Health and Wellbeing

Attendance

Behaviour

Health & Safety

Mental health

Pastoral issues

PSHE

Safeguarding

School food

Social distancing

Staff wellbeing

Safeguarding

Child protection remains one of schools' highest priorities and is becoming ever more complicated with children vulnerable to a wide range of risks. We offer a range of best practice articles and case studies.

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Ideas to support staff and pupil wellbeing at the time of Covid

As the Covid-19 pandemic rumbles on, the emotional impact for both teachers and students continues to be a huge cause for concern. Matt Bromley considers some practical strategies we can employ to offer support in the coming months

Pupil Premium: The persistent problem of poverty

Covid-19 is expected to exacerbate the already stark child poverty crisis facing millions of young people in our country. Sean Harris looks at how schools might poverty-proof their work

Spotting the signs: 10 mental health challenges post-Covid

What kind of wellbeing and mental health issues will some students be presenting with this term and what signs should we be alert for? Dr Pooky Knightsmith considers 10 challenges we are likely to see in the coming weeks and months – and what we can do to help

Wellbeing: Supporting students who have to self-isolate

With potential this year for individuals or groups of pupils to be sent home from school at very short notice due to Covid-19, a new pastoral challenge will be supporting the wellbeing of those students affected. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises

Covid: Making remote learning work in the months ahead

As the fight against coronavirus continues, remote learning is here to stay and must now be adapted and embraced as part of our range of teaching and learning approaches this academic year. Al Kingsley advises

Domestic abuse: The hidden legacy of the pandemic

Domestic abuse in the family can have significant implications for the welfare and wellbeing of young people – and lockdown has seen a dramatic rise in cases. Sara Alston looks at what we can expect as pupils return in September

Keeping children safe in education – analysis of the latest update

Once again, the statutory safeguarding guidance Keeping children safe in education has been updated ahead of the new school year. Sara Alston looks at what has changed in the new guidance

Remote learning: Creating safe digital ecosystems

Remote and online learning is likely to be with us for some time as the Covid-19 fight continues. As such, we must continue to prioritise esafety. Al Kingsley asks how we can promote and deliver safer digital ecosystems in schools and better develop pupils’ digital citizenship

Back to school: A headteacher's checklist

September is upon us and pupils are returning to school – some after more than five months away. National Leader of Education Helen Frostick considers how we can ensure we meet the pastoral needs of our pupils post-lockdown

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 ...

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

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

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?

Keeping pupils safe online during lockdown

Online safety has become even more of a priority for schools and families during the coronavirus lockdown. Kathryn Day describes how schools can promote online safety while children are away from the classroom

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

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

FGM: The safeguarding responsibilities facing schools and teachers

Teachers in England and Wales are subject to the duty to report FGM. What does this mean in practical terms and how should you advise and train staff to ensure compliance? Suzanne O’Connell recaps the duty

Parents and safeguarding

In the second of three articles on parental engagement issues, Dorothy Lepkowska looks at safeguarding and child protection and how schools can and should work with families

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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

Handling cases of induced or fabricated illness

Fabricated or induced illness is a form of child abuse that schools should be aware of. Although it is rare, it is likely that many cases are missed. Suzanne O’Connell explains what it is, how to identify it and what you can do

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

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

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

Adverse childhood experiences and the implications for schools

Half of children will live through an adverse childhood experience and around one in 10 will suffer four or more. How can schools support these young people? Lynn Miles, who suffered ACEs herself, explains more and offers her advice

What can schools do to lessen the impact of knife crime on pupils?

The knife crime epidemic is having a huge impact on communities and is leaving our youngest children frightened and anxious. A group of schools is now convening a summit in June to discuss the role of primary schools in reassuring and supporting pupils and their families. Fiona Aubrey-Smith reports

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