How We Support Schools
We offer evidence-informed training, coaching and talks that support teachers, leaders, pupils and families to understand executive function and build practical, brain-friendly strategies into everyday school life.
From whole-school INSET to coaching programmes and parent workshops, our training and talks give you the tools to create calmer classrooms, more independent learners and better outcomes for children, at home and school.
About Connections in Mind School Specialist Victoria Bagnall
Victoria Bagnall is a qualified teacher, executive function specialist and co-founder of Connections in Mind. She is known for translating neuroscience into practical strategies that help schools support focus, regulation and learning. With lived experience of executive function differences in her own family, she brings a compassionate, real-world understanding to her work with educators and young people.
Victoria studied at the University of Cambridge and trained directly under Peg Dawson, bringing Executive Function coaching to the UK and later developing accredited training pathways for schools.
Neuroinclusive Classroom Practice & Neuroinclusive Early Years Practice
Training equips teachers to better understand and support how pupils learn, behave and engage — through a neuroinclusive, executive function-informed approach.
Built on over 10 years of experience working with schools and SENCOs, this programme brings together practical strategies, shared language and classroom-ready approaches.
Participants complete the programme as Level 1 Neuroinclusive Classroom Practitioners.
Programme Overview:
- 3-module course delivered over one term
- Each module includes 30 minutes of pre-learning and 2 hours of practical application
- Two pathways available: Early Years & KS1, and KS2–5
- Up to 50 participants per cohort
Train to be an Executive Function Coach for your School
Our flagship CPD-accredited programme equips school staff to support pupils with focus, organisation, motivation and emotional regulation — and to become your school’s executive function champion.
Built on over 10 years of experience working with schools and SENCOs, it translates executive function science into practical, classroom-ready strategies.
From Level 2, there is a pathway towards professional recognition through the IEFCC, with Connections in Mind an approved training provider within the certification framework.
Includes:
- Expert-led training in executive function and brain-based strategies
- Practical tools for one-to-one and small group support
- A coaching framework to build independence and self-regulation
- Flexible online learning for busy school staff
Train to be an Executive Function Coach for your School
Programme Comparison Guide
To help you decide between Neuroinclusive Classroom Practice and Executive Function Coach Training, you can view a detailed side-by-side comparison of both pathways.
Teacher INSET & Twilight Sessions
We deliver online and in-person CPD workshops that introduce staff to key neuroscience concepts – including neuroplasticity, executive functioning and the brain states that shape learning and behaviour. Sessions cover:
- How emotions and thinking skills affect learning
- A compassionate lens for behaviour and learning needs
- Practical growth-mindset approaches
- Trauma and brain development
Our three-step method for supporting pupils All participants receive a CPD-accredited certificate, and all trainers are experienced teachers with psychology and teacher-training expertise.
Email to learn moreStudent & Assembly Talks
Positive, strengths-based sessions that help pupils understand their brains, build confidence and develop the skills they need to learn well. Includes:
- Age-appropriate explanations of how the brain works
- Building self-awareness and emotional understanding
- Strategies for focus, motivation and resilience
- Activities that support collaboration and problem-solving
- Metacognitive tools to help pupils plan, reflect and learn independently
Parent Talk
Clear, reassuring sessions that help families understand how the brain works and how to support learning, regulation and independence at home and school. Includes:
- Simple explanations of thinking skills and emotions
- How overwhelm, behaviour and motivation show up at home
- Practical routines to support organisation and follow-through
- Strategies for calmer mornings, homework and transitions
- Strengths-based approaches to build confidence and connection
What our Teachers say about Connections in Mind
How We Support Schools
We offer evidence-informed training, coaching and talks that support teachers, leaders, pupils and families to
understand executive function and build practical, brain-friendly strategies into everyday school life.
From whole-school INSET to coaching programmes and parent workshops, our training and talks give you the tools to
create calmer classrooms, more independent learners and better outcomes for children, at home and school.
