In this section

Universal and whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing

Information for professionals on the Whole School Approach (WSA) to mental health and wellbeing of pupils.

The Whole School Approach (WSA)

A universal or whole school approach to emotional wellbeing is an effective, evidenced based way of boosting wellbeing across the whole school community as well as contributing to belonging, inclusion and attendance and attainment.

Research shows that when schools adopt a multi-component approach they are more effective in promoting social, emotional health and mental wellbeing. A whole school approach involves pupils, staff, parents and the community as well as outside agencies in addressing emotional wellbeing and mental health issues.

A WSA recognises that all aspects of the school community can impact upon students’ learning and mental health and that they are inextricably linked.

A WSA is an integrated school systems approach - beyond programmes

An Approach... Not a specific programme or a linear pathway but something that individual schools can work with to meet specific needs and starting points.

There are a number of 'models' but the most effective are underpinned by the Eight Principles set out in the Public Health England: "Promoting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing: a whole school and college approach".

The Public Health England (PHE) - eight principles of a WSA

DfE, Ofsted and MH leads in schools

The Department of Education (DfE) and Ofsted recognise that the whole school approach will help pupils succeed, as the approach supports them to become resilient and mentally healthy and will be effective in improving long term outcomes for children and young people. The current Ofsted Framework (Sept '21) draws on the PHE Whole School Approach and the DfE funded MH Leads Training is centred on the 8 Principles.

WSA - resources and tools

There are lots of resources and tools to support Whole School Approaches. Two particular resources that schools have found helpful in supporting them to develop their whole school approach are Dr Pooky Knightsmith’s ‘The Mentally Healthy Schools Workbook’ and the Anna Freud Centre’s Mentally Healthy schools website.

‘The Mentally Health Schools Workbook’ is full of practical tips, ideas and case studies for supporting school to make small successful changes along the way to creating a WSA. The Six Litmus Tests forms part of this and helps schools to self-reflect on their approaches:

Mentally Healthy Schools is a free website for all primary, secondary and FE settings across the UK. It offers school staff and parents and carers, information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

The site is divided into five key sections:

Getting started: a guidance section for teachers and leaders to understand mental health and its place in school and college settings
Resource library: quality-assured lesson plans, assembly plans and PSHE resources to support and assist in teaching and learning about general mental health and wellbeing as well as specific topics
Risks and protective factors: a look at the issues which can undermine a child’s mental health, including bullying, family breakdown and more. Includes information on identifying pupils who may be at risk and practical resources to help support and build resilience
Mental health needs: focuses on the specific types of mental health difficulties children may struggle with. It helps school and college settings understand their role and what they can do to promote pupils' recovery
Whole-school approach: helps school leaders develop the wider support across the school to help children, families and staff thrive

You don't need to be a mental health expert to use Mentally Healthy Schools. The website gives primary, secondary and FE education staff the information and guidance they need to best support their pupils.

If you’re new to Mentally Healthy Schools, there are a number of user guides available to help you navigate the website and find the information you need.

Useful links

Whole school suicide prevention guidance and policies developed by Papyrus.

Training available

Training and support to develop a Whole School Approach in your setting is available from:

CAMHS WEST teams if they are in your setting. This team can provide specific training and support for your setting.
Educational Psychology Service your school can commission bespoke training and development work specific to your setting that can cover all 8 principles of the PHE model of whole school approaches to mental health.