Supporting Pupil Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced world, the mental health and wellbeing of pupils has become a central concern for those working in schools. As a teacher, you are in a unique position to support your pupils’ mental health and foster a positive environment that encourages their overall wellbeing. We've gathered together some tips to help you actively contribute to your pupils' mental health and wellbeing in the classroom.

Table of Contents:

• Recognising the Signs of Mental Health Issues
• Create a Safe and Inclusive Classroom Environment
• Encourage Open Communication
• Incorporate Mental Health Education into the Curriculum

Recognising the Signs of Mental Health Issues

One of the first steps in supporting pupil mental health is recognising the early signs that a pupil may be struggling. These can include:

• Behavioural changes - noticeable changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal from friends, increased irritability or a drop in academic performance, can be indicators of underlying issues.
• Emotional distress - be alert to signs of anxiety, depression or excessive worry, which may manifest as crying, restlessness or a lack of concentration.
• Physical symptoms - complaints of frequent headaches, stomach aches or tiredness, without a clear medical cause, can sometimes be linked to mental health issues.

Understanding these signs enables you to offer timely support or refer pupils to appropriate resources.

Create a Safe and Inclusive Classroom Environment

A supportive classroom environment can significantly impact pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. Consider the following strategies:

• Foster a Sense of Belonging
  Create an inclusive atmosphere where every pupil feels valued and respected. Encourage collaborative activities that build community and peer support.
• Establish Routines and Predictability
  Consistent routines provide a sense of security for pupils, especially those who may feel anxious or overwhelmed by uncertainty.
• Promote Positive Behaviour
• Reinforce positive behaviour through praise and recognition, helping to build pupils’ self-esteem and confidence.

By developing a safe and inclusive environment, you can help to reduce stress and anxiety, creating a foundation for better mental health in your setting.

Encourage Open Communication

Open lines of communication are crucial in supporting pupils' mental health. Here’s how you can encourage it:

1. Be approachable and make it clear to pupils that you are available to talk about any concerns they might have, and that they will be heard without judgment.
2. Incorporate regular one-on-one check-ins with pupils, especially those you suspect may be struggling. This helps build trust and provides an opportunity for pupils to share their feelings.
3. When a pupil does open up, practice active listening. Give them your full attention, acknowledge their feelings and avoid interrupting or offering solutions too quickly.

Encouraging open communication not only helps pupils feel supported but also allows you to identify issues early and intervene appropriately. In addition, ensuring you keep open lines of communication with parents and carers is also critical to supporting pupil mental health and wellbeing. Our top tips include:

• Keep parents informed about their child’s progress and any concerns you might have. Regular updates can help parents reinforce positive behaviours and support their children at home.
• Offer workshops or resources for parents on how to support their children’s mental health. Topics could include managing screen time, dealing with anxiety or recognising the signs of depression.
• When issues arise, work with parents to develop a plan that addresses the pupil’s needs both at school and at home.

Incorporate Mental Health Education into the Curriculum

Educating pupils about mental health can empower them to take care of their own wellbeing and support others. Here are some ideas:

• Integrate lessons on mental health into the curriculum. Topics can include loss and bereavement, expressing feelings, friendships and the importance of self-care. PSHE lessons play an important role in pupil development. Further tips on teaching meaningful and impactful PSHE lessons can be found here.
• Introduce mindfulness activities, such as deep breathing exercises or guided meditation, to help pupils develop tools for managing stress and anxiety.
• Encourage regular physical activity as part of the school day. Exercise is a proven way to improve mood and reduce stress.
  
  

How Can Pango Support You in Delivering Mental Health and Wellbeing Lessons?

Our ready-to-teach PSHE lessons require very little preparation time, and include hundreds of time-saving differentiated lessons and resources. There is clear progression of skills and knowledge across each unit, and the lessons tackle real-world, difficult-to-teach issues and topics for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.

We have a range of PSHE schemes of work available, and this blog shares the importance of selecting the right one for the needs of the pupils in your care. Sign-up today and receive a free 7-day trial to explore the PSHE schemes of work available.