The Neuroinclusive Educator & Neuroinclusive Classroom Practice
Including a copy of Victoria Bagnall's new book “The Neuro Inclusive Educator” for each teacher.
Training equips teachers to better understand and support how pupils learn, behave and engage — through a neuroinclusive, executive function-informed approach.
Built on over 10 years of experience working with schools and SENCOs, this programme brings together practical strategies, shared language and classroom-ready approaches.
Participants complete the programme as Level 1 Neuroinclusive Classroom Practitioners.
Programme Overview:
- 3-module course delivered over one term
- Each module includes 30 minutes of pre-learning and 2 hours of practical application
- Two pathways available: Early Years & KS1, and KS2–5
- Up to 50 participants per cohort
Neuroinclusive Training for Schools
Create classrooms where every pupil can focus, feel calm and learn well.
Our practical talks and coaching help teachers, leaders and families understand how the brain works - and use simple strategies that support learning, behaviour and wellbeing every day.
We'd love to tell you more about our Inset Day Talks, Parent Talks and Training.
Train to be an Executive Function Coach for your School
Our flagship CPD-accredited programme equips school staff to support pupils with focus, organisation, motivation and emotional regulation — and to become your school’s executive function champion.
Built on over 10 years of experience working with schools and SENCOs, it translates executive function science into practical, classroom-ready strategies.
From Level 2, there is a pathway towards professional recognition through the IEFCC, with Connections in Mind an approved training provider within the certification framework.
Includes:
- Expert-led training in executive function and brain-based strategies
- Practical tools for one-to-one and small group support
- A coaching framework to build independence and self-regulation
- Flexible online learning for busy school staff
Specialist Training & Support for Your Whole School Community
Teacher INSET & Twilight Sessions
We deliver online and in-person CPD workshops that introduce staff to key neuroscience concepts - including neuroplasticity, executive functioning and the brain states that shape learning and behaviour. Sessions cover:
- How emotions and thinking skills affect learning
- A compassionate lens for behaviour and learning needs
- Practical growth-mindset approaches
- Trauma and brain development
Our three-step method for supporting pupils
All participants receive a CPD-accredited certificate, and all trainers are experienced teachers with psychology
and teacher-training expertise.
Neuroinclusive Classroom Practice Programme
A coaching-based programme that helps teachers embed simple, brain-friendly language, routines and self-regulation strategies across the school.
Includes:
- Classroom observation and practical coaching
- Supportive language for thinking, emotions and transitions
- Routines that reduce overwhelm and increase independence
- Strategies for calm, regulated learning environments
- Whole-school approaches for sustainable cultural change
Parent Talk
Clear, reassuring sessions that help families understand how the brain works and how to support learning, regulation and independence at home and school. Includes:
- Simple explanations of thinking skills and emotions
- How overwhelm, behaviour and motivation show up at home
- Practical routines to support organisation and follow-through
- Strategies for calmer mornings, homework and transitions
- Strengths-based approaches to build confidence and connection
Student & Assembly Talks
Positive, strengths-based sessions that help pupils understand their brains, build confidence and develop the skills they need to learn well. Includes:
- Age-appropriate explanations of how the brain works
- Building self-awareness and emotional understanding
- Strategies for focus, motivation and resilience
- Activities that support collaboration and problem-solving
- Metacognitive tools to help pupils plan, reflect and learn independently
About Connections in Mind School Specialist Victoria Bagnall
Victoria Bagnall is a qualified teacher, executive function specialist and co-founder of Connections in Mind.
She is known for translating neuroscience into practical strategies that help schools support focus, regulation
and learning. With lived experience of executive function differences in her own family, she brings a compassionate,
real-world understanding to her work with educators and young people.
Victoria studied at the University of Cambridge and trained directly under Peg Dawson, bringing Executive Function
coaching to the UK and later developing accredited training pathways for schools.
What our Teachers say about Connections in Mind
