School Wellbeing Policy | Satchel Pulse

School wellbeing policy - Information for UK schools

A graphic showing a school wellbeing policy document

In response to new research illustrating the importance of mental health and wellbeing in schools, many schools throughout the United Kingdom have begun implementing school wellbeing policies.

These policies establish clear protocols for identifying and addressing mental health challenges in pupils and staff.

Do you have a school wellbeing policy yet?

If not, this post can help. It provides insight into different types of wellbeing policies, what goes into developing them, and why they matter.

What is a school wellbeing policy?

A school wellbeing policy is a set of guidelines created to make the school a safe, productive space for everyone - pupils, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents.

A school wellbeing policy is a set of guidelines created to make the school a safe, productive space for everyone — pupils, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents.

These resources ensure everyone is on the same page regarding spotting and reporting signs of poor mental health. They also include indications of other wellbeing challenges, such as poor physical health and socialisation difficulties.

A wellbeing policy clarifies what should be done to address wellbeing challenges and support those who may be struggling, too.

Ideally, those in charge of creating the policy will take a whole school approach. In other words, they will consider multiple perspectives and ensure everyone is included, not just pupils or teachers. They’ll factor in people’s unique backgrounds and cultures as well.

Wellbeing policy for primary schools vs secondary schools

Pupils start attending primary schools in the UK at age five and continue until age 11. From age 12 to 16, they attend secondary school.

School wellbeing policies should be developed with the average pupil’s age in mind.

A primary school wellness policy will likely look very different from a secondary school wellness policy.

After all, the signs of poor mental wellbeing or socialisation struggles in a five-year-old child are different from those of a 16-year-old. The same goes for the recommended strategies for supporting those pupils.

What is a teacher wellbeing policy?

A teacher-specific policy will focus on teachers’ wellbeing.

This set of guidelines may outline signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and other wellness challenges in teachers that staff and administrators should watch for. It might also provide resources geared toward teachers to help them access support systems.

What is a wellbeing policy for school staff?

A school staff wellbeing policy includes similar information and resources as a teacher wellbeing policy. However, it focuses on other adults who work in a school, such as receptionists, teacher aids, or special education specialists.

What is a student wellbeing policy?

A student wellbeing policy is designed to help teachers and other staff members understand how to support pupils’ mental health and overall wellbeing.

This policy features information on warning signs of poor mental, physical, emotional, or social health. It also outlines clear protocols for appropriately addressing those warning signs.

Wellbeing policy vs mental health policy

A school wellbeing policy and school mental health policy are similar. They both feature resources to support pupil, teacher, and staff wellness.

However, wellbeing policies may include more comprehensive information and focus on other issues beyond mental health.

Is a school wellbeing policy required by law?

Legally, schools do not have to establish wellbeing policies. However, with mental health and wellness challenges on the rise throughout the UK (and the world), it makes sense for schools to create specific policies and compile resources to promote wellbeing and offer more support.

Is a wellbeing policy different to a mental health policy?

Mental health is one aspect of wellbeing and so a wellbeing policy should cover mental health.

Mental health is one aspect of wellbeing and so a wellbeing policy should cover mental health. It is possible, however, to have a standalone school mental health policy that does not cover all aspects of wellbeing.

Benefits of school wellbeing policies

School wellbeing policies offer many benefits to everyone, from pupils to parents. The following are some specific reasons to consider designing and implementing one:

  • Improved academic performance: When schools prioritise pupils’ wellbeing, those pupils often have an easier time retaining information and perform better on assignments and tests
  • Improved pupil-teacher relationships: If pupils know that their wellbeing matters, they can develop more trust and stronger relationships with their teachers
  • Improved teacher-parent relationships: When schools prioritise pupil wellbeing and parent wellbeing, it’s easier for everyone to stay connected and work together in the pupil’s best interests
  • Fewer behaviour problems: Focusing on pupil wellbeing may provide healthier outlets and help to diminish behaviour problems
  • Fewer absences: Prioritising whole child wellbeing improves overall health and reduces the number of days pupils miss; focusing on teacher and staff wellbeing also reduces absenteeism on their ends
  • Reduced risk of dropping out: The more support pupils receive from teachers, staff, and parents, the more likely they are to stay in education and graduate instead of dropping out

School wellbeing policies also provide clarity and accountability. They keep everyone on the same page when it comes to spotting and addressing problems, creating a standardised approach and guidance that all parties understand.

Focusing on pupil wellbeing may provide healthier outlets and help to diminish behaviour problems.

What to include in a wellbeing policy

A school wellbeing policy must include certain elements to produce the best results. The following are some essential factors to consider when developing your school’s procedures:

  • Introduction: Explain the school’s commitment to pupil, teacher, staff, and parent wellbeing
  • Statement of intent: Specific objectives the school hopes to achieve by implementing a wellbeing policy
  • Responsibilities: Clarify each person’s responsibilities (administrators, teachers, staff, parents, pupils) and explain how they contribute to improved whole school wellbeing
  • Definition of terms: Define key terms like “wellbeing,” “mental health,” “emotional health,” etc.
  • Warning signs: List specific warnings signs for which administrators, staff, teachers, and parents should be watching
  • Protocols: Identify specific steps that should be taken if someone notices signs of poor wellbeing; provide instructions for proper communication with pupils, parents, teachers, etc.
  • Confidentiality: Clarify confidentiality policies and explain how they may differ for pupils vs adults
  • Resources: Provide a list of resources administrators, staff, teachers, and parents can utilise to support pupils and others in need

Those who are developing policies should also remember that a school wellbeing policy can and should evolve over time. They should be willing to revisit the document regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Ultimately, a school's wellbeing policy should be there to provide reassurances that can help staff and students cope with the stress associated with school, with the aim of giving the whole school a chance to flourish in a supportive environment.

Measure school mental health and wellbeing with Satchel Pulse

After you’ve created a wellbeing policy, how do you monitor your school’s mental health and ensure the policy is working? Satchel Pulse’s Wellbeing Tracker can help with awareness.

The Wellbeing Tracker sends automated surveys to pupils, staff, and parents to assess their experience, identify trends, and make informed decisions that benefit the whole school community. Sign up today to schedule a demo.

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