Pupil wellbeing

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

June 15: I will not be re-opening my school until I believe it is safe to do so

26 May 2020

The request that secondary schools lay on ‘face-to-face’ provision for year 10 and 12 students has caused confusion amid unclear and delayed guidance and shambolic government communication. Ben Solly will not be re-opening his school until he believes it is safe to do so

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

Safeguarding: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse

6 May 2020

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

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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Keeping pupils safe online during lockdown

27 April 2020

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

23 April 2020

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

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

Anxiety and depression: Are they co-morbid?

14 April 2020

An estimated one in 10 teenagers have mental health problems, with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In this five-article series, Dr Stephanie Thornton advises schools and teachers. In part two, she asks if anxiety and depression are co-morbid or one syndrome

Quick ideas to protect children’s wellbeing during lockdown

9 April 2020

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

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Coronavirus: Key messages from latest DfE guidance for schools

22 March 2020

Government guidance published on Sunday (March 22) outlines how schools are expected to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. Former school leader Matt Bromley takes a look and offers his advice

Coronavirus: Crisis management and school closure – issues to consider

18 March 2020

Schools are closing across the UK in the face of the coronavirus emergency. As they prepare to shut their doors, Matt Bromley looks at some of the issues headteachers will need to think about, including practical considerations, supporting staff, the continuation of learning, and safeguarding

County lines: A world of violence, intimidation and crime

11 March 2020

Young offenders are not as ‘popular’ as other vulnerable groups and yet in a world of intimidation, violence, county lines and organised crime, their need is just as great. Schools are among those on the front line of this battle. Darren Martindale explains more

Anxiety and depression: The new normal?

11 March 2020

An estimated one in 10 teens have mental health problems, with high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In this five-part series, Dr Stephanie Thornton advises schools and teachers. In part one, she considers whether this is the new ‘normal’ and some implications for schools

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

12 February 2020

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a huge impact on behaviour and learning. Darren Martindale advises how we can identify these problems and offer support

Trapped in social media: Beating the algorithms

12 February 2020

There is a real fear about the negative impact that social media is having on a generation of young people. Edwina Dunn looks at recent research and one simple yet effective solution

The blurred lines of online bullying

5 February 2020

If we are to better protect children from online bullying, we must recognise the blurred lines between different forms of bullying and stop treating online incidents in isolation. Martha Evans explains

Pupil wellbeing: The healing power of art

27 January 2020

More schools are offering placements to trainee art therapists to support the rising number of young people with emotional or mental health issues. How does it work in practice? Sam Phipps reports