Written by Dean Johnstone, CEO and Founder of Minds Ahead
Inclusion in education is not optional — it’s essential. The Everyone Included report (May 2025) reveals that England’s schools are grappling with a crisis of exclusion, absenteeism, and lost learning, particularly among the most vulnerable students. But there is a clear solution that can help reverse these trends: embedding a holistic, whole-school approach to mental health.
The Crisis We Can’t Ignore
The Everyone Included report paints a stark picture:
- Over 170,000 students were severely absent in the 2023/24 academic year.
- Children with SEND are 5x more likely to be permanently excluded.
- Only 11% of students say they enjoy school every day.
- Vulnerable groups—including those in poverty or from Global Majority communities—face compounding educational disadvantages.
This isn’t just about attainment. It’s about belonging, wellbeing, and opportunity. The current system often fails students before they’ve had a chance to succeed.
Why Mental Health Is the Cornerstone of Inclusion
As the Everyone Included report argues, truly inclusive schools support the learning, safety, and wellbeing of every child. This requires more than ad hoc interventions. It demands cultural, structural, and pedagogical change.
Mental health issues often underpin school exclusion, poor attendance, and disengagement—making a holistic approach not just beneficial, but essential.
The Minds Ahead Holistic Model: Five Foundations for Change
The Minds Ahead Approach to School Mental Health, we propose five interconnected pillars:
- Think Holistically – The Whole Child
Mental health is emotional, social, psychological. It’s shaped by identity, background, and external pressures like poverty or racism. Schools must nurture the whole child—not just their academic performance. - Plan Strategically – The Whole School
Just like safeguarding, mental health requires strategy. From leadership to policies and classroom practices, every part of school life should reflect a commitment to wellbeing. - Take Preventive Measures – The Whole Picture
Culture, environment, relationships, and curriculum all contribute to mental health. Positive school climates reduce anxiety, improve attendance, and enhance learning. - Be Proactive – The Whole System
Schools must partner with health providers, families, and local services. Spotting early signs, providing support, and having clear referral pathways save lives and prevent crisis. - Be Reflective – The Whole Self
Staff wellbeing matters too. Self-reflective practice promotes job satisfaction, lowers burnout, and models emotional intelligence for students.
This five-part model empowers schools to shift from reactive to transformative—from overwhelmed to strategic.
Read the full Minds Ahead executive summary
Making the Case for Change
A joined-up approach to mental health brings measurable results:
- Higher attendance and lower exclusion rates
- Increased staff retention and wellbeing
- Greater student engagement, progress, and life satisfaction
Critically, it also delivers on the moral imperative of education: ensuring every child feels they belong, are understood, and have the tools to thrive.
Conclusion: Mental Health Is Inclusion
The Everyone Included report and Minds Ahead’s holistic framework share a common truth: mental health is not a side issue. It’s the foundation of inclusive, effective education.
We must move beyond crisis response and toward system-wide transformation. Every school should be a place where wellbeing is part of the culture—not just a support service. With strategic investment, empowered staff, and visionary leadership, we can make that future a reality.
Want to bring holistic mental health strategy to your school?
Explore Minds Ahead’s qualifications – School Mental Health Qualifications Framework.