Coming Back Stronger. Returning to School After Assault Leave or a Difficult Workplace Incident

Returning to work after an assault, serious incident or distressing experience in school can feel very different from an ordinary return after leave. Even when someone feels ready to come back, the school environment, certain situations, behaviours or interactions may bring up worry, tension or uncertainty.

This webinar is designed for SNAs and other school staff who are returning to work following an assault, threatening incident, serious behavioural event or other unpleasant workplace experience. It focuses on preparing for the return in a realistic and supportive way - without expecting someone simply to “move on” or return to exactly how things were before.

Participants will explore how to rebuild a sense of safety and confidence, recognise personal triggers and stress responses, establish appropriate professional boundaries, communicate needs with colleagues and school leadership, and develop a practical return-to-work plan. The session will also consider what supportive schools can do before, during and after a staff member returns, including risk review, clarity around roles, agreed responses to future incidents and ongoing check-ins.

The emphasis throughout is on safe return, not rushed return - recognising that rebuilding confidence may happen gradually and that seeking appropriate support is part of professional wellbeing.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Recognise the emotional, physical and professional impact that an assault, threatening incident or difficult workplace experience can have when returning to school.
2. Identify personal triggers, warning signs and regulation strategies that can support a greater sense of safety and confidence during the return-to-work period.
3. Develop practical boundaries and communication strategies for discussing support needs, responsibilities, concerns and future incidents with colleagues and school leadership.
4. Create an individual return-to-work plan incorporating preparation, safety considerations, supportive relationships, check-ins, gradual confidence-building and reflection.

Facilitator: Magdalena Landziak

Magdalena is an advocate for special and inclusive education and an experienced SNA, with over 10 years of experience supporting children with additional needs in primary school settings. She works as a tutor delivering QQI Level 6 SNA courses and provides CPD training for various Education Centres across Ireland. Recognising the need for ongoing, tailored support for SNAs, Magdalena founded SNA Academy to deliver practical, research-informed training and resources. She is also the Editor of AMYGDALA - the First National Magazine for SNAs, sharing insights, strategies, and inspiration to enhance inclusive practice in schools. Recently, she launched her own podcast, From the Bottom of My Heart, creating a space for meaningful conversations, inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on education, inclusion, wellbeing and life experiences. Magdalena holds a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education and SEN, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate (level 9) in 21st Century Teaching and Learning from Trinity College Dublin. She is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and equally dedicated to sharing her knowledge, experience and practical strategies with SNAs and educators to promote meaningful inclusion and strengthen everyday practice. Through her social media platform, @sna_zone, she shares practical strategies, educational resources, professional insights and inspiration to support SNAs and educators in their everyday practice.