Whole School Approach
To health and well-being
To help pupils succeed; schools have a role to play in promoting resilience, health and well-being
The Department for Education (DfE)
A whole-school approach is about developing a positive school ethos and culture that holds health and wellbeing of the entire school community at its heart. It acknowledges that the physical, social and emotional environment that staff and students spend a huge proportion of their lives in, has been shown to affect their physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing. Attitudes, beliefs, values and behaviours learnt during these early years show a strong tendency to continue into adulthood, so establishing health habits, supporting resilience and helping students to become mentally healthy during these years is a key priority.
A whole-school approach involves all parts of the school working together and making child, staff and parent/carer health and well-being ‘everybody’s business’. it aims to promote good health and well-being not just in the curriculum but throughout the whole school. It needs partnership working between governors, senior leaders, teachers and all school staff, as well as parents, carers and the wider community.

Public Health England
Promoting children & young people’s emotional health & wellbeing – A whole school and college approach
Resources for Schools on a Whole School Approach
Mentally Healthy Schools
Resource to support a whole school approach including staff wellbeing, parent/carer engagement and whole school programmes
Anna Freud - Schools in Mind
A free network for staff and professionals to share practical, academic and clinic expertise to support children and young people’s mental well-being
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