Insights - Minds Ahead

Transforming Mental Health: Minds Ahead and Penistone Grammar School Funds transformation for Triage Room

Minds Ahead, in collaboration with Penistone Grammar School, is proud to announce the successful funding and development of improvements to a mental health triage room at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Through fundraising and donations to The Children’s Hospital Charity, this project represents a significant step forward in supporting young people’s mental health and well-being in […]

Why Are the Major Political Parties Not Talking About Mental Health?

As we enter this General Election, it’s painfully clear that mental health is being neglected. Despite rising levels of poor mental health, an estimated 1.2 million people on NHS waiting lists in England, and the fact that 1 in 4 people experience a diagnosable mental illness each year, the major political parties remain alarmingly silent […]

Leading Student Resilience: Insights from Sarah Hall’s Research

Welcome to our blog on student resilience, inspired by the insightful Q&A webinar with Sarah Hall. Sarah, a children’s wellbeing practitioner who completed the Leadership of School Mental Health Masters with a dissertation focused on resilience, shared her research and findings on this crucial topic. Below, we’ll explore key takeaways from her study and the […]

Developing the Agenda for Change in School Mental Health – Malta National Conference 2024

The “School Mental Health: Developing the Agenda for Change” conference held on Friday, 31st May 2024, at Dar il-Hanin Samaritan in Santa Venera, Malta, was a remarkable follow-up to the initial successful event in 2023. This year’s conference delved deeper into the realities of school mental health both in Malta and internationally, offering a unique […]

Healthy Eating Week: The Intersection of Diet and Mental Wellbeing in Children

Healthy Eating Week, led by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), is a key campaign promoting healthier eating for everyone, especially children. This event not only encourages balanced eating habits but also highlights the strong link between nutrition and mental health, particularly during childhood. The correlation between diet and mental health has garnered substantial attention in […]

Supporting wellbeing at school: new guidelines for policymakers and educators

A report recently published by the European Commission presents the initial findings from its expert group dedicated to improving supportive learning environments for vulnerable learners and enhancing wellbeing and mental health in schools. Summary of Key Findings The report on wellbeing and mental health in schools highlights several critical findings. Firstly, it emphasises the alarming […]

Seven Facts About School Mental Health

Increased Mental Health Issues Post-Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant rise in mental health issues among school-aged children. Almost 1 in 5 children aged 7-16 and 1 in 4 young people aged 17-19 have a probable mental disorder. Importance of Early Intervention Early intervention in mental health can prevent the development of […]

Shaping Minds: Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and it’s imperative to reflect on the theme for this year: “Movement: Moving more for our mental health.” This poignant theme underscores the profound connection between physical movement and mental well-being. However, it’s undeniable that many of us struggle to incorporate enough movement into our daily lives. In the hustle […]

Minds Ahead given 4 awards at National Event

Dr. Somerville, Chair of The Educators’ Trust, presented the awards before the Worshipful Company of Educators and over 150 guests at the Merchant Taylors Hall, City of London. On presenting the Inspirational Educator Awards for Mental Health in Education, Dr. Somerville said: ‘Nominees from Minds Ahead are being awarded 4 awards this evening. This is highly unusual. I know […]

Top Tips for Parents and Educators: Managing Exam Stress

What does a resilient, mentally healthy classroom look like

What next? The future of CPD for teachers

The Teacher Development Trust (TDT) published a new report last month in response to Labour Party plans to introduce a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) entitlement for every teacher; should they win a general election later this year. The TDT hopes that introducing an CPD entitlement “can help to transform the teaching landscape, creating a sustained […]

Exam Season: steps to support pupils’ and staff wellbeing

Exam season is a stressful time for both students and staff, with the weight of examinations, coursework, future career prospects, and the inherent challenges of adolescence bearing down. The pandemic has exacerbated these stressors, making the preservation of well-being a more pressing concern. To address these challenges, some support mechanisms have been implemented by educational […]

Rethinking School Holidays: A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons

By Adam Gillett* The perennial debate over the length of school holidays in the UK has recently sparked discussions about transitioning from the traditional 6-week summer break to a shorter 4-week period. A soon to be released report by the Nuffield Foundation will suggest that school holidays should be changed to support wellbeing, behaviour and […]

Case study: The School Mental Health Specialist MA has helped Tom to create a positive Trust-wide cultural shift around mental health and wellbeing.

Background A large Multi Academy Trust with schools in the South-East and South-West of England were focused on providing an inclusive environment where all children felt safe to learn. They appointed Tom as a Trust Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing to pioneer the way they support the mental health and wellbeing of all members […]

Exploring the Experiences of LGBT+ Young People: Insights from Just Like Us Study

In a world where progress towards equality often feels like two steps forward, one step back, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the challenges that persist. Even though there have been some improvements in rights for LGBT+ people in the UK over the last twenty years, life is still really hard for many young […]

Celebrating Excellence: National Awards for our students!

