Finding Belonging in New Classrooms for Care-Experienced Students: Building Connections That Last the Term

Posted on August 2nd, 2025

Transitioning into a new classroom can feel lonely, even overwhelming, especially for care-experienced students. Pause. Imagine having the insight and tools to understand attachment patterns, respond with confidence, and help young people feel genuinely seen and supported. Our Attachment Trauma Training turns that understanding into practical strategies that make every classroom a place of belonging.

Understanding the Challenge

For care-experienced students, the start of a new school term can be daunting. These young individuals often face multiple transitions, frequently moving between schools due to changes in foster placements or other circumstances. This instability can disrupt their sense of belonging and make it challenging to build lasting connections with peers and educators.

In the UK, care-experienced individuals are estimated to attend an average of 7–8 different schools per year. This frequent disruption not only affects their academic performance but also their emotional well-being and ability to form stable relationships. The lack of continuity can lead to feelings of isolation and a diminished sense of school belonging.

The Importance of Belonging

Belonging is a fundamental human need. For care-experienced students, feeling accepted and valued in the classroom is crucial for their academic success and emotional development. When these students perceive their classroom as a safe and supportive environment, they are more likely to engage, participate, and thrive.

Building a sense of belonging involves creating an inclusive classroom culture where every student feels seen, heard, and respected. This requires intentional efforts from educators to foster positive relationships, establish clear expectations, and provide consistent emotional support.

Strategies to Build Connections

1. Establish Consistent Routines

Predictable routines provide a sense of security for care-experienced students. Establishing clear daily schedules helps them know what to expect and reduces anxiety. Consistent routines also support the development of positive habits and reinforce a sense of stability.

2. Foster Peer Support

Encouraging peer relationships is vital for building a supportive classroom community. Implementing buddy systems or collaborative projects allows students to work together, learn from each other, and develop meaningful friendships. Peer support not only enhances social skills but also promotes empathy and understanding among students.

3. Provide Emotional Support

Care-experienced students often carry emotional burdens from their past experiences. Offering emotional support through regular check-ins, counselling services, or safe spaces where students can express their feelings helps them process their emotions and feel supported. Educators should be trained to recognize signs of distress and respond appropriately.

4. Encourage Open Communication

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns is essential. Encouraging open communication through class discussions, feedback sessions, or suggestion boxes allows students to voice their opinions and feel valued. Active listening and validating their experiences foster trust and strengthen relationships.

5. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

Promoting diversity and inclusion within the classroom helps care-experienced students feel accepted for who they are. Celebrating different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives enriches the learning environment and teaches students the importance of respect and acceptance.

The Role of Educators

Educators play a pivotal role in helping care-experienced students build connections and feel a sense of belonging. By being aware of the unique challenges these students face and implementing supportive strategies, educators can create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Professional development programs, such as Attachment Trauma Training, equip educators with the knowledge and skills to understand the impact of trauma on student behaviour and learning. These programs provide practical tools to build strong, trusting relationships with students and create a classroom culture that promotes belonging.

Conclusion

Building lasting connections in the classroom is essential for care-experienced students to feel a sense of belonging and succeed academically. By establishing consistent routines, fostering peer support, providing emotional support, encouraging open communication, and celebrating diversity, educators can create an inclusive environment where all students thrive.

If you're interested in learning more about how to support care-experienced students in building connections and fostering a sense of belonging, consider exploring our Attachment Trauma Training. This program offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help educators make a positive impact on their students' lives.