Back to school support and resources
As students and staff settle into the new academic year, Tes recently reported that “more than a third of secondary students do not feel their school supports them in dealing with anxiety”.
Referring to a report from Save My Exams, the article stated that around 38% of the 11 to 16 year olds surveyed said “they did not believe they got enough help from their school” with academic pressure from exams, tests and schoolwork cited as some of the biggest triggers for back-to-school anxiety. With young people saying they need more “understanding or empathy” from their teachers.
We however also understand how much teaching staff already have on, and that “Schools are often left dealing with the fallout from issues that are not in their direct control”.
If school staff are to effectively support the mental health and wellbeing of students, it is important to make sure that their mental health and wellbeing are effectively supported too.
Through our work with schools, we know that when their wellbeing is a priority, staff feel better equipped to support the wellbeing of the children and young people they work with, and that it builds trust and motivation, which is crucial for a well-functioning school or college setting.
Schools can better understand how staff are feeling by using the Wellbeing Measurement for Schools staff survey. This online survey uses validated tools to understand how staff are feeling about the support systems in the school, their own mental wellbeing, and the ability and capacity to support the children and young people in the school. It also explores aspects of school culture which may be affecting staff wellbeing. The survey responses are analysed and reported on in a Wellbeing Measurement for Schools staff report that schools can use to compare their staff team with others, helping them to better understand their team and identify strengths and challenges.
For schools that also wish to understand more about the wellbeing of their students, our Wellbeing Measurement for Schools modular resources enable schools to design their own questionnaires and surveys. Each of the five modules (‘Emotional Health’, ‘Emotional Strengths and Skills’, ‘Relationships’, ‘School Life’ and ‘Help and Support’) collates tried and tested sets of questions covering different areas of wellbeing, with guidance available to help schools use these questionnaires in a range of ways with different groups of pupils. Both the ‘School Life’ and ‘Relationships’ modules include sections on relationships with staff, whilst the ‘Help and Support’ module includes a section on support at school.
Information about both the staff survey and modular student surveys can be found in the ‘Wellbeing in education’ section of the CORC website. These pages also include an extensive range of resources, information and guidance for school, college and early years settings. Please do take a look and have a browse!
Anna Freud’s School Team have also released a mental health and wellbeing calendar, designed to help schools and colleges plan for this time of year.
It includes key awareness days and themes, alongside ideas, activities and free resources that can be adapted for your setting.
