£8 million to boost pupil and teacher well-being

A new training scheme has launched ahead of the full return to education in September, to help improve well-being and mental health support in schools and colleges.

Backed by £8 million, the scheme will provide schools and colleges all over England with the knowledge and access to resources they need to support children and young people, teachers and parents.

The Wellbeing for Education Return programme, starting in September, will support staff working in schools and colleges to respond to the additional pressures some children and young people may be feeling as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to any emotional response they or their teachers may still be experiencing from bereavement, stress, trauma or anxiety over the past months.

The programme has been created with input from heath partners, mental health experts, local authorities, and schools and colleges.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “It is a national priority to ensure all children are back in their classrooms in September, because that is the best place for them to be for their education, development and well-being. Young people are looking forward to getting back to school or college and being reunited with their friends and teachers, and there is a growing confidence among parents about their children returning.

“But this pandemic has impacted people in different ways, particularly young people dealing with the disruption of the last few months but also on our dedicated teachers and education staff, who have responded heroically to the challenges. By investing in this tailored training programme, we can help schools and colleges to support their pupils effectively, enabling them to have sensitive and open conversations with pupils.”