Ethos and environment
A whole school approach develops a positive, values-based ethos where everyone feels they belong. There is a commitment from everybody to welcome, respect and include. This builds confidence that others will listen and understand.
There is an understanding of how critical the relationships between staff and children and young people and staff and staff are in promoting wellbeing and a sense of belonging to and liking of - school or college.
Promoting and embedding a culture of wellbeing in schools / colleges requires both a strategic and operational approach and involves all members of the school community. Establishing a dedicated team with representatives from a variety of roles within the setting, who meet regularly and feed into whole school/college priorities and objectives is essential.
Culture comprises:
- modelling wellbeing-friendly working practices
- clear communications
- opportunities to reinforce a sense of community
- a shared agenda and responsiveness to staff feedback.
A key starting point is an emphasis on strengths and abilities to develop a supportive culture in which:
- Relationships are prioritised
- Talking about emotions and feelings, mental health and wellbeing is the norm.
- It is acceptable to acknowledge difficulties and ask for help.
- You can provide extra input to those with more serious problems in a joined-up way, without stigma.
- The whole school/college has the skills and attitudes to support those with greater needs.
Schools and colleges with a positive ethos
In practice, school/colleges and classrooms with these core values and attitudes have:
- Low levels of conflict and disruptive behaviour.
- Positive behaviours for learning.
- Smooth transitions from one type of activity to another.
- Appropriate ways to express emotion.
- Respectful communication and problem solving.
- Warm, supportive responses to individual pupils and needs.
- A safe and secure environment that prevents any form of bullying or violence.
Ethos and environment resources
Mental Health and emotional well-being calendar –themed days
Make use of these opportunities and resources to discuss various aspects of MHEW throughout the year
This is an evidence-based framework that can inform ethos and curriculum in schools. Templates and ideas to use throughout the school day/week are available from the MHEW In Education team.
Respectful School Communities Self-Review and Signposting Tool (educateagainsthate.com)
