Episode 38: Supporting Refugees with Trauma with Dr Tina Rae | Trauma-Informed Practice for Schools Supporting Refugee Learners | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, pastoral teams, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating safe, inclusive learning environments.

In Episode 38, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Tina Rae, Consultant Educational and Child Psychologist, to explore supporting refugee pupils who may have experienced trauma and how schools can develop trauma-informed approaches.

Together, Helen and Tina discuss how educators can support refugee learners’ emotional wellbeing, build a sense of belonging, and create classrooms where children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.

They explore the importance of recognising the experiences some refugee children may bring with them, while focusing on practical strategies schools can use to support wellbeing, relationships, and learning.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What trauma-informed practice means in an educational setting.
• How schools can support refugee learners’ wellbeing.
• Strategies for creating safe and welcoming classrooms.
• The importance of relationships, belonging, and emotional support.
• How educators can work sensitively with children who have experienced disruption or change.
• Practical approaches for supporting refugee pupils alongside their language development.

For many refugee learners, joining a new school involves adapting to a new language, culture, curriculum, and community. A whole-school approach that prioritises inclusion and wellbeing can make a significant difference to children’s experiences and outcomes.

Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, pastoral leader, SEND professional, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides valuable insight into supporting refugee children and young people in education.

Meet Dr Tina Rae

Dr Tina Rae has over 40 years’ experience working with children, adults, and families across clinical and educational settings, including local authorities and specialist services.

She currently works as a Consultant Educational and Child Psychologist across SEMH and mainstream contexts, as well as supporting fostering agencies, foster carers, social workers, and looked-after children.

Tina was an Academic and Professional Tutor for the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology at the University of East London from 2010–2016. She is a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council, a member of ENSEC (European Network for Social and Emotional Competence), and has contributed widely to research and practice in children’s emotional wellbeing.

A prolific author with over 100 publications, Tina is passionate about developing evidence-informed resources that enable schools to deliver effective preventative mental health interventions.

Resources from this episode

Buy the book:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/dzbm6

Buy Dr Tina Rae’s Refugee Discussion Cards:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/6oftf

Connect with Tina on X:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kavu7

Connect with Tina on LinkedIn:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/bij37

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Free EAL CPD sessions

Book your free online EAL CPD sessions:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

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