Emotional wellbeing - Teaching Expertise

Deborah Michel, Robin Banerjee, Nichola Jones and David Davies describe a project to promote emotional wellbeing schools that makes a close link between aspirations, assessment and intervention

The best way to protect and improve pupil wellbeing at your school is to create support systems to promote staff well-being, says Tina Rae. Having emotionally literate teachers is vital when working with students at risk of developing emotional problems

In this edition we consider self-harm and discuss what teachers can do to help young people who are vulnerable to self-harm

Learning from home and using online education can provide a safe haven for children who are bullied at school. Special Children talked to one mother about the solutions she found for her autistic son

The transition between schools can be hard. Julie Roberts describes how an action research project on classroom dialogue has been used to explore and overcome some of the barriers to learning across the transition from KS2-3

Teachers' wellbeing and self-worth are of paramount importance if they are to nurture similar confidence in their pupils. Elizabeth Holmes discusses what steps can be taken to support this important area of CPD

Cases of student emotional abuse can all too frequently go unnoticed believes Jenni Whitehead. Here she suggests an exercise for staff-room discussion

As a child and family support worker at Kingfisher Primary School in Smiths Wood, Solihull, Debbie Todd explains what her role involves

A holistic approach to supporting young people's health is led by the school-based health adviser at Newall Green School, Manchester, who embraces the whole child and the family. Neil Wilson, headteacher, discusses

Is personal emotional wellbeing a priority concern for you and the teachers at your school? Identifying and controlling negative stress is an important part of continuous professional development (CPD), as Elizabeth Holmes explains

Yvonne Chambers is a senior school nurse and Healthy School adviser for Nottinghamshire County teaching PCT, and divides her time between these roles. Here she gives a taste of her work to promote good health and wellbeing for young people in Mansfield

Teachers can promote their students wellbeing by taking time to meditate themselves. Teacher and healer Dave Read offers three exercises to perform easily in the classroom to reduce teacher stress

Improvement in PE and sport can have cross curricular benