Back to School Guide: Supporting student wellbeing Headteacher Update has published the first of four free Back to School guides offering advice ahead of September and the wider opening of schools. In this 12-page guide, we consider how the lockdown will have affected young people’s wellbeing and mental health, what challenges we expect to see as ...
Vulnerable students: Planning for transition back to school As increasing numbers of students return to school, Daniel Sobel outlines a framework he says all schools can use to ensure the right support is in place to ensure a successful transition for vulnerable students 1 comment
Pupil trauma and wellbeing post-lockdown When pupils leave lockdown, and return to school it is anticipated that staff will face a range of pastoral, wellbeing and behaviour issues. Teacher and mental health first-aider Amy Sayer considers the challenges that lie ahead...
How can we talk about death? ?As schools begin to re-open to more students, we will need to deal with conversations about death, bereavement and grief. In this article, teacher Zinnia Wilkinson explains how she worked with her students after the death of her daughter
WOW: Leading a primary school through lockdown Leading a primary school through the lockdown has had its fair share of challenges for executive principal Sophie Murfin. She speaks to Yvonne Gandy about how this period has triggered changes that will continue when normal service eventually resumes
Safeguarding and mental health: Reintegrating your pupils As school leaders welcome more pupils back into school, safeguarding will be at the forefront of planning. Bethany Eadie looks at what to cover in your staff safeguarding update so that your team feels prepared and confident to support pupils as they reintegrate
Attachment theory and children’s learning in school Attachment theory has clear and important implications for education. Dr Elizabeth Harlow considers its relevance to children’s learning and looks at how some schools have been applying the principles of the theory to the organisation of pastoral support and teaching and learning
Coronavirus: Pastoral care in a changed school environment As pupils return to school, we will need to be prepared for challenging behaviour, safeguarding disclosures and signs of mental health and wellbeing problems. Anthony David looks at the pastoral priorities that must be at the top of the list for primary schools
Supporting school staff worried about the impact of Covid-19 More than half of the calls to the Education Support confidential helpline are currently related to coronavirus. Sophie Howells looks at the concerns of teachers and school leaders
Delivering effective mental health education With health education becoming compulsory in September, there is an opportunity for a clearer focus on mental wellbeing. Clare Stafford speaks with two mental health experts about effective whole-school approaches and practical tips for schools preparing to deliver the new curriculum
Mindfulness activities for younger children Mindfulness is the ability to be aware of experiences as they are happening with an attitude of curiosity and kindness – a useful skill in the current climate. Claire Kelly offers five tips for introducing these ideas with younger children
Mental health post-lockdown: Hitting the reset button As we consider a return to school, recovery planning must include an overhaul of how we focus on staff and pupil wellbeing, says Pam Shaw
Fight, flight or freeze? Getting yourself out of survival mode Teachers – like many others – will be feeling the pressure and stress of the current crisis and may be operating in survival mode. Shahana Knight offers wellbeing advice to help you manage your work, family and mental health
Protecting teacher wellbeing during lockdown While we are doing all we can to support the wellbeing of our young people during the school closures, we must not forget our teachers. From financial grants to mental health support, Sophie Howells advises
Mental health during lockdown: Be the adult that your child needs Our young people’s mental health is on the line during the coronavirus lockdown. Dr Pooky Knightsmith discusses four things your pupils need to feel right now – and some simple ideas for making that happen
Working effectively with vulnerable children There are many things schools and teachers can do – both little and large – to understand and support vulnerable children. Educational psychotherapist Angela Greenwood advises
Quick ideas to protect children’s wellbeing during lockdown The coronavirus outbreak and lockdown could have a significant impact on wellbeing, mindset and mental health. Ross McWilliam advises families on approaches and activities to support their children
Safeguarding, behaviour & wellbeing: Trauma-informed practice in schools The symptoms of ADHD, autism and other common child diagnoses often match those of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Dr Margot Sunderland looks at the implications
Case study: Creating a happy school Headteacher, John Bryant, was named Happiest School Employee in the National Happiness Awards. Emma Lee-Potter finds out how his school has put happiness at the heart of its work
Recognising pupils’ feelings and emotions Learning to recognise feelings and emotions is an essential part of growing up, but it will not necessarily come naturally. Shahana Knight looks at how we can help support our pupils to spot, identify and manage their feelings
Bereavement in schools: When death happens To mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week – November 15 to 21 – Alison Penny considers how schools can be better prepared to support children who are coming to terms with the death of someone close
Attachment and SEMH: Supporting our children Pikemere School has been working to prioritise issues of Attachment as well as social, emotional and mental health challenges. Emma Lee-Potter explains how the school trains its staff and supports pupils
Vulnerable pupils: Creating safe spaces in the school environment A growing concern for vulnerable pupils has led to the creation of safe spaces, or sanctuaries, at Ripley Infant School as well as a focus on Attachment Theory. Paula Doleman and Kathie Skermer explain
Create a healthy workplace in your school The Education Support Partnership is getting record levels of calls from school staff seeking support and advice. Richard Faulkner urges primary schools to signpost staff to this often vital support
Supporting previously looked after children Previously looked after children can present particular challenges and schools are required to have a ‘designated teacher’ in place. Darren Martindale offers us best practice advice
