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
1 November 2017
We can sometimes be too quick to think that a young person is recovered from a mental health problem. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers six steps to supporting sustainable recovery from mental health issues
20 September 2017
Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers us five tangible ways to ensure our schools are a safe space for vulnerable young people
5 July 2017
Picking up on changes in our pupils can help teachers and school staff to spot emerging mental health or wellbeing issues. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises
7 June 2017
A recent webinar hosted by mental health and wellbeing expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith focused on how we can help to prepare vulnerable children and young people for the school holidays
15 March 2017
Many students seem to be struggling with anxiety. Dr Pooky Knightsmith discusses how to recognise which students need support and what you can most helpfully do
1 February 2017
Tackling mental health problems does not have to mean expensive new products or interventions. Perhaps we just need to ask more questions, says Dr Pooky Knightsmith
4 January 2017
We can change a child’s course without even knowing – and it might only take a moment, says Dr Pooky Knightsmith
16 November 2016
Has our culture of academic achievement at all costs begun to infect even the extra-curricular and hobby pursuits of our young people? Dr Pooky Knightsmith underlines the importance of doing things ...
5 October 2016
SecEd's resident mental health expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith turns her attention from pupils to staff and offers some simple steps to promoting staff wellbeing