A Trauma-Informed Framework for Residential Children’s Homes

The STILL Model is a practical, trauma-informed approach designed specifically for staff working in residential care. It gives teams a simple, powerful framework for responding to anxiety, dysregulation, and emotional need — using tools that are easy to remember, easy to use, and proven to work in high-pressure settings

Why STILL

Many models focus on theory or emotional language children can't access. STILL was created to bridge the gap between theory and practice — helping staff regulate themselves and co-regulate with children in real time.

Built around five key pillars — STOP, TALK, IMAGINE, LISTEN, LEARN — the model helps staff respond to behaviour with curiosity, not control. It gives a shared language, builds emotional safety, and supports consistent, compassionate care.

What It Looks Like in Practice:

  • Children using STOP techniques when overwhelmed

  • Staff naming anxiety states instead of labelling behaviour

  • Homes recording and tracking emotional progress over time

  • Supervisions focusing on emotional load, not just compliance

  • Daily logs highlighting which tools were used and why

Key Outcomes:

  • Fewer escalations

  • Increased emotional vocabulary and self-awareness (staff + child)

  • Consistency across shifts

  • Evidence-ready tracking for inspections and reviews

  • A calm, compassionate culture children trust

What Makes STILL Different?

STILLvsPACE / Thrive / NurtureCreated for residential care from day oneMost models were designed for schools or familiesOffers daily tools and languageOften lacks usable in-the-moment strategiesEmphasises emotional state recognitionOften focuses on relationship tone onlyProvides logs, trackers, and planning toolsLacks structure for recording and supervisionWorks with anxiety, trauma, and nervous system theoryOften based solely on attachment theory

Ready to embed trauma-informed practice that actually works on shift?

What makes the STILL Model stand out is its direct focus on residential care. Unlike models such as PACE, Thrive, or Nurture — which were originally developed for schools or family environments — STILL was designed from the ground up for care homes. It provides clear, daily-use tools and language that staff can apply in real-time, even during moments of high stress. While other approaches often rely on abstract ideas or attachment theory alone, STILL places strong emphasis on recognising emotional states, responding to anxiety through nervous system-informed strategies, and equipping teams with concrete tools like daily logs, tracking forms, and support plans. It fills the gap between knowing what trauma is and knowing what to do in the moment.Section 2: Mapping to Inspection & Trauma-Informed Standards

The STILL Model is fully aligned with national expectations around trauma-informed care, children’s rights, and regulatory compliance in residential settings. Below is a summary of how the model supports key frameworks, including Ofsted’s Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, trauma-informed practice principles, and NICE guidance.

🏛 OFSTED – Quality Standards (Children’s Homes Regulations 2015)

Regulation 11: The Positive Relationships Standard

  • STILL equips staff to build trust and connection through co-regulation, shared language, and calm response strategies.

  • Uses tools such as “STOP,” “Holding One Point,” and “Cuddling the Puppy” to reduce control-based interactions.

Regulation 12: The Protection of Children Standard

  • Helps staff identify early signs of anxiety and potential triggers.

  • Prevents escalation through daily reflection logs, reducing reliance on physical intervention.

Regulation 13: The Care Planning Standard

  • Offers a child-centred planning approach that recognises individual states of anxiety and tailored regulation strategies.

  • Supports personalised STILL Support Plans and monthly reviews to track emotional progress.

Regulation 40: Notification of Serious Events

  • Supports detailed reflective responses to incidents with its Incident Reflection Form.

  • Helps homes analyse patterns and take proactive, therapeutic steps.

🧠 Trauma-Informed Practice Principles (UK Trauma Council, NHS, HMIe Scotland)

PrincipleHow STILL AlignsSafetySTILL promotes emotional and nervous system safety through regulation-first care.TrustworthinessOffers consistent staff responses and transparent communication.ChoiceEmpowers children with simple regulation choices that they can use independently.CollaborationSTILL encourages shared reflection, co-regulation, and staff-child planning.EmpowermentChildren build emotional literacy and feel seen, heard, and understood.

🧾 NICE Guidance on Trauma, Attachment & Mental Health

  • NICE NG26 – STILL prioritises de-escalation and communication (e.g. STOP and co-regulation tools).

  • NICE NG116 – Avoids punitive strategies; encourages nurturing, consistent relationships.

  • NICE NG205 – Proactively supports emotional regulation and reflective response post-incident.

✅ Summary

STILL is not just trauma-informed in theory — it’s ready to be used, recorded, and evidenced in day-to-day care. It equips teams to provide safer, more emotionally intelligent environments while aligning fully with the frameworks that matter to commissioners and inspectors.

Section 3: Pilot-Ready Framework & Intended Impact

The STILL Model has been developed as a practical, trauma-informed framework tailored to the needs of residential children’s homes. It is now ready to be piloted in care settings — complete with a full set of tools, training materials, and outcome-tracking forms aligned to inspection requirements.

🛠️ Practitioner-Designed and Ready for Practice

The STILL Model was created by practitioners working directly with children who experience high anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and complex trauma. It was designed to bridge the gap between theory and everyday practice — giving staff clear tools to use under pressure.

STILL is not just about understanding trauma. It’s about helping teams act differently, communicate consistently, and co-regulate children through moments of stress.

🧭 What Makes STILL Stand Out

  • Five simple pillars that are easy to remember and embed across teams

  • Regulation tools that children can use independently

  • Fully developed logs and plans to evidence your approach to inspectors

  • A shared language that brings consistency across staff

📈 Our Aims for Pilot Settings

We are currently seeking homes to trial the STILL Model and help evaluate its practical impact. Key aims include:

  • Increased staff confidence in responding to dysregulation

  • Reduction in use of physical interventions

  • More consistent responses across shifts

  • Improved emotional literacy in children and staff

  • Trackable evidence for review meetings and Ofsted inspections

Pilot sites will receive full training, support, and use of the STILL toolkit, with ongoing development informed by frontline feedback.

📣 Be Part of Shaping the Future

If you are a commissioner, care leader or setting manager looking for:

  • A trauma-informed approach that’s ready to use

  • A model that fits daily practice and meets standards

  • A chance to shape and refine a new national framework

We would love to talk.

Contact us today to express interest in piloting the STILL Model.

Final Page: Contact Information

Thank you for taking the time to review the STILL Model.

For pilot enquiries, training dates, or a commissioning conversation, please contact:

🌍 www.thestillmethod.co.uk
🏢 Company Number: 16333422

We look forward to working with you to create safer, calmer, more emotionally aware homes for children who need it most.