As we approach Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, the theme “This is My Place” serves as a vital reminder that belonging is not just a feeling, but a system of security and empowerment.
This comes at a critical time; school staff are currently on the frontline of a SEND crisis, often feeling overworked, undervalued, and isolated.
To move from reactive firefighting to proactive support, schools are increasingly exploring ideas that prioritize rapport and relationships as the foundation of learning.
Building the “Place” Through Relationship and Play Belonging is fostered when every student has access to a “trusted adult” who can facilitate social and learning support.
Innovative practices focus on creating teachable moments – using behavioral incidents not as grounds for exclusion, but as coaching opportunities to develop transcendent thinking.
By psychologically grappling with the ethical and personal meanings of social situations, students build the cognitive coordination necessary for long-term life satisfaction.
On the playground, purposeful play and structured games displace anti-social behavior and create inclusive social networks that help vulnerable children feel part of a community.
Displacing the Attendance Vicious Cycle The national attendance crisis is often a symptom of a “vicious cycle” involving poor mental health and disengagement.
To break this, schools are turning to activities that inject vitality into the day. “Wake and Shake” sessions and “Classroom Movers” provide daily bursts of physical activity that improve focus, self-control, and the motivation to attend.
Research indicates that physical engagement is imperative for becoming a better learner.Furthermore, data-driven compassion allows educators to use tools like the Wellbeing Compass to identify hidden barriers – such as poor sleep or low self-efficacy – before they manifest as absenteeism.
By quantifying the “whole child” and improving executive functions, schools can ensure that every student feels their school is truly “their place”.
