A whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing means that school governors, leadership team, staff, parents, carers, pupils and the wider community all subscribe to the school’s ethos and culture. 

Involve everyone

• Begin with the school governors and leadership team identifying mental health as a priority on the school improvement plan.
• Implement school policies, including safeguarding and anti-bullying, that help keep staff and pupils safe.
• Work collaboratively with parents and carers so they feel able to understand and promote the culture and ethos of the school.

Committed leadership

• Start with an evaluation and review of what the school currently does to promote and support positive mental health for all and then identify strengths and areas for development.
• Staff training is important, so that all staff have the knowledge and language to talk about mental health and well-being.
• Put pupil voice at the centre so it is heard and valued within the school and the wider community.

What can schools do to support teachers’ mental health and wellbeing?  

Positive relationships

• Focus on building positive relationships across the school. Factor in time for staff to talk to pupils and for pupils to feel they are listened to.
• Support staff well-being so staff can model open and supportive behaviours for pupils.

Finding the right words

• Support staff and students to have the vocabulary to talk about mental health. PHSE lessons can be a good place to start work on this.
• Help staff and pupils to talk openly about mental health and encourage them to challenge negative language and stereotypes.

Health and education working together

• Clearly define procedures for passing on concerns and for referrals to specialist services.
• Through training and support, help staff recognise signs and symptoms of mental ill health and to know when to refer a pupil on to more specialist services.