Nursery World: Why Trauma-Informed Practice Must Lead the Way

We’re delighted to share that Dr Asha Patel, Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Informed Practice expert, is featured in this month’s Nursery World magazine.

Her insights highlight a powerful truth:

Behind many behaviours in early childhood lies unseen trauma and the right support can change everything.

Young children may experience domestic abuse, parental mental illness, poverty or neglect, yet may not have the words to explain it. Trauma is stored in the body, not the mind alone and early years practitioners can play a transformative role by offering calm, safety, and connection.

This is exactly why Healing Together exists.

Co‑developed by Dr Asha Patel and childhood trauma expert Jane Evans, the Healing Together for Early Years programme equips practitioners with essential tools such as:

• Understanding how trauma affects young children’s brains and behaviour
• Using body‑based strategies like grounding and co‑regulation
• Creating calmer, safer environments
• Responding with empathy rather than correction

Dr Patel emphasises that early years practitioners may be the only safe adult a child has and with the right training, they can help children feel safe, soothed and supported.

This feature recognises Dr Asha Patel as a leading voice in trauma-informed practice and highlights Healing Together as a vital solution to closing the gap in early years trauma support.

👉 Read the full Nursery World feature to explore how we can support traumatised children better, together.

🔗 Download the full article