For those schools that are not already registered on the Healthy Schools London programme, we would encourage you to sign up.

Schools are in a position to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of their communities. Research has shown that education and health are closely linked, and that improving the health and wellbeing of pupils within schools and colleges can lead to an improvement in educational outcomes as well as health outcomes.

We offer a range of guidance and support for improving health and wellbeing in your schools. Click on the links below to find out more. 

Research in Wellbeing in Schools

Improving health and boosting academic attainment in schools are not mutually exclusive goals. In fact, research has demonstrated numerous links between health and wellbeing and academic achievement.

A Public Health England report found that:

1. Pupils with better health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically.
2. Effective social and emotional competencies are associated with greater health and wellbeing, and better achievement.
3. The culture, ethos and environment of a school influences the health and wellbeing of pupils and their readiness to learn.
4. A positive association exists between academic attainment and physical activity levels of pupils.

Changes to Ofsted were made in 2015, including greater emphasis on safeguarding, personal development, behaviour and welfare, mean that school provision around health and wellbeing is becoming increasingly central to Ofsted rating.

Back to school mental health resources

Pupil resources

Brain breaks: helping children settle back into the classroom - Following the latest lockdown, children may find it difficult to return to the formality of sitting at desks and concentrating for longer periods of time. Intersperse your lessons with brain breaks, which are short bursts of activity to keep their brain and body active.

'Back to better' resource pack - Red Cross - Mindful crafts, breathing exercises and other self-care ideas, informative videos, emotional expression worksheets and helpful strategies to address anxiety during the pandemic.

Reflecting on lockdown activity - Some children may find the transition back to school difficult after lockdown. It may be useful in the first few weeks of school to reflect on the lockdown period. This resource helps children think about what they have experienced and cope with the changes that have occurred.

Going back to school worksheet - Partnership for Children - Pupils can fill out this worksheet to explore the things they may be worried about when going back to school, and ways to calm those worries.

Resources for schools

Staff wellbeing planning pack - Advice for senior leaders in schools, to help them support the wellbeing of their staff during the coronavirus pandemic and the return to school.

Separation anxiety: tools for teachers - Following lockdown, some children may have increased anxiety about returning to school, particularly separation anxiety at leaving their parents and carers. This document has been produced to guide teachers in supporting pupils exhibiting anxiety.

Loss and bereavement advice - MindEd - Some children may have experienced bereavement in the time they have been away from school, and there has been a sense of loss for many. This webpage includes lots of useful advice for schools on how to support children during this time.

Return to school resources - Place2Be - A selection of assembly ideas and class-based activities to support your school community as it comes back together.
 

Further Resources

• The Employee Assistance Helpline poster can be displayed in schools and Employee Assistance Helpline Leaflet for staff
• The Information Sheet and FAQs for Education focusses on the Wellbeing for Education Return.

The Council's Public Health team have shared a number of resources you can use with pupils, and tools for your own wellbeing. The following blogs include toolkits, support and advice:

• Advantage Youth Mental Health Mentoring Programme
• World Mental Health Day resources 2020
• Mental Health support for pupils and teachers
• COVID 19 - Resources for Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit
• Better Health Every Mind Matters campaign
• Now and Beyond
• Time to Talk campaign
• "Don't Do It Alone" Campaign
• Psychological First Aid Training: Supporting children and young people