For school staff
Primary schools and their staff know that they play a key role in children’s development. After families, schools are the next major influence on children’s development. Through forming close and sustained relationships with students, primary school teachers can support children’s developing confidence, help them learn to manage emotions and behaviours, and develop relationships and skills. They are also in a position to notice when children are having difficulties and, if required, and in collaboration with parents and carers to locate or suggest further help. Primary school staff who understand the importance of children’s wellbeing and development can make a significant difference to children’s mental health.
Building on what schools already do
KidsMatter Primary builds on what teachers and schools are already doing to improve the wellbeing of their students. The KidsMatter Primary resource materials provide school staff with detailed information regarding children’s social and emotional needs and practical suggestions for supporting children’s development and mental health. Specific resources have been developed for each of the four KidsMatter Primary components. These resources can be found in the coloured component links (on the right) along with information about how to use them. For the full list of topics covered click here.
These resources are available for all parents, carers and school staff. For schools implementing the KidsMatter initiative, professional learning and assistance in implementing the framework are also provided. To read examples of what the KidsMatter Primary pilot schools have been doing click on the school stories and the eNewsletter links.
Partnerships with parents and carers
Connecting with parents and carers can help achieve a caring and inclusive school community in which families and schools work together to improve students’ mental health. Positive relationships between school staff and families assist children’s sense of connection to school, which is a key protective factor for children’s mental health. Family-school partnerships have also been found to be vital for supporting children’s learning. In addition, schools are often in a position to provide parents and carers with information and support regarding children’s development and wellbeing. Research shows that, after GPs, parents are most likely to ask teachers for advice on children’s emotional and behavioural problems. The KidsMatter Primary resources and professional learning have been developed to help schools and teachers provide this kind of support more effectively.
Educational benefits
Good mental health has benefits for children’s learning. Not only are mentally healthy students more motivated learners, they show more commitment to their school work, and they are more likely to achieve academic success. Students with good mental health are less likely to display difficult classroom behaviours. These mental health benefits are associated with better prospects for students in later life, including in education, employment and positive relationships.
There are positive effects for teachers too! Schools that promote mental health are more likely to achieve higher levels of staff satisfaction. When teachers have access to skills and strategies for building children’s social and emotional skills it also supports their own sense of competence and wellbeing.
