Include pupils, staff and parents and carers in decision-making

On this page you can find information about:

• ideas to ensure the whole school or college community is working together 

• cultivating inclusive and connected schools and colleges.

Context

Schools and parents and carers are the two main educators in children and young people’s lives.  Both play a crucial role in engagement in and achievement at school or college, and their positive influence is all the greater when they work in partnership.  

Integrating mental health and wellbeing across the whole school or college community means encouraging all voices to be heard and taking on board a variety of views and feedback.  Pupils, parents and carers, and school staff should have the chance to influence decisions and shape school policy. Find out more about establishing a mental health action group. 

A school or college’s ethos and environment will also affect wellbeing. A culture of inclusiveness and connectedness, whereby pupils understand that their wellbeing and education is being taken seriously, will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the whole community and improve academic outcomes. 

Inclusive and connected schools and colleges

When trying to cultivate an inclusive and connected school or college, the following questions may be a helpful starting point: 

• How does the culture and ethos of your school or college encourage open communication, particularly when it comes to raising concerns?

   

• How do you currently demonstrate your commitment to working with pupils and parents and carers on mental health and wellbeing?

   

• Are all staff members’ concerns given equal weight?

   

• How do you communicate your mental health and wellbeing policies? Are they displayed publicly? 

   

• Does your school or college have dedicated spaces, such as quiet zones, that are available to pupils or staff who need some time out?

Involving the whole school community

Regular and genuine involvement of the whole school or college community – including parents and carers, staff and pupils in decision-making and planning will to help foster an ethos of inclusiveness and connectedness. Involving the whole school community could include lots of different things, for example: 

• identifying parents and carers, pupils and staff members to review and input into key policies

   

• establishing lines of communication and opportunities for pupils to share feedback with school or college governors in relation to wellbeing issues

   

• consulting pupils on issues connected to wellbeing – for example to improve feelings of safety on and around school or college grounds

   

• involving staff, pupils and parents and carers in planning and running wellbeing weeks

   

• hosting regular parent and carer drop-in sessions with a variety of teaching and non-teaching staff

   

• setting up multi-family groups in schools to support pupils who may be experiencing mental health-related difficulties

   

• appointing pupil wellbeing champions across class or year groups and making sure that these pupils are part of any school or college Mental Health Action Group or council

   

• involving pupils and parents and carers to develop a wellbeing programme calendar for the year, including ‘pressure points’ such as exam periods and tips and tools for self-care around these times.