Mental Health, young people and schools

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On Wednesday the Duchess of Cambridge met education leaders in London, and boldly suggested that teachers need more mental health support, stating:

     "It is vital that we support teachers with their own      wellbeing so that they can find the best level of care for all children in their schools and communities in which they work."

 I was delighted to hear this. My experience in leading schools in both the UK and New Zealand has taught me the importance of school leaders and teachers prioritising their own mental health, and it's great to get royal approval!

 Children seem to have a 'sixth-sense' when it comes to understanding how teachers are feeling-they are expert readers of body language! Therefore, if school staff role model keeping calm at all times, particularly in challenging situations, children are more likely to follow their lead.

 I have been working today at the Wolds Learning Partnership in Pocklington, York. They are a family of schools with shared values-providing a creative, safe and caring environment where every child is known and cared for as an individual.

 They are fully aware that the educational, personal and social experiences at school impact on children's mental health, and are looking to develop this critical aspect of their school communities.

 I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them today, working together on their core business of promoting a 'whole-organisation' approach to improving mental health, wellbeing and resilience.

 Matt















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