11 June 2021
If you are new to the role of mental health lead, or you would like to make sure that your role really makes a difference next year, Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers a few simple ideas to help you to ...
4 May 2021
How can and should we work with parents and carers when a child is struggling? Mental health expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers some tips, strategies and advice
8 March 2021
As schools re-open to all students, those with SEND may well need more support. Stephanie Glenister outlines how we can help pupils – both those who have been attending school during lockdown and ...
3 March 2021
The return to school after lockdown 3.0 could be challenging for students with autism. Drawing on experiences and lessons learned from the first national lockdown, Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises on how ...
3 February 2021
Every school will have some families with which it is difficult to engage, and often these are the families of our more vulnerable learners. Dr Pooky Knightsmith looks at why this might be and offers ...
26 January 2021
Many of us are finding the third national lockdown much tougher than those that have gone before. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers five simple ideas that will help us to maintain the morale and wellbeing ...
19 January 2021
Child-centred planning can make all the difference for vulnerable young people. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers five principles to ensure this is done in a genuine, non-tick-box, fashion
8 December 2020
The pandemic continues to take a heavy toll on the wellbeing and resilience of school staff. Dr Pooky Knightsmith explains five simple steps to boost your wellbeing when things feel hard
28 October 2020
Some challenging behaviour in schools will be due to learned trauma responses. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers some pointers for a more inclusive, trauma-informed approach
16 September 2020
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
13 November 2019
Anxiety-related disorders are increasingly common among young people. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers us five simple calming strategies that can be used in the classroom
17 September 2019
When a young person with mental health or wellbeing issues faces a crisis moment, there are some simple techniques and ideas that could help. Dr Pooky Knightsmith explains
12 June 2019
The long summer break can be challenging for students facing mental health or emotional wellbeing issues. Dr Pooky Knightsmith looks at how we can help students to prepare
10 April 2019
There will be young carers in your school and statistics show that they are more often absent and achieve worse exam results than their peers. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises
20 March 2019
Exam season is on the horizon and we must help students to handle the pressure if they are to excel. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers some practical ideas for reducing stress and anxiety in the run up to ...
6 February 2019
Many schools run wellbeing or mental health workshops for parents to help support children and families. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers her tips for organising effective and engaging events
5 December 2018
Christmas can be a difficult time for those suffering with mental health difficulties, especially anxiety. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers five ideas for managing Christmas
17 October 2018
SecEd’s resident wellbeing expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers 10 tips for teaching about mental health safely and sensitively
12 September 2018
Faulty thinking patterns can present a real threat to pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. Dr Pooky Knightsmith looks at recognising and responding to these ‘cognitive distortions’
23 May 2018
When used appropriately, external visitors can be an excellent support or enhancement to PSHE. But how can you be sure their input is safe, effective and relevant? Anne Bell advises
2 May 2018
It can be daunting when a troubled student chooses to disclose to you. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises how to talk so that young people who need your help will listen
7 February 2018
Mental health and wellbeing expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises teachers and school staff on what not to do if they are worried that a child is self-harming or if a student discloses to them