'Tizz Time': a School-Based Trauma-Informed Violence Prevention Programme

Tizz Time is a protective behaviours-infused, trauma-informed violence prevention programme informed by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research. It is a play-based, child-led programme created for early years children aged three to six years old. Tizz Time aims to promote the voice of the child and to provide support to children who may have experienced adversity or trauma at home or within their community. Process Analysis research methodology was used to review and develop the aims, outcomes and objectives of Tizz Time as well as develop a Logic Model. Qualitative interviews were carried out with teachers and the facilitator of Tizz Time to assess initial indicators of success and explore the feasibility and implementation of the programme, including facilitators and barriers. Staff and teachers responded positively to the trauma-informed training aspect of the programme; they reported increased knowledge in trauma-informed practice and shared what they learned widely throughout their schools. Positive changes in children's behaviour and emotion regulation were also observed. Data monitoring format recommendations were set up to allow for future impact review and outcome analysis. Tizz Time is one of the few violence prevention programmes for this age group. This study considers the programme's potential outcomes against the wider public health approach to violence prevention.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-026-00940-0.