinking, problem-solving and relationships can all become harder.

The good news is that our brains remain capable of change throughout life. Through connection, co-regulation and experiences that help us feel safe, belong and matter, we can strengthen the neural pathways that support resilience, wellbeing and recovery.

At KCA, our work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: when people experience safety, belonging and mattering, more good days become possible.

27/05/2026

There’s something incredibly powerful about creating space for professionals from across multiple sectors and services to come together, reflect and deepen understanding around attachment, trauma and resilience.

A huge thank you to our wonderful Associate Trainer, Joanna McCloughry, who has recently been delivering our Attachment, Trauma and Resilience training in Slough. Joanna consistently brings warmth, compassion and deep expertise to every space she works in, helping practitioners feel safe to reflect, connect and grow together.

Some lovely feedback from a lead in Slough:

“Joanna was such a great facilitator. It really felt like she cared about everyone in Slough and really understood what we were experiencing. She managed conversations in the room really well. I really admired her response and what she offered when people opened up to her. She is an excellent trainer full of compassion and reason and so much knowledge.”

We’re so proud to have Joanna as part of the KCA team and grateful to everyone in Slough who engaged so openly in the conversations and learning. 💛

21/05/2026

Stress and uncertainty can affect how we think, feel, learn and connect - for adults as well as children and young people.

In this FREE on-demand webinar, Alex Elander-Phoenix explores the impact stress and uncertainty can have on our brains, relationships and wellbeing, alongside practical, relational approaches that can help us better support ourselves and those around us.

A valuable watch for anyone working in education, early years, social care, wellbeing or family support.

🎥 Watch the webinar on demand here:
https://jigsaweducationgroup.com/the-impact-of-stress-and-uncertainty-how-to-support-ourselves-children-and-young-people/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=collab&utm_campaign=KCA

📚 You can also access a free supporting resource here:
https://connected.kca.training/signup.cfm?signup_id=41926&signup_code=ZFG23YJB

Join our Jigsaw webinar 'The Impact of Stress and Uncertainty: How to support ourselves, children and young people', led by Alex Phoenix, Training Consultant at KCA Training

18/05/2026

Foster carers do far more than provide a home. They provide relationships that help children feel safe, understood and able to heal. 💚

Trauma-informed practice can help carers to:
• understand behaviour as communication and unmet need
• build safe, relational environments
• strengthen confidence, consistency and resilience
• create the conditions for stability, learning and long-term wellbeing

During Foster Care Fortnight, we want to recognise the incredible role foster carers play in helping children and young people recover, grow and thrive through connection and relationships.

If you’d like to explore how trauma-informed and relational practice can support your fostering service, carers or wider workforce, we’d love to connect.

14/05/2026

To celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we’re giving away a copy of the incredible book
📖 Attachment, Trauma and Resilience by Kate Cairns and Brian Cairns.

This powerful book has supported so many practitioners, carers and professionals to better understand the impact of trauma, relationships and resilience on children and young people. It’s full of insight, compassion and practical wisdom that can genuinely shape practice and relationships.

Whether you’re a foster carer, teacher, social worker, early years practitioner or simply passionate about relational and trauma-informed approaches, this is a book worth having on your shelf.

To enter:
👇 Complete the short Microsoft Form below
📅 Entries close 22/05/2026
🎉 Winner announced 25/05/2026

https://forms.office.com/e/kDcVMpQPMi

Please feel free to like, share and tag someone who would love this book.

13/05/2026

Stress and uncertainty affect all of us - adults, children and young people alike.

In this really valuable collaboration with Jigsaw Education Group, Alex Elander-Phoenix explores what science tells us about stress, why uncertainty can feel so overwhelming for our brains and nervous systems, and what can genuinely help.

A thoughtful and practical watch for anyone working with children, young people, families or staff teams.

Watch here: https://jigsaweducationgroup.com/the-impact-of-stress-and-uncertainty-how-to-support-ourselves-children-and-young-people/

Join our Jigsaw webinar 'The Impact of Stress and Uncertainty: How to support ourselves, children and young people', led by Alex Phoenix, Training Consultant at KCA Training

11/05/2026

Don’t forget to sign up this insightful webinar tomorrow. We are excited to be collaborating with Jigsaw Education Group and the webinar will be hosted on their site. If you can’t make it live, sign up to watch the recording 💙

08/05/2026

NEW: Video Discussion Resources 🎥

We’re really pleased to launch our new suite of Video Discussion Resources (VDRs) — designed to support reflective practice, discussion and embedding relational approaches across teams and services.

Each bite-sized resource explores key areas including:
🧠 Stress & Trauma
🤝 Attachment & Co-regulation
💬 Restorative & Relational Practice
❤️ Three Core Human Needs
🌍 Engaging Communities

Perfect for:
✔ Team meetings
✔ Reflective practice
✔ Supervision
✔ CPD
✔ Pre/post training embedding

Each video is around 10 minutes long and includes guided reflection and discussion prompts to help turn learning into meaningful conversation and practice.

Available individually or as a full suite.

If you’d like to find out more or receive the flyer, please get in touch https://www.kca.training/about-us/contact/ | 01453 488400