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Spotting the signs: 10 mental health challenges post-Covid

13 September 2020

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 in the coming weeks and months – and what we can do to help

Domestic abuse: The hidden legacy of the pandemic

2 September 2020

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

25 August 2020

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

Staff wellbeing: Support for secondary trauma

25 August 2020

As schools return full-time, secondary trauma is a real and present danger for teachers and other staff. Sophie Howells from Education Support explains

Covid-19: Supporting our staff as schools re-open fully

14 July 2020

‘Our staff must not feel that they have been abandoned’ – headteacher John Rutter is putting clear communication at the heart of his strategy to support staff wellbeing post-lockdown...

Mental health: Reasonable adjustments for school staff

14 July 2020

What are ‘reasonable adjustments’ for staff struggling with their mental health? Amy Sayer offers her advice for schools

Tackling body image as part of RSE and health education

7 July 2020

There are concerns that 24/7 life in the digital world is causing substantial harm to young minds, not least when it comes to body image. Lesley de Meza considers the research and urges schools to tackle the issue as part of statutory RSE and health education from this September

Managing depression in the classroom

29 June 2020

An estimated one in 10 teenagers have mental health problems and there is a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In this five-article series, Dr Stephanie Thornton advises schools and teachers. In part five, she advises on how support students with depression with their learning

Student trauma and wellbeing post-lockdown

22 June 2020

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...

Vulnerable students: Planning for transition back to school

22 June 2020

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

How can we talk about death?

17 June 2020

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

Managing anxiety in the classroom

9 June 2020

An estimated one in 10 teenagers have mental health problems and there is a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In this five-article series, Dr Stephanie Thornton advises schools and teachers. In part four, she advises on how we might students who suffer from anxiety

Safeguarding and mental health: Reintegrating your pupils

1 June 2020

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

1 June 2020

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

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Recruitment, control, exploitation: Spotting the signs of child exploitation

27 May 2020

Recruitment, control, exploitation – the three key stages of child exploitation must be understood by school staff. Dawn Jotham offers her advice to help us identify students at risk, including spotting the various signs

Supporting school staff worried about the impact of Covid-19

27 May 2020

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

20 May 2020

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

Encouraging good sleep habits in our students

18 May 2020

A good night’s sleep can be a secret weapon for healthier, happier and higher performing students. Darren Sayer looks at how to instil good sleeping habits to support student wellbeing and development

Anxiety and depression: When should we intervene?

12 May 2020

An estimated one in 10 teenagers have mental health problems and there is a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In this five-article series, Dr Stephanie Thornton advises schools and teachers. In part three, she asks when are these conditions severe enough to warrant treatment or intervention

Mental health post-lockdown: Hitting the reset button

11 May 2020

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

The virtual staffroom: Morale and engagement during lockdown

6 May 2020

During lockdown, we must not neglect staff morale and wellbeing. Denise Barrows looks at how school leaders can deepen trust and connections with and between staff. She considers our one-to-one interactions and how to build a virtual staffroom environment

Fight, flight or freeze? Getting yourself out of survival mode

5 May 2020

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

29 April 2020

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 & Covid-19: Be the adult that your child needs

28 April 2020

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

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Understanding and supporting SEMH pupils

20 April 2020

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