The importance of supporting pupils’ mental health all year round cannot be overstated, as it has a significant impact on pupils’ overall wellbeing, academic success and future journeys in life.
Pupils with good mental health and strong coping skills are able to successfully navigate even the more challenging of times.
At Royal Hospital School, we believe wellbeing underpins all aspects of a young person’s experience at school. The majority of pupils find their exam periods to be a particularly stressful time but if pupils are supported all year round in preparation, this can help them be more resilient.
As a school with both boarding and day pupils, we also have to ensure extra support is available for boarding pupils, if needed, while studying away from home. Here are five ways that pupils’ mental health can be supported all year round…
Helping pupils learn and embed strategies for their own self-care and positive wellbeing
One strategy that can be overlooked is empowering pupils to learn and embed strategies for their own self-care and positive wellbeing. School leaders can actively implement programmes and initiatives which equip pupils with skills to manage stress, build resilience and ask for support for mental health issues.
“Staff are working with our young people to co-write self-care plans.”
At RHS, we promote good wellbeing and mental health through activities, assemblies and talks with speakers. We also mark national days such as World Mental Health Day, Anti-Bullying Week, Youth Mental Health Day, and Men’s Mental Health Day and use these to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide signposting for pupils and parents.
Teaching pupils stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques and taking short breaks can prepare them for periods of stress. We have also created wellbeing spaces across the campus, from quiet snugs in busy boarding houses to outdoor wellbeing walks.
Monitor each pupil’s wellbeing through our pastoral structures and systems
Another important way to support pupils is to continually monitor their wellbeing through pastoral structures and systems. At RHS, we created a provision map for all pupils in the school to understand their varying needs. As a result of this, staff are working with our young people to co-write self-care plans. It is beneficial to make pupils a part of this as it gives them a sense of control and teaches them how to care for themselves in the future by recognising which techniques and strategies work for them.
Additionally, a large support network underpins the care for each pupil, which includes a house parent, tutor, teachers, matron, chaplain, peer counsellors and school prefects plus a health and wellbeing centre and counselling service.
Support struggling pupils with specialist services
It’s always best to teach pupils preventative measures for resilience with their mental health but there are always times when some pupils need extra and specific services. Helping pupils receive personalised support services whether that is in the school or externally is sometimes essential and helps the pupil who is struggling feel supported.
“Collaborating with pupils’ caregivers leads to better results.”
We have set up a Wellbeing Working Group which comprises of pupils, parents, staff, a governor and an external agency for young people. This group meets at least half-termly, sometimes more often if needed. The group is focused on developing and improving the school’s wellbeing provision.
Communicating with parents and guardians as to how to support their children’s wellbeing
It is crucial to communicate with parents and guardians when supporting pupils’ mental health. Collaborating with pupils’ caregivers leads to better results for pupils. Creating an environment where teachers and parents can communicate any concerns is essential. This can be achieved through regular virtual updates and semi-regular face-to-face meetings and phone calls.
Parents can also support pupils by receiving advice from the school to implement a balanced lifestyle. For example, by helping the pupil get enough sleep, healthy nutrition and physical activity. Creating achievable goals with parents and celebrating the success and positive behaviours of pupils also furthers a supportive environment from home to school life.
Annual staff training
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping pupils’ overall wellbeing. As a result, it’s important to dedicate annual staff training to develop staff’s knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence in young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. This is something we implement at RHS.
“Supporting pupils’ wellbeing is multifaceted, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical aspects.”
We also embarked on the Optimus Wellbeing Award for Schools, which gave us the opportunity to review our wellbeing provision; recognise what we were doing well and develop new practices. Working towards the award also raised pupils, staff, parents and the wider school community’s awareness of wellbeing and mental health. We were delighted to gain the award in January 2023.
Supporting pupils’ wellbeing is multifaceted, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical aspects. The above strategies are some of many examples of how schools can support their pupils’ mental health all year round.
About Royal Hospital School:
The Royal Hospital School, located in Holbrook, Ipswich, is a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18-year-olds, providing an outstanding, full and broad education fit for the modern world.