MENTAL HEALTH
something they are embracing whole-heartedly, creating the conditions for a supportive culture to thrive – from a very early age. Children who feel valued and experience kindness and connection stand a much greater chance of developing into caring, confident and capable adults. Good mental health starts with the basics: joined-up thinking that carries over from school to home (and vice versa) can help to build strong routines that emphasise positive ways of thinking and acting. Examples can include physical activity, social connection, healthy eating, good sleep habits and time to reflect. Schools are awe-inspiringly creative at coming up with initiatives in each of these areas, from encouraging daily acts of kindness to ensuring that learning spaces are designed with wellbeing in mind, creating an environment
“Schools are awe-inspiringly creative at coming up with initiatives so that mental health has the ideal conditions to thrive”
and culture where mental health has the ideal conditions to thrive. For some schools, that might include activities like gardening, sensory walks or access to forest school. Classrooms can be carefully designed so they are uncluttered and calm with cosy areas and safe spaces. Lessons, especially for younger children, can be paced with plenty of quiet times and gentle transitions. Children can learn how to recognise the causes and symptoms of stress, which can be as simple as picking a face emoji that best matches how they are feeling, whether happy, sad, anxious or angry, and learning positive coping strategies.
Taking away any stigma also matters. Many schools run mental health- and wellbeing-themed assemblies that help normalise the language, while children can also access specialist support, including the growing number of staff who are trained in mental health first aid. Many also appoint pupil wellbeing ambassadors who can make a real difference, particularly in the run-up to exam season. For schools, the goal is simple: get the support right now and pupils will be equipped with mental health skills that will last, helping them become adults able to cope with whatever life throws at them.
37 CAMBRIDGE EDUCATION GUIDE
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