Supporting Student Wellbeing in Primary Schools

Putting student wellbeing at the forefront of the primary school curriculum is essential for ensuring that children not just succeed academically but also develop emotionally and socially into well-rounded and secure individuals. During primary school in particular, a child’s mental, emotional and physical health are vital to laying the groundwork for their overall success in education and life. 

The wellbeing of primary school students has never been more important, especially with the recent changes to the national Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE) curriculum. Alongside broader Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, RSE is designed to equip children with the tools to understand and manage their emotions, relationships and overall health.

A report on the 2022 academic year found that 29% of UK secondary school pupils reported their mental health as being “a concern”, with many also worried about schoolwork and grades. While these figures polled secondary school students, they reflect the need to be concerned about children’s wellbeing across all education stages. As wellbeing becomes more and more important, primary schools must strengthen mental health support systems. This is currently being reflected in the growing number of roles for and importance of SENDCos and safeguarding leads in schools across the country, highlighting the increased focus on ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed.

What Is Student Wellbeing?

Student wellbeing is a multifaceted concept encompassing a child’s mental, emotional and physical health, along with their ability to build positive relationships and contribute to their communities. A child with positive wellbeing leads to great results both in and outside school, in all aspects of the child’s life. In the context of primary schools, the aim of promoting wellbeing is not just about preventing mental health issues from arising, but about fostering a positive learning and social environment where all students feel supported and empowered.

In recent years, the new national RSE curriculum has placed a stronger emphasis on mental health, emotional literacy and building healthy relationships. RSE lessons now cover essential topics such as emotional regulation, resilience and respectful communication. Such lessons form a key component of the wider PSHE curriculum across all key stages, designed to help children develop skills that benefit their social and emotional growth.

Due to the changing curriculum and national mental health trends, schools have seen a significant rise in the need for safeguarding and SEND support, with the role of SENDCo also becoming even more crucial. SENDCo professionals and safeguarding leads ensure that students with additional needs or students who may be vulnerable receive the support they need. Such support includes the provision of mental health resources, managing wellbeing-focused initiatives and guiding children in developing the necessary skills succeeding both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Elements of Wellbeing in Primary Schools

Fostering student wellbeing in primary schools requires addressing and focusing on several key elements that encompass a child’s emotional, social and physical health. By focusing on these aspects, schools can create an environment where students feel secure, supported and valued, as well as developing students ready to tackle life and thrive in all manner of circumstances.

• Mental Health Support

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing. Early intervention and support are vital in helping students develop healthy coping mechanisms for resisting and persevering through any of the many issues children may encounter. First, schools can implement mental health support through regular check-ins, providing access to trained professionals and ensuring that staff are well-equipped to identify signs of stress, anxiety or other emotional challenges. Furthermore, programmes aimed at building resilience, such as mindfulness exercises or therapeutic play, can also help students manage their mental health and emotions in healthy ways.

• Physical Health and Wellbeing

A focus on physical health is another cornerstone of wellbeing in schools. PSHE lessons often include discussions on healthy eating, exercise and the importance of rest. This is crucial as it is becoming increasingly known that physical health and mental health are inextricably linked, and when children learn healthy habits early, they develop a foundation for lifelong wellbeing. Schools can offer a variety of activities such as sports, yoga or outdoor education to engage students physically, while also promoting teamwork, discipline and self-esteem.

• Emotional Support and Resilience

Building emotional resilience is a critical part of a child’s growth. Schools can and should provide a supportive environment where children feel safe and able to freely express their feelings and learn about emotional regulation. For example, schools can offer resilience-building activities, such as role-playing, lessons on conflict resolution strategies and storytelling, which help students understand that setbacks are a normal part of life and give them the abilities to bounce back stronger. These lessons help children develop the tools needed to face challenges, whether they’re dealing with social issues, academic pressures or personal difficulties.

Effective Strategies for Promoting Wellbeing

Creating an environment that promotes wellbeing goes beyond just having the right policies in place. A whole-school approach that incorporates a variety of essential strategies to support students on their wellbeing journey is required.

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment

A safe and inclusive environment is key to supporting student wellbeing. When students feel safe, they engage more positively with peers and learning. Schools should set clear behaviour expectations so students understand what is required of them. Not only that, but it’s crucial that schools hold students accountable in a supportive way if they deviate from the rules. Promoting inclusivity helps students feel accepted, regardless of background. To this end, celebrating diversity through activities such as cultural days and hosting discussions about family structures fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. Furthermore, implementing an anti-bullying strategy that encourages kindness, respect, and empathy is vital. Schools must also have and act on policies to support students facing any additional challenges, such as those with SEND, helping every student thrive.

Encouraging Positive Relationships and Social Skills

Building positive relationships is crucial for student wellbeing. Primary schools provide an ideal setting to develop communication, collaboration and conflict-resolution skills. PSHE lessons on empathy, communication and teamwork give students the tools for building and maintaining healthy relationships. Teachers can further enhance this kind of learning through cooperative games and group activities that promote teamwork, providing students with opportunities to practice kindness and collaboration. Peer mentoring programmes allow older students to guide younger ones, reinforcing the importance of empathy and benefiting students of all ages in the school. This also supports social development, which boosts self-esteem, helps children manage emotions, and teaches them about the impact of their actions on others.

Building Emotional Resilience and Coping Skills

Incorporating emotional resilience into school life is key for helping students manage any challenge. Teachers can build resilience in their students by helping them identify and manage their emotions effectively. This can be achieved through activities that promote self-awareness, such as mindfulness exercises, which teach students to hone in on their feelings and learn how to regulate their responses. Emotional resilience helps students understand that challenges and setbacks are a natural part of everyone’s life, and that persistence and positive thinking can help in overcoming them. 

Better Wellbeing for Primary School Communities

Emphasis on wellbeing in primary schools is one of the most important aspects of the whole education system. By integrating mental health support, promoting physical health and building emotional resilience into the classroom, schools create an environment where students feel safe, supported and ready to succeed. Primary school RSE and PSHE, with their focus on holistic development, provide the critical tools children need to navigate both their educational and personal lives.

For more information on children’s wellbeing and wellbeing-focused education, visit Muse Wellbeing, where we offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to support both students and educators in fostering a healthy, supportive school community.

The author

David Morris

David is the director of Muse Wellbeing, a UK-based company dedicated to promoting social, emotional and mental health education in primary schools. David and the Muse team have developed engaging PSHE and RSE lessons that foster inclusivity, empathy and personal growth among young learners. An experienced educator and course creator, David is passionate about providing resources that empower teachers and inspire students. Muse Wellbeing delivers high-quality educational content that aligns with statutory guidance and encourages holistic development. Connect with the Muse team at www.musewellbeing.co.uk.

http://www.musewellbeing.co.uk