We are delighted to share some truly wonderful news: four of our exceptional students and former students have been honoured with national awards for their outstanding contributions to mental health within schools and beyond! These prestigious accolades come from The Inspirational Educator Awards, presented by The Educators’ Trust, a distinguished institution within the educational community. […]

My Voice Matters: Primary Mental Health Peer Mentoring Offers Key Support

As we step into Children’s Mental Health Week 2024, themed “My Voice Matters”, the importance of prioritising the mental wellbeing of our pupils resonates more than ever. Children turn to their peers with concerns seeking help. Mental Health Peer Mentors offer a support network that recognises when peers are facing emotional challenges and provides assistance or […]

Safer Internet Day: Strategies for parents and schools to support children and young people’s wellbeing online

Going online is now an integral part of daily life for many people. As of 2023, there were 5.3 billion internet users worldwide. By 2028 it is predicted that 98% of the UK population will have access. To mark Safer Internet Day, we will be exploring in this blog how the online world mixes with […]

Can New Year Resolutions Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools?

As the dawn of a new year arrives, it brings with it a sense of hope, renewal, and an opportunity for positive change. While New Year Resolutions are often associated with personal goals like fitness or career aspirations, their impact on mental health and wellbeing in school settings should not be underestimated. In this blog, […]

What do we want schools to be? Educational institutions or social hubs addressing gaps in underfunded social care and policing?

By Adam Gillett* I’m Associate Vice Principal at a large (nearly 2000 student) secondary school in Barnsley and have seen first hand how education has changed under Conservative governments over the past thirteen years. As schools continue to face a myriad of challenges, I often consider their evolving role in our society. That is why […]

A Guide to Supporting Teachers’ Mental Health in December

December is often associated with joy, festivities, and the warmth of the holiday season. However, for many teachers, it can also bring additional stress and challenges. The combination of end-of-term responsibilities and holiday preparations can take a toll on teachers’ mental health. In this blog, we’ll explore evidence-based strategies to support teachers during this crucial […]

12 Top Tips for Children and Young People to enjoy a Merry Tech-free Christmas!

What does a resilient, mentally healthy classroom look like

Improving mental health through diet and exercise: simple strategies you can add into your daily routine

This blog post has been written by William Cheong Sxe Chang, a student of Medicine at the University of Sheffield. William did a medical student placement at Minds Ahead to gain an understanding of mental health needs amongst children and young people in education. In present times, the rapid rise in mental health conditions makes […]

Understanding Grief in Children’s Mental Health during National Grief Awareness Week in the UK

Grief is a universal human experience that affects individuals of all ages, including children. As we observe National Grief Awareness Week in the UK, it is crucial to shine a spotlight on how grief impacts children’s mental health. This blog post explores the evidence surrounding grief and its implications for children in the United Kingdom. […]

Nurturing Young Minds: The Power of Peer Mentoring in Young People’s Mental Health

In this blog, we will explore the importance of addressing young people’s mental health and how the peer mentoring programme is making a difference to young people’s lives. Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, and it knows no age boundaries. Young people, in particular, face unique challenges and stressors as they navigate […]

The Complex Relationship Between Bullying and Young People’s Mental Health

To mark Anti-Bullying Week 2023, we will explore the connections between bullying and mental health, the impact it has on young individuals, and strategies for prevention and support. Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals, especially young people. It can lead to severe psychological and emotional consequences, making it imperative to address the […]

Improving Mental Health Professional Development and Training for School Staff: 5 Key Findings

The school mental health social enterprise Minds Ahead and the think-and-action-tank The Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY) have published a new report identifying how to improve mental health courses for staff in education. Through a rapid review and group discussions with experts in the field, several key findings have emerged, shedding light on areas […]

Addressing Mental Health Literacy in Canadian Schools: Ontario Takes the Lead

As societies grapple with the challenge of the significant rise in mental health issues, it’s essential to examine how different countries are approaching the integration of mental health education into their school systems. While the United Kingdom and Canada share many similarities, they diverge significantly in their response to mandatory mental health education. This article […]

Back To School Tips For Teachers To Send to Parents

Starting school is a big step for both children and parents. Here are five attachment tips to help parents support their children during this transition: 1. Create a Positive Morning Routine Establish a consistent morning routine that includes quality time with your child before school. This can include having breakfast together, talking about the day […]

Labour says there is a ‘Class Ceiling’ in education – there is. But the ceiling is much lower when it comes to mental health.

Today Labour launches its 5th mission: breaking down barriers to opportunity. They identify a ‘class ceiling’ that is holding too many back. They are right. This is why we are an active part of the Fair Education Alliance which aims to detach the link between poverty and educational outcomes. The issue is even more acute, or […]

Passion and Motivation: A Journey Towards Becoming a School Mental Health Specialist

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, the mental well-being of young people is more crucial than ever before. Recognising the importance of providing adequate support to students, schools are increasingly turning to mental health specialists. These professionals play a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of students and fostering a positive learning environment. In […]

Supporting behaviour and mental health: Is it time for a re-think?

This month, the Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition (CYPMHC) published the results of their year-long inquiry into behaviour and mental health in schools. The report aimed to explore the links between behaviour and mental health, look at the impact of school behaviour policies on mental health and address what can be done to […]

Review: The Prevalence Inflation Hypothesis: Are Mental Health Awareness Efforts Contributing to the Rise in Reported Mental Health Problems?

