Wellbeing in International and Independent Schools

Whole school community approach to embedding a positive culture of wellbeing in British and international schools

Are you confident that your entire school community feel supported, valued, and that their wellbeing is prioritised during these challenging times?

The first cohort of participants in the UK have completed the Zoom facilitated ‘Senior Mental Health Lead’ training course (UK, DfE assured) and here are some examples of the feedback received!

“An extremely useful and well-presented course. Being delivered over Zoom helped to make it more accessible and easier to attend. Matt is very approachable and understands the importance of promoting a positive approach to mental health, including useful slots within the session to help us focus on our own mental health. He also recognises some of the difficulties we might face when trying to implement some of the approaches and strategies in our schools. Having the drop in sessions carry on after the course is so useful.”

Wellbeing Lead
Badger Hill Primary, York

“I have thoroughly enjoyed and feel very lucky to have been a part of this course. I now feel equipped to take on the role of Mental Health Lead at my school. Matt is very understanding and knowledgeable of the subject and made the course enjoyable for all. I also enjoyed the opportunity to share ideas and strategies with others from both primary and secondary school backgrounds.”

Wellbeing Lead
Landywood Primary, Cannock

Course details

The goal of implementing and sustaining an effective whole-school approach to embedding a positive culture of mental health and wellbeing can be daunting! Often, schools’ great intentions do not materialise into positive coordinated action due to lack of strategic vision; inconsistent communication; little understanding of relevant evidence-based research/theory; absence of support and guidance; which results in dis-jointed random activities/policies with no evaluation of impact.

This comprehensive course will address these challenges, and you will be supported throughout and after the entire process by a successful former headteacher, resilience coach, and mental health first aid instructor with a background of successful leadership both in the UK, New Zealand, and in delivering ‘wellbeing training’ in a range of international schools (example feedback below).

“Matt delivered more than was asked for. A great presenter who motivated our International Headteachers to improve their leadership practice.”

Director of Education
Malvern College International

“Thank-you Matt for your inspirational work and passion in helping us develop and embed ‘growth-mindsets’ and resilience across the entire school community”

Headteacher
St.Andrews, Samakee International School, Bangkok


Skills and tools

You will be provided with the practical skills and tools to be able to effect whole school change with sustainable long-term impact for the entire school community. You will be able to:

Establish or utilise an existing core team representing staff, students, governors, trustees, and parents

Review current policies, procedures and structures that support mental health and implement a needs assessment

Monitor, review, evaluate and receive ongoing support and guidance (via free monthly SMHL ‘Professional Network’ zoom meetings)

Prioritise needs and develop a plan of action

Implementation of the plan


Course stucture

There will be 4 zoom facilitated group sessions (one per month) and I also offer 1:1 personalised 60-minute coaching sessions that can be booked at suitable times between the group sessions. This will allow each participant to receive bespoke support and guidance relevant to their school (4 hours per participant). Each participant also receives a 30 minute ‘pre-course’ call and free access to the monthly ‘Professional Network’ after the official completion of the course.