Health and Wellbeing

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Pastoral issues

Pastoral care is becoming more and more crucial in primary schools because of the range of pressures and dangers that children can face. We offer a range of best practice articles and case studies ranging from mental health and counselling, to anti-bullying work and fostering community cohesion.

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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

Safeguarding: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse

The coronavirus lockdown has led to an increase in domestic abuse and violence. Safeguarding expert Debbie Gardner looks at the role of schools in spotting the signs in a world of remote learning and national lockdown

Behaviour hubs: Experts to get behaviour on track – again

Every teacher knows how important it is to have good behaviour in the classroom. However, for some schools, behaviour management remains an issue. Suzanne O'Connell looks at what is being recommended and asks: Haven’t we been here before?

Attendance: A more intelligent approach?

A system of letters and fines, with the possibility of prosecution, has been part of many schools’ attendance policy for years. With children forced to stay home and at least a slight change in Ofsted's tone, is it time to consider a new approach in the post-lockdown world?

Safeguarding: During and beyond the coronavirus crisis

The number of child referrals has gone down by 50 per cent. It is not surprising given that schools are one of the main referrers of safeguarding concerns. So, what is happening to vulnerable children and what can schools do to help? Suzanne O'Connell takes a look

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

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

Persistent absence: What can schools do?

One in 10 pupils are considered to fall into the category of being persistently absent, meaning they miss 10 per cent or more of school sessions. So why do these pupils continue to stay away and what can schools do about it?

Therapeutic schools: Dealing with behaviour incidents

Why do we tell children off? Because we are trying to teach them something. Shahana Knight says that this is best achieved with a therapeutic approach to behaviour incidents

Tackling period poverty: Primary school roll-out

The government has agreed to fund free sanitary products in schools to help end period poverty. Chris Brown looks at what the research says and how schools might approach implementation

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

Therapeutic schools: Flexible seating?

We can boost engagement and positivity in the classroom by offering flexible seating opportunities for pupils. Shahana Knight explains

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

Is your uniform policy fair on your families?

Does your school’s required uniform put your families under financial pressure and give mixed messages about the spirit of equality? Fiona Aubrey-Smith and Emma Goto investigate

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

Understanding and supporting SEMH pupils

Drawing on the outstanding work of Adelaide School, a special provision in Cheshire catering for pupils aged nine and upwards, Sarah Barlow offers advice to mainstream schools on supporting students who face social, emotional and mental health challenges

Supporting your pupils with medical needs

Many schools work hard to make the best provision they can for young people with medical needs, but it is not always easy. Jackie Wheatley highlights key areas of best practice, considers some of the legal requirements placed on schools, and offers her advice

Time-out and isolation under scrutiny

At the National Education Union annual conference, delegates recounted stories about school isolation rooms filled with SEND children. It seems that the use of ‘time-out’ or ‘reflection rooms’ is increasing at primary level. Suzanne O’Connell looks at this growing trend and its place in school ...

Pastoral issues

Delivering effective mental health education

Mindfulness activities for younger children

Safeguarding: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse

Behaviour hubs: Experts to get behaviour on track – again

Attendance: A more intelligent approach?

Safeguarding: During and beyond the coronavirus crisis

Working effectively with vulnerable children

Safeguarding, behaviour & wellbeing: Trauma-informed practice in schools

Case study: Creating a happy school

Persistent absence: What can schools do?

Therapeutic schools: Dealing with behaviour incidents

Tackling period poverty: Primary school roll-out

Recognising pupils’ feelings and emotions

Therapeutic schools: Flexible seating?

Bereavement in schools: When death happens

Is your uniform policy fair on your families?

Attachment and SEMH: Supporting our children

Vulnerable pupils: Creating safe spaces in the school environment

Understanding and supporting SEMH pupils

Supporting your pupils with medical needs

Time-out and isolation under scrutiny

Supporting previously looked after children

Getting transition right for vulnerable pupils

The rising tide of sensory troubles: Low-level behaviours (part 3)

Adverse childhood experiences and the implications for schools