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mental health awareness efforts aimed at reducing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and promoting help-seeking behaviours. However, paradoxically, reported rates of mental health problems have also been on the rise. In a thought-provoking research paper titled “Are mental health awareness efforts contributing to the rise […]

Student funding options for Masters study

We are often asked about student funding options for Masters study, and there are a variety of different options to choose from. In this post we’ll discuss each of the options available and show you where to access further information. The funding options covered in this post are: DfE grant (England) Get Qualified Scheme (Malta) […]

UK Government mental health strategy – What does the future look like?

By Adam Gillett* I am deeply disheartened that the Government has chosen to abandon their promised ten-year mental health and wellbeing plan, as well as plans for other health conditions and a white paper on ‘health disparities.’ Instead, they intend to implement a ‘major conditions’ strategy, encompassing mental health alongside five other areas, but with […]

Reflective Supervision for our School Mental Health Specialists

Minds Ahead have taken an innovative approach to supporting their School Mental Health Specialist students. By providing a space for reflection, reflective supervision has helped our students enhance their well-being and improve their practice. We know how busy school environments can be and how much our colleagues in education juggle. Sometimes we are so busy […]

Level 7 Study: What does it involve?

Minds Ahead holds international conference: The Mental Health Agenda: Implications for the school setting in Malta

As part of our partnership with Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph School Paola, Minds Ahead hosted the first Maltese conference on school mental health in Malta. The conference was opened by the Former President of Malta, President Emeritus, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and was hosted by the Ambassador of Malta to Estonia and Finland, […]

Student Money Infographic – School Mental Health Specialist programme

What does a resilient, mentally healthy classroom look like

Top 6 Tips For A Sponsorship Business case

What does a resilient, mentally healthy classroom look like

Conference in Malta: ‘The Mental Health Agenda: Implications for the School Setting’.

This Conference, organised in collaboration with Minds Ahead, will be officially open by President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

A Day in the Life of Tom, a School Mental Health Specialist student

Meet Tom Young, Bay Education Trust Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and find out what a day in the life of a School Mental Health Specialist student looks like. Hi Tom, tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do at your school? I have been a member of staff at the Bay Education […]

What is a whole school approach to mental health?

Taking a Whole School Approach involves looking through a new lens, considering the effect of every aspect of school or college life on mental health and wellbeing – from policies to curriculum to the physical environment. Instead of seeing efforts to promote wellbeing and mental health as an add on, a Whole School Approach threads […]

New Year’s resolutions and our mental health

January can be a difficult month for everyone, students, and teachers alike. The bright lights of Christmas have been taken down and packed away, we often decide to diet, and we can be short of money from our exuberance over the festive period. Some will do Dry January, others Veganuary, others will just try to survive. […]

The Impact of TikTok on Young People’s Mental Health

This blog post has been written by Kieran Parsons, a student of Medicine at the University of Sheffield. Kieran did a medical student placement at Minds Ahead to help improve the research base which we use to impact on children and young people. What is TikTok? TikTok, formerly known as musical.ly, is a video-streaming platform […]

Time to act on crisis on young people’s mental health

There has been another saddening rise in mental disorders among our young people. The latest data shows that 18% of 7-16 year-olds have a probable health disorder. This increases to 22% for 17-24 year-olds. Notably, for younger children, boys are more likely to have a mental disorder than girls. This changes dramatically so that 31% […]

What secondary students seek when it comes to school mental health?

New research shines a light on what secondary students seek when it comes to school mental health. It showed that students have three main concerns when it comes to school mental health: good mental health education; equitable mental health; and leadership of mental health. School Mental Health Ontario are a provincial implementation support team in […]

Social Enterprise Day 2022

The third Thursday in November each year marks Social Enterprise Day, which is a day to raise awareness of social enterprises and the work that they do. At Minds Ahead, we’re extremely proud to be a social enterprise and we thought we’d explain a little bit about the work that we do to revolutionise mental […]

Insights into adolescent well-being and the predictors of mental health difficulties

A recent study (Lereya, Patalay & Deighton, 2022) highlights the association between mental health difficulties and wellbeing across the adolescent populations, focusing on predictors of mental health difficulties and subjective or self-reported well-being. The data was collected from a community-based self-report survey of 13,500 adolescents in year 7 (aged 11–12) and year 8 (aged 12–13). […]

What does it mean to study on an L7 course?

Our School Mental Health Specialist PGDip and MA, along with the Masters in School Leadership of Mental Health and Wellbeing, are Level 7 (L7) courses. But what does that actually mean? In this post, we’ll tell you more about L7 courses and their requirements, the specific entry requirements for Minds Ahead qualifications, and what it […]

The Good Childhood Report 2022: key findings and learning points

Each year The Children’s Society publishes ‘The Good Childhood Report’, which brings together a number of research projects in order to summarise the well-being of children aged 10-17. Now into its tenth year, this report has now surveyed over 44,000 young people and their families during the last decade, in the absence of an annual, […]

Coping with grief, what is it and where to get mental health support

The death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September led to many people feeling a huge sense of loss. The Queen has been a constant presence throughout our lives, and indeed, many of us have only ever known one monarch during our lifetime. Chatting with friends and reading through commentary on social media, it seems […]

School Mental Health Specialist badges

The start of this academic year 2022-23 is the fifth year of Minds Ahead, and we are delighted to be welcoming our new students to the School Mental Health Specialist programme. Working in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, we created a part-time online mental health programme which was the first of its kind. It is […]

