what is resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from challenges, stress, or adversity, developed not by avoiding difficulties but through emotional strength, supportive relationships and opportunities to build confidence. For children, resilience grows through feeling safe, connected, and understood, with space to express emotions, solve problems and manage change. At Sendsory®, we see resilience as something that can be nurtured over time through a trauma-informed, relational approach that recognises each child’s experiences, environment and support systems. By creating emotionally safe spaces, building secure attachments and responding with consistency and compassion, we support the whole child to develop the inner resources they need to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
why we created Roots to Bloom
At Sendsory®, we developed Roots to Bloom to provide a structured, play-based programme that helps children aged 4–11 build resilience through supportive relationships, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to practise coping and problem-solving skills. Designed for children with diverse needs, including ASD, ADHD, SEMH, SLCN, SPD and trauma-related challenges, the programme prioritises emotional safety, recognises individual strengths and responds to each child’s unique experiences. Roots to Bloom nurtures confidence, self-worth and the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges in a safe, encouraging environment.
how resilience develops
Resilience is shaped by both internal strengths and external supports that help children adapt, stay connected and cope with life’s challenges. It develops through emotionally available adults, safe and predictable environments and opportunities to play, express emotions and practise regulation skills, alongside a strong sense of self, emotional literacy and the belief that they are valued. When these foundations are supported by caring, consistent relationships and the right environments, children grow the ability to manage stress, recover from setbacks and move forward with confidence, socially, emotionally and academically.
the framework
Sendsory®’s Resilience Tracker is a trauma-informed, evidence-based tool grounded in the I HAVE, I AM, I CAN framework, offering a holistic view of a child’s emotional wellbeing and capacity to cope. Drawing on insights from leading experts in attachment, trauma, neuroscience and relational practice—including Edith Grotberg, Jaak Panksepp, Paul Dix, Margot Sunderland and Carl Rogers—it recognises the importance of safe environments, emotionally available adults, a strong sense of self, and the skills needed to navigate challenge. Carefully designed to balance insight with practicality, the tracker identifies strengths and emerging needs while promoting emotional regulation, connection and growth, providing a meaningful starting point for personalised, trauma-informed support explored fully in our Roots to Bloom Resilience Tracker.