Emotional health and well-being in schools
Professionals can work together to create emotionally healthy schools which are better for children and young people’s mental health.
Children and young people spend nearly a third of their time at school. An emotionally healthy school is more likely to make school life a positive experience for children and young people.
It’s a school which
- has a whole school policy on behaviour and bullying
- teaches emotional health and well-being as part of the PSHE curriculum
- provides a range of after-school activities.
Understanding the issue
Professionals who work with schools can play their part in making the environment an emotionally healthy one.
A good pastoral system, and effective services within the school, or connections to local services, can provide help and support when children and young people do have problems.
Intervening early can prevent mental health problems from becoming serious and entrenched.
More on emotionally healthy schools
Healthy Schools, www.healthyschools.gov.uk
Key Stage Websites, www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk
Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) Materials, www.bandapilot.org.uk
Emerging practice
SOS report on emerging practice
The National CAMHS Support Service’s Emerging Practice Library,
www.camhs.org.uk