Mental Health of the School Community: Collaboration agreement signed between Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph school Paola (Malta) and Minds Ahead (UK)

“Through this collaboration agreement with Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph Paola we will also have the opportunity to offer accredited programmes to Maltese educators, provide training to educators, parents and students on mental health, organise national conferences and webinars and offer national professional learning development sessions to the Maltese community”. – Dean Johnstone, CEO and […]

Minds Ahead calls for an asset-based approach to mental health in schools, in response to the Children’s Commissioner Report

The Children’s Commissioner released a report calling for additional mental health support in school and sets out six ambitions for every child. Minds Ahead believe that an asset-based approach toward mental health within schools is vital and responds to the aims flowing from the research within this report. We also value the recognition given to schools […]

Fundraising event: Minds Ahead is proud to have teamed up with Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Minds Ahead, a social enterprise organisation which works with schools, colleges and other organisations to provide practical solutions to support the mental health needs of pupils, staff and parents, has teamed up with Sheffield Children’s Hospital to help renovate the mental health crisis room at the hospital. “We change pupils’ mental health for the better […]

Tackling mental health inequalities

There is a solid evidence base that whilst mental health challenges or illness can affect anyone, the risks are higher for some groups who face structural discrimination, such as those living in poverty, Black and Asian, LGBTQ+, or having a physical disability. The Centre for Mental Health has made recommendations to tackle these inequalities. Those relevant […]

How To Help Students Get The Most Out Of Mental Health Week 2022

Young people face many challenges that can affect their mental health. From exam stress to cyberbullying – sometimes they may come to you for crucial advice and guidance across a variety of issues. So, let’s explore how you can help the children around you improve their mental health, whilst discussing some key symptoms and signs […]

Inequality and impact on mental health

In this Ted talk, epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson looks at the evidence linking social inequality and mental ill-health. The impact of inequality on mental health and our social relationships As a school leader, it is well worth considering how inequalities are either reinforced or reduced, within your school and what more can be done to reduce […]

School culture: which elements are perceived to be most important for student mental health?

A qualitative study in three English secondary schools identified four overarching dimensions of school culture that were perceived by respondents to impact on student mental health. Key findings from the study in UK secondary schools on school culture and student mental health: The research explored four aspects of culture: Dimensions of school culture Respondents identified […]

The #BeeWell Survey: Girls, LGBTQ and transgender young people more likely to experience emotional difficulties

A large survey run across Greater Manchester, as part of the #BeeWell programme, of which Minds Ahead is a partner, has found significant differences in the mental health of young people who are girls, transgender or none-heterosexual. The #BeeWell Survey: Key findings The large survey carried out in Autumn 2021 questioned over 40,000 year 8 and […]

The School Mental Health Specialist: accessible for all

Dean Johnstone, Founder and CEO of Minds Ahead, explains how the Masters in School Mental Health Specialist is accessible for all those working in school, even if previous academic qualifications are limited. https://youtu.be/nhg_IuAShVU The School Mental Health Specialist will know first hand the needs of their students and can, through training, development and supervision, match […]

Minds Ahead will present at the Child Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools Digital Conference

The Child Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools Conference will take place on Tuesday, 21 June 2022. Claire Sewell, Programme Lead for the Schools Mental Health Specialist programme and Learning & Development Specialist at Minds Ahead will be speaking about the School Mental Health Specialist programme at this online event. The School Mental Health Specialist, a […]

Young people’s mental health, social media and myth busting

In February 2019 Rachel Schraer, writing for the BBC’s ‘Reality Checker’, wrote that the increase in young people (under 16) with mental health conditions had risen from 11.4% to 13.6% between 1999 and 2017. This, it was asserted, was much smaller than expected. This analysis stood in stark contrast to the Children’s Commissioner’s report on […]

Why having a school mental health specialist as part of the staff team is vital to support young people’s mental health?

STEER Education’s Young People’s Mental Health in the UK report shows that now more than ever, schools and colleges need to be supported to address the complexities of young people’s mental health. We highlight parts of the report and what needs to happen to be able to provide additional and focused support in schools and […]

Levelling up wellbeing – a mission without a plan!

On the 2nd of February the government released their Levelling Up strategy. The government were right to have wellbeing as one of their 12 levelling up missions. However, it is very disappointing to see a policy agenda for 11 of these missions, with the wellbeing mission being left out. The government is aiming that ‘by […]

Child mental health crisis: Personal reflections on the increase in mental health referrals

By Adam Gillett* On the 5th February 2022 the BBC ran a significant news story entitled ‘Children’s mental health: Huge rise in severe cases, BBC analysis reveals’. The report highlighted the staggering statistic that there had been a 77% rise in the number of students needing specialist treatment for severe mental health issues. The article […]

Quiz for School and College Staff: Test Your Proficiency in Children’s Mental Health Facts

Share this quiz with your colleagues! Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Share on print Print It’s time to empower education professionals to support the mental health needs of the whole school community! Minds Ahead is here to help. School and […]

How do staff create a positive work-life balance in a residential setting where the expectation is 24/7 availability?

