At HeadStart, we talk often with our school settings about the importance of creating a sense of belonging for the pupils in school. We’re talking about ‘belonging’ in the sense of being somewhere you can be confident that you will fit in and be safe in your own identity: a feeling of being at home in a place, our school ‘family’.
We know that creating a sense of belonging and safety is a huge protective factor for our children and young people’s resilience and emotional health.
The same applies to all staff in the school as well 😊 The HeadStart service promotes whole school approaches to create a system and culture whereby EVERYONE in that system benefits from holistic approaches to prioritise good emotional health.
Creating a sense of belonging for everyone doesn’t need big sweeping statements or changes, it’s often the small, daily Ordinary Magic moments that count! It’s the morning welcome with a smile and eye contact, it’s regular check ins during the day, it’s using someone’s name – these are fundamental elements of building relationships. We know that these approaches help our pupils to feel seen, heard and that they matter and staff need to feel the same way so check in on your colleagues when you can through the day, give them a smile, encouragement and support as needed and create that sense of togetherness where everyone feels safe and valued for who they are. It helps everyone to feel included.
Published: March 31