As co-regulators to the students in our care, we need to appreciate the importance of remaining Calm at the Forefront when we are managing, modelling and mastering behaviours.

Our support services, based in Melbourne, help schools experience more calm more often. Our workshops equip school staff with an understanding of neurodiversity and provide solution based strategies for behaviour regulation.

We believe that a whole school community approach is required to foster a conducive school environment to ensure all neurodiverse students thrive. Calm at the Forefront provides education, practical strategies and support to staff, carers and fellow students to accommodate neurodiverse students within their school. We take a whole of school community approach to supporting mental health, which consists of a program that promotes neuro-affirming practice to ensure that all students, but particularly neurodiverse students, have the respectful adjustments and accommodations they need to thrive. It is our commitment to embed safe, positive school culture and learning environments for all students. We enhance mental health literacy and confidence through workshops with Education Support (ES) and teaching staff. These workshops cover understanding neurodiversity, respectful adjustments and how to regulate an unregulated student with respect and understanding. We also engage students through assemblies or smaller sessions that promote the idea of being a brain ally, meeting neurodiversity with compassion and curiosity rather than fear or rejection. As well as parent sessions explaining neurodiversity in a way which highlights some of the challenges, celebrates the many strengths and promotes understanding. The program also allows time for observations/capacity building/coaching/ support for leadership and staff.

  • Kirsty Edwards

    Kirsty is the co-founder of Calm at the Forefront. An Education Support guru, mother of four, and lover of the ocean. Kirsty brings a pragmatic, kind and reassuring voice of reason, ensuring all children’s needs are met. Her commonsense approach to parenting and support have always been met with ease from both children and their families alike. There are few people who can de-escalate behaviours better than Kirsty and that is because children know that she is unwaveringly on their side.

    A word from us

  • In order to support all students and foster a community of genuine belonging, all teaching, and education support staff need an extensive understanding of neuro-affirming practice. We provide workshops to Education Support Staff, Whole Staff, Students and Parents to ensure a whole school approach to student wellbeing.

  • Jess Brown

    Jess is the co-founder of Calm at the Forefront. An educator, mother of two, and lover of the outdoors, she brings a sense of calm to the classroom and beyond. After working in the classroom and as a Wellbeing Leader for over 15years, Jess will share her experience working with children to help to meet the needs of young people and their care teams. She prides herself on building strong relationships, being an advocate and trouble shooting complex situations. This skillset, along with a drive to bring about genuine, positive and long standing change, has seen those she works alongside thrive.

    A word from us