By Katy Tinman. Katy is one of the first cohort on our MA in Leadership of School Mental Health & Wellbeing. This blog discusses her dissertation research that she did as part of the course and was supported with by the Minds Ahead and Leeds Beckett University Team. After 8 years working in residential care […]

Give the gift of gratitude this Christmas with TAP Thank and Praise!

By Kerry Hill (FCCT MA) As we approach 2022, we reflect back on two years of incredibly difficult times globally, as well as nationally. This Christmas may again be one which is unlike previous ‘normal’ holiday seasons, (which in some ways seem a distant memory), without large social gatherings celebrating together, connecting and sharing in […]

Anti-Bullying Week and children’s mental health: What small action will your school do to break the bullying cycle?

November 2021 and we continue to address the issues and concerns around bullying. We are all very aware that the experience of being bullied can have an immediate and lasting impact on children’s mental health. Whilst an annual event such as Anti-Bullying Week provides an opportunity to highlight the issues and to spread awareness about […]

Young people’s mental health and wellbeing post-COVID: Making Extra-Curricular Activities Impactful

A report earlier this year from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on a ‘Fit and Healthy Childhood’ cited that engaging in activities beyond the home will have a significant impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing post-COVID. The report argued that extra-curricular activities, in particular sporting events, would help reconnect students with their peers […]

Infographic: 5 things schools can do to reduce the number of children experiencing mental ill health

By Jane Hull, Deputy Headteacher at SS Peter & Paul’s Catholic Primary School. Jane is one of the first cohort on our MA in Leadership of School Mental Health & Wellbeing. This blog discusses her dissertation research that she did as part of the course and was supported with by the Minds Ahead and Leeds […]

Technology and mental health support: How can a locally developed wellbeing app effectively support remote education?

Tim Milburn, Deputy Head at Harrogate Grammar, shares his experience of implementing a new mental health app during lockdown, which he studied in depth for his masters dissertation. The inevitable, far reaching grip of COVID 19 reached schools across the nation in March 2020 and led to the longest period of enforced closure in post […]

Spotting the signs of poor mental wellbeing in students in secondary schools

Trying to spot when a young person is struggling with their mental wellbeing unless they verbalise it is one of the toughest parts of working in inclusion in a busy secondary school. The reason why? All of the tell-tale signs can be linked to puberty and natural developments. For example, all of the below are […]

‘Mental health is the top issue for children and young people today’ – which is why schools and colleges are investing in specialist support

A large survey of 4 to 17-year-olds in England by the Children’s Commissioner has found that mental health is their main concern, with girls twice as likely as boys to be worried about their mental health and concern about mental health increases as the young person ages. The report found that children and young people […]

Top tips for teachers to support good mental health and wellbeing

Most of us know that physical health and mental wellbeing are closely related and that paying attention to things like sleep, diet, movement and exercise are important. As teachers, we advise students, colleagues, friends and family on such matters but how often do we practice what we preach? Teachers mental health and wellbeing: From knowing […]

Our mental health awareness badge for those leading mental health across their school or college

At Minds Ahead, our work is exclusively focused on improving the mental health of the educational community so we have created a mental health awareness badge to recognise our school and college leaders for helping us being one step closer to our goal of revolutionising mental health in schools and colleges for generations to come. […]

Teacher Wellbeing – More Than Just a Breakfast?

Writing in the Guardian, Adams observed that workload for teachers is leading to a recruitment and retention crisis (Adams, 2018). In recent years staff wellbeing has come sharply into focus and staff mental health is as important as student mental health, with a recent Guardian article citing that ‘the number of teachers seeking mental health […]

We are a training provider on the DfE assured list! Don’t miss the chance to apply for a DfE grant to fund your senior mental health lead training programme

We are proud to announce that, as the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, our Senior Mental Health Lead Training programmes have been approved to be a part of the Department for Education Approved Training Course Provider Framework. All state schools and colleges in England will […]

GCSE results and the correlation with children and young people’s mental health

GCSE results day 2021 is today and according to The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) study, published in the BMJ Open Journal, mental health at ages 11-14 was independently linked to educational success at age 16. The study analysed responses from 1,100 children aged 11-14 from the Understanding Society study and used the National […]

Creating mentally healthy schools after the pandemic: Insights from primary school teachers

A survey conducted by Pearson in April 2021, has highlighted the importance of acknowledging the impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns on students and staff since returning to school. The findings are based on the views of 2,941 primary teachers who participated in a Teacher Tapp survey. Teachers include primary school classroom teachers, middle leaders and […]

Consultation: The views from senior leaders on mental health in schools and colleges

Working with our partners at Leeds Beckett University, as the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, we consulted with highly engaged senior leads for mental health from 12 schools to inform the House of Commons Select Committee evaluation of the government’s implementation of mental health strategy. Here we share their views: The […]

Use the new Department for Education training grant to fund senior mental health leadership courses

From September 2021 any state school or college will be able to access a grant of about £1,200 to cover the costs of completing senior mental health leadership training. As part of the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental health in Schools, we have been delivering senior mental health leadership development courses since 2017, with […]

How reading can be an effective strategy to improve mental wellbeing in schools and colleges

When faced with the need to improve and look after our mental health, the first things that often come to mind are often exercise and reading. The relationship between reading and improved mental health is often repeated, often cited and often misunderstood. It is salient to unpick the importance of reading in relation to mental […]

Playing a key role in the national roll-out of DfE funded training for mental health leads!

Under our partnership with the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University, as the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, we are the national quality assurance provider for all DfE funded training courses for senior leads in schools and colleges! The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that: “in order to help […]

The MYRIAD study: Are some schools contributing to the rise in mental health issues amongst young people?

The causes of mental health wellbeing and mental health illnesses for our children and young people are well documented, as are the wider structural or socioeconomic contexts that are clear and reliable factors that impact upon mental health. However, specifically focusing on the impact of school-level factors on children and young people is a relatively […]

Teacher mental health: Will The Education Staff Wellbeing Charter plan make a difference?

The Education Staff Wellbeing Charter has been launched by the Department of Education, and applies to schools, colleges, and further educational institutions in England. It was co-created by the DfE’s expert group on staff wellbeing, which included OfSTED and the teaching unions. According to the guidance document: The Education Staff Wellbeing Charter is a declaration […]

Measuring wellbeing and mental health in schools

When discussing mental health I often get asked on the best way to measure wellbeing by school leaders and educational professionals. Before answering the question it is worth considering the desire and risks of measuring. Why measure wellbeing in schools? Like any activity before diving in, it is important to step back and consider what […]

Understanding the mental health issues of children and young people post-pandemic: returning to the same school, living in a different world

Research and literature regarding the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people has become more frequent and widespread over recent years, as data and trends show an increasingly concerning picture. In the year prior to the global pandemic, referrals to children’s mental health services rose by 35% however there was only a 4% […]

How effective are resilience building programmes within Primary Schools?

By Priya Mitchell MA, School Counsellor and Designated Lead, The British School Al Khubairat As the sole Counsellor within an International School with 1900+ students on roll, my diary is constantly full and it can be difficult to find appointments for the near daily referrals to the Counselling Service. Having completed the 1st Year of […]

Bridges and Walls: where are the walls that are acting as immovable barriers to your mental wellbeing and what can you do to make things better?

Bridges and walls are often used metaphorically to indicate connectors and enablers on the one hand and barriers or boundaries on the other. Bridges, walls and our mental wellbeing Bridges can help us: get from A to B, quickly and efficiently have adventures and new experiences connect learning from past experiences and hopes for the […]

Weighing up the costs of counselling as a mental health school-based intervention

Counselling is one of the most common school-based interventions for mental health and wellbeing for young people. This type of therapy allows young people to explore their thoughts and emotions in a non-judgemental, safe and confidential environment. Most schools source out their own counselling provision from an external provider paid through their existing budgets and will likely […]

Embarking of school mental health research: the efficacy of mental health interventions

By Adam Gillett MA, (Assistant Principal – Inclusion), Penistone Grammar School The MA in Leadership of School Mental Health & Wellbeing has been one of the best things I have done in my professional career, but writing the dissertation was probably the hardest. The structure of the course is so well done and the assignments so […]

Young people’s mental health: School-based anti-homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying projects improve LGBT+ mental health

It is well documented that young people who identify as LGBT+ are more likely to face bullying, discrimination and mental health challenges, compared to their heterosexual peers. Key findings on young people’s mental health support in schools International research summarised by NIHR School for Public Health Research has found that there is a link between […]

Pupils’ mental health infographic: What do they think will help them catch up on the education they have missed?

The Jack Petchey Foundation asked over 5,000 young people aged 11-19 how the government should support them to catch up on the education they have missed since schools first partially closed in March 2020. Pupils’ mental health: Top 5 responses Which of the following would you find useful to help you catch up on the […]

Schools return: How the transition between home and school can be effectively achieved?

On January 5th 2021, schools were asked to provide learning that their students could access from home. Now in March – so long as the data is at a pre-determined position – our children and young people will return to learning, face-to-face, in schools after a second extended period of online learning from home. Our […]

Growing our team for the School Mental Health Specialist programme

We are extremely excited to announce that Claire Sewell has joined our team at Minds Ahead as Learning and Development Specialist. She will be the tutor on the School Mental Health Specialist Programme as well as working with the wider Minds Ahead team. Welcome to the Minds Ahead team! Claire Sewell Claire brings expertise from being […]

Mental health support for young people after pandemic: Preventative and early-intervention strategies needed in schools and colleges

The Education Policy Institute has examined aspects of mental health among secondary age children and linked these to social, demographic and other key factors and influencers. They recommend that schools are given the resources to support mental health as well as more access to training, support and guidance. Recommendations relevant to schools and colleges: A […]

Case study: Our MA has helped Headteacher Kerry Hill to promote and champion positive mental health amongst her pupils, staff and the school community

“(…) I don’t want robots in my building, I want people who care, who feel and love what they are doing. And that it just means that we have to support the whole person in terms of the staff member, just as we have to support the whole child.” What difference did it make to […]

Ways to get online mental health support for teachers and students

We have put together a list of some of the online mental health resources that are available in the UK to support you and others in your community, profession or setting. If you are thinking about ending your life or acting on thoughts of suicide, please call emergency services on 999 or The Samaritans on […]

