Sussex guide hoped to reduce mental health absences in schools
It's as new data's shown one in five pupils are persistently off sick because they're struggling with their wellbeing
A free online guide has been created by researchers in Sussex to help school pupils across the country with their mental health.
It's hoped to help schools make their environments more supportive - as new data's shown one in five pupils are persistently off sick because they're struggling.
It also expands to supporting staff with their wellbeing - with teacher vacancies remaining six times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Dr Kathryn Lester, from the University of Sussex, said:
"When we looked at how well schools were implementing a whole school approach to mental health, we identified a significant gap in support for governors and trustees, who are often volunteers navigating complex territory without clear guidance.
"This resource gives them exactly that, with practical tools to move from good intentions around wellbeing to measurable impact."
The resource was developed with governors, for governors, and reflects current government and Ofsted expectations around pupil and staff wellbeing.
"Among its features is practical guidance to help governing boards ask the right questions about areas such as leadership, staff wellbeing, pupil voice, parental engagement and identifying pupil need."
The authors are hoping it'll help embed wellbeing into school life.
Emma Hawker, Programme Development Manager at Boards for Education, said: “Governors and trustees play a vital role in championing cultures of wellbeing.
"By placing wellbeing at the heart of strategic leadership, schools can better support pupils, staff and wider communities, strengthening outcomes and resilience across all settings.
"Boards for Education are delighted that these materials provide a clear foundation on which boards can build their approach to wellbeing.”