teaching assistants

Regulate and Relate: Practical TA Responses to Distress

Do you want to improve your confidence and practical skills when supporting pupils experiencing distress in the classroom?

‘Regulate and Relate: Practical TA Responses to Distress’ is specifically designed for teaching assistants. You will learn to confidently recognise signs of dysregulation, create safe and calm environments and implement practical strategies to respond effectively when necessary. The course covers how to model calm presence, make adaptations for sensory needs and neurodiversity, and effectively collaborate with teachers, SENDCos and families to create consistent approaches of support.
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Adam Barrett, Ruth Wallwork & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

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By completing this course, you will:

recognise signs of dysregulation across behaviour, body and communication;
respond safely and proportionately to acute dysregulation to protect wellbeing;
support co‑regulation by modelling calm presence and predictable routines;
adapt interventions for sensory needs, attachment differences and neurodiversity;
collaborate with teachers, SENDCos and families to create consistent follow‑up plans.

Course Lessons

Written by: Adam Barrett

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Adam Barrett is an experienced teacher, academic and SENDCo. He has previously specialised in behaviour management, leading and reforming approaches to behaviour management in primary schools, with the aim of creating inclusive environments for all. As well as a PGCE, Adam has an undergraduate degree in history and a MA in English literature.

Presented by: Ruth Wallwork

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Ruth is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She is an experienced primary teacher, having taught across both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. Ruth has worked as part of a music partnership, delivering high quality music lessons in a range of educational settings, including SEND and secondary schools. Ruth has also held leadership roles, including Head of Primary Music. She holds a degree in Music and Musical Theatre, a PGCE in Primary Education, and is currently working towards a qualification in Primary Music Leadership.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.