The mental health of children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic: Insights on recent research

This report is part of a series developed in partnership with the Child Outcomes Research Consortium. This paper looks at the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of children and young people. Children and young people with pre-existing mental or physical health conditions, LGBTQI+ young people and children and young people of […]

Mental health in schools: Belonging is essential for well-being

There is a robust link between having a sense of safety, belonging and well-being and the student’s engagement and performance in education. Research by UCL has found that having a sense of belonging at primary, secondary, FE & HE is a reliable predictor of attainment and is often lower among marginalised ethnic groups. There is evidence that the […]

Teachers’ mental health and wellbeing: Recent report reveals that we must act now

“It is time to start taking the mental health of our teachers and educators seriously.” – Education Support The latest annual report of school and college wellbeing staff by Education Support has shown there is more work to do to protect the mental health of the education workforce. This survey was conducted in the middle of […]

Mental health support for parents and children in the UK: Parental judgement is harming mental health

A large scale research project by the Royal Foundation exploring the early years (0-5) has found that parental judgements are harming mental health. 70% of parents said that they were judged as parents, this is most likely to be because of how their child behaves or how they manage that behaviour. Parents say that being […]

Mental health facts in the UK: Mental health is created in communities

The final report by the Centre for Mental Health, The Commission for Mental Health Equality, is a key reading for any education professional interested in improving mental health in their setting. It firmly positions mental health as something beyond the individual but is something that is a collective good and a collective responsibility. The report highlights […]

Summary of Mental Health & Wellbeing of England’s Children & Young People, 2020

In this video we present an infographic on the key points from two key government reports: DfE State of the Nation report, into children & young people’s wellbeing, 2020 & NHS Digital Mental Health of C&YP Wave 1 follow up (2020): https://youtu.be/xVLATJt9Q0o At Minds Ahead, we have developed a new and comprehensive school-based mental health […]

How happy are children and young people in Britain? – 2020 Good Childhood Report key findings

The Good Childhood Report (Oct 2020) undertaken by the Children’s Society, reports on the level of ‘subjective wellbeing’ and happiness for children and young people. It draws on a wide range of sources including its own consultations with young people aged 8 to 19 and the OECD PISA data which covers over 600,000 15 years […]

Minds Ahead contributed to and is quoted in the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition Annual Report 2020

We highlight parts of the report and our response to these key elements: The report calls for a continued investment and commitment to the whole education approach to mental health All of our work at Minds Ahead is about contributing to and enhancing the whole education approach to mental health, whether that be our innovative and deepening […]

Black lives matter: the steps we have taken

Over the past months we’ve seen demonstrations globally in response to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police in the United States. We know that racism and anti-Blackness are not only an American problem, but one that is just as pervasive in the UK. Minds Ahead is committed to addressing mental […]

Development of the new Post Graduate ‘School Mental Health Specialist’ course that launches in September 2021.

This innovative course is for the key colleagues working in schools and colleges providing mental health support to children and young people. Across two years of intensive learning and development, the course comprises six modules, each with a mix of face to face meeting and online learning. The course will go through a validation process […]

Staying at home – Ways to wellbeing #coronatimes

We realise there is a lot of information online at the moment to support yourself and your family through these stressful times. Therefore, to save you some time we’ve categorised what we’ve found using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing Framework to allow you to focus on what you need to. For evidence on this framework […]

Minds Ahead speaks to LBC news

On the 19th of March at 8.40am Shelly spoke with Liza Aziz on what Minds Ahead think the DfE should be considering to protect the wellbeing of staff and students. Click the play button below to listen to this interview considering the announcement on the 18th March. To view the Google doc Shelly mentioned […]

Department for Education fails to integrate Mental Health into Safeguarding Policy

The Department for Education are consulting on changes to the main safeguarding policy used by schools and colleges, ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (KCSIE), The aim is to make clear that safeguarding and promoting children’s mental health is a whole school and college responsibility and that systems should be in place to ensure this. However, […]

Key findings from the longest running health behaviour study of young people

A national survey of the health of secondary aged pupils was published in January 2020. The data was collected in 2018 and examined the school environment and found these key points: – Nearly a quarter of young people said they liked school “a lot”, while around half of like school “a bit”. The amount of […]

Developing the evidence-base: public mental health

Public mental health takes a population approach to mental health. This improves the coverage, outcomes and coordination of the prevention of mental illness as well as mental wellbeing promotion. It aims to sustainably improve mental health for the population by working with a range of public, third sector, other organisations, local communities and individuals. Having attended several […]

PISA Wellbeing data – what should a school leader take away from it?

