For episode 3, we are delighted to welcome Kate Cairns - author, speaker, and seasoned trainer renowned internationally for her expertise in attachment, trauma, and resilience.

In this episode, we explore what we mean by the term ‘trauma’, examine how trauma shapes the way children learn to communicate, and discuss how practitioners can support children to heal from trauma, by building long-lasting and meaningful connections.

Whether you're new to Early Years or just looking to enhance your practice, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss; including the KCA ‘Five to Thrive Connection Model’; the key indicators of trauma recovery and the latest research on Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACE’s) as buffers to Adverse Childhood experiences (ACE’s).

If you're a Norfolk Early Years Practitioner or professional, and you enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to join us at one of our upcoming Autumn Communication Hub Meetings, beginning on 10th November 2025, where we will be joined by play therapist and early years consultant Clare Lord as we explore ‘More Than Words- The Therapeutic Power of Play’. Click here for more details.

Overview

(1:20) Kate’s Background & Career development

(3:06) What is Trauma?

(7:53) PTSD & Big T trauma

(9:10) Little T trauma

(10:39) Trauma through different lenses

(12:00) Collective trauma

(12:50) Co-regulation and trauma recovery

(14:25) The impact of trauma on communication

(15:58) The impact of trauma on behaviour

(17:20) Developmental trauma

(18:58) Age-appropriate restaging

(20:44) Five to Thrive – Connection Model

(21:32) Step 1: Respond

(22:20) Step 2: Engage

(23:11) Step 3: Relax

(23:34) The brain & the processing stage

(25:34) Non-verbal communication – Step 1, 2, 3

(26:49) Step 4: Non-verbal play

(27:17) Step 5: Talk

(28:33) The importance of key person relationships and choosing the right person.

(30:37) Working with children in the ‘freeze’ state

(32:55) Trauma Recovery; a journey not a destination

(35:06) Markers of stabilising, integrating, adapting and growing self-esteem

(38:39) Can children recover without the support of parents/carers?

(39:05) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACE’s)

(41:30) Questions for practitioners

1. Can you notice connection happening in your setting?

2. Can you notice, without any blame, when connection doesn’t happen?

(42:43) Autumn Communication Hub meetings