This comprehensive one-day masterclass is specifically designed for Mental Health Leads and other key personnel in educational settings, empowering them with the practical knowledge and essential skills to implement a truly effective whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. This masterclass goes beyond simply raising awareness; it provides a framework for creating a sustainable and supportive environment where both students and staff can thrive.

The masterclass is structured to provide a balanced and in-depth exploration of student and staff wellbeing, divided into two focused sessions:

Morning Session: Cultivating a Positive School Culture for Student Wellbeing

This session delves into the crucial aspects of fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that prioritises student mental health. Participants will explore:

• Creating a Whole-School Approach: Developing a shared vision and strategy for mental health that involves all members of the school community, from leadership to support staff, students, and parents.
• Promoting Positive Mental Health: Implementing proactive strategies to build resilience, promote emotional wellbeing, and prevent mental health difficulties in students.
• Building an Inclusive Environment: Understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion in mental health and creating a safe and welcoming space for all students, regardless of background or individual needs.
• Early Identification and Intervention: Learning how to recognise early warning signs of mental health challenges in students and implementing effective intervention strategies.
• Working with Parents and Carers: Developing effective communication and collaboration strategies with parents and carers to support student wellbeing.
• Signposting and Referral Pathways: Understanding local and national resources and establishing clear referral pathways for students who require specialist support.

Afternoon Session: Supporting Staff Wellbeing and Building Resilience

This session focuses on the critical importance of staff wellbeing and provides practical strategies for managing mental health in the workplace:

• Understanding Staff Wellbeing: Exploring the unique challenges faced by education professionals and the impact of stress and burnout on mental health.
• Promoting a Supportive Workplace Culture: Creating a culture of openness and support where staff feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns.
• Preventing Burnout: Implementing strategies to manage workload, promote work-life balance, and prevent burnout amongst staff.
• Building Team Resilience: Developing strategies to enhance team cohesion, communication, and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Supporting Colleagues: Learning how to recognise signs of distress in colleagues and offer appropriate support.
• Accessing Support and Resources: Understanding available resources and support systems for staff, including occupational health, counselling services, and employee assistance programmes.

Throughout the masterclass, participants will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, allowing them to apply the learning to their own school context. They will also have the opportunity to network with other Mental Health Leads and share best practices. By the end of the day, participants will leave equipped with a clear action plan for implementing a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing, benefiting both students and staff.