The PISA Wellbeing data was released late December, by which time most people were winding down and getting ready for minced pies, doughnuts and other cultural appropriate food. It is a rather lengthy document of 350+ pages so we’ve highlighted three points to consider that may prompt discussion and evaluation with your team: UK […]

Key take aways from the Teacher Wellbeing Survey

Tackling stress in our schools Almost three quarters of staff working in schools and colleges describe themselves as stressed, a figure which rises to 84% for senior leaders. These statistics have increased in the last three years. For the third year, Education Support has produced a report summarising the mental health and wellbeing of professionals […]

Three take aways from ‘Psychological health in teenage girls’ Chapter 4 of the first ‘State of the Nation’ report

Chapter 4 of the first ‘State of the Nation’ report on wellbeing was a deeper dive into the psychological health in teenage girls. With my psychology background this interested me and seeing a large data set and an acknowledgement that correlation doesn’t equate to causation always makes me feel excited about reading a report! Here […]

6 questions for schools to consider following the State of the Nation report on wellbeing

The Department for Education released their first ‘State of the Nation’ report into children and young people’s wellbeing. There is a strong link between subjective wellbeing and a host of other life outcomes. The report only looks at children aged 10-24 years. Wellbeing declines as children get older The age of the child is the […]

International representation at the School Mental Health Specialist Design Group

I was privileged to attend a round table discussion at the House of Commons on the 9th October on the topic of Mental Health Specialists within schools which was chaired by Minds Ahead and attended briefly by Nicky Morgan (M.P). The professionals sitting around the table all had the same passion – to improve the […]

Heather Madsen, Headteacher of Red Oak Primary school, Lowestoft, reflects on the first meeting of the School Mental Health Specialist Design Group

A gathering of professionals from a range of backgrounds across Educational settings and specialists in Mental Health attended Parliament on Wednesday 9th October to discuss, debate and evaluate the ways in which schools could develop an accredited programme of study enabling key staff to manage and support mental health and well being within schools. Given the […]

Four proactive strategies for mental health in schools

The Department for Health and Social Care are consulting on a new strategy focused on ‘proactive, predictive and personalised care’ aimed at prevention rather than fixing problems once they emerge. This is a wide-ranging consultation addressing diet, smoking, physical activity, immunisations, genetics and resistance to medications. This article looks at the mental health aspects in […]

Why relevant School Mental Health qualifications matter more than ever

New research from Anna Freud offers a stark insight into how supported families feel when it comes to children’s mental health and wellbeing. New research from Anna Freud offers a stark insight into how supported families feel when it comes to children’s mental health and wellbeing. In a nationally representative survey of 1,120 UK parents […]

Minds Ahead Student’s Graduation 2026

By Claire Sewell, Professional Development Lead at Minds Ahead Attending graduation at Leeds Beckett University is an honour and a privilege, but this year’s ceremony felt particularly meaningful as it was my first one as a programme lead. As I got near to The Rose Bowl there was a warm mix of excitement and a sense of […]

One Million Referrals Are Not Just a Statistic. They Are a Call to Rethink School Mental Health.

The latest figures highlighted by Sky News and the Children’s Commissioner should stop us all in our tracks. he latest figures highlighted by Sky News and the Children’s Commissioner should stop us all in our tracks. More than one million children in England now have an active referral to Children and Young People’s Mental Health […]

Compare Our Flagship Programmes

School Mental Health Specialist vs. Leadership of School Mental Health (Masters) Choosing the right programme depends on the kind of impact you want to make. Both qualifications are part of Minds Ahead’s pioneering School Mental Health Qualifications Framework, but they serve different professional pathways. Explore the key distinctions below to find the route that aligns […]

You cannot build resilient children with depleted adults

Why staff wellbeing is a system issue, not a side conversation “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It is a familiar phrase. And in education, it is often acknowledged—but not always acted on. Because in practice, schools are still expected to do more, respond faster, and hold increasing complexity—often without a corresponding shift in […]

Everyday interactions are not neutral: how schools build resilience during loss

In schools, support for children experiencing loss is often associated with specific interventions. These matter. But they are not where most of the work happens. For most children, resilience is shaped not through isolated moments of support—but through the everyday interactions that surround them. And those interactions are never neutral. The subtlety of everyday practice […]

Strength in Collaboration: Why Working Across Educational Settings Matters

One of the greatest assets we have in education is each other. No single school, college, or practitioner holds all the answers — but collectively, our experience, creativity, and commitment form an incredibly powerful resource for children and young people. Collaboration across settings isn’t just a “nice to have”. It’s a driver of meaningful, sustainable improvement. When we connect […]

Stability is not a strategy: how schools create (or undermine) a sense of safety

Schools often talk about providing stability for children. But stability is not created by intention alone. It is experienced—or not experienced—through the day-to-day consistency of adult responses, routines, and expectations. For children navigating loss or significant change, this distinction matters. The misconception: stability as structure alone Many schools equate stability with: These are important. But […]

Case study: Leading a whole‑school mental health strategy: How Lucy McCabe improved her school’s wellbeing

Lucy McCabe Assistant Headteacher: Personal Development/Mental Health and Wellbeing, King’s Academy Prospect, Reading Lucy joined the postgraduate programme in school mental health leadership to deepen her understanding of how schools can develop more effective approaches to supporting pupil wellbeing. Through the programme, Lucy explored research on protective factors, early intervention and holistic school mental health […]

Case study: Engaging parents and families in wellbeing: How Leah Proctor improved her school’s wellbeing

Leah Proctor Pastoral leader, Primary and Nursery school in Derbyshire Leah recognised that supporting pupil wellbeing requires strong partnerships between schools and families. Her studies explored how family engagement supports children’s mental health. She organised workshops for parents focusing on understanding anxiety, practical support strategies and strengthening communication between families and the school. Parents reported […]

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