Whole school approach
As children and young people learn and grow they go through a process of self-definition. Schools play a key role in supporting them as they develop resilience, the motivation to face and learn from setbacks and the ability to make mutually supportive relationships.
A school ethos of trust, integrity and democracy, which values all engaged in the care and supervision of children and young people, will help foster an environment of personal, social and emotional development.
By taking a whole school approach to improving emotional well-being, schools can increase the mental and emotional resilience of all their pupils and staff and provide a good environment and valuable support for those children and young people who are experiencing difficulties.
Individuals within the school environment may be experiencing particular emotional difficulties, but a whole school response generates benefits for everyone by providing a supportive context for targeted actions.
What does this mean for families?
The partnership between parents, carers and families and school is a key part of being a health promoting school and can provide valuable support to children and young people.
There are many ways of building this partnership, for example:
- talking and listening to children and young people about their school experiences
- attending parents' evenings and other school events
- finding out about health promotion work in your child's school
- getting involved in special school projects and programmes
- finding out about and supporting homework.
