At least 850,000 children in the UK are diagnosed with a mental health condition yet 75% do not receive the support they are entitled to and need.
In June this year a Department of Education report into mental health and behaviour in schools highlighted that humour, good communication skills, peer support networks, positive attitude, problem solving skills and a sense of belonging are the key drivers of positive mental health. As well as this structures and cultures within schools that promote pupil mental health and happiness are paramount for learning and development.
Resilience, coping skills and confidence are essential for children and young people in education.
Any teacher will tell you that their students can be the brightest in the class all year, but when it comes to tests and exams anxiety can set in which impacts on memory and attainment. Life throws up all kinds of challenges as we get older so learning to cope with these ups and downs at an early age is a key life skill and essential for raising standards in schools in general.
The Laughology Happy-Centred School programme has developed a simple-to-use model and guide which allows schools to embed such practices in their culture.
However it's not just the children's mental health that's important. Research shows that positive adult behaviours modelled in a school environment hugely impact on how the children behave, think and react to situations. So getting it right for the whole school is important. What are you doing for you students, staff and wider learning community that develops well-being and what is your strategy for ensuring that emotional well-being is embedded in the culture of your school? Get this right and you will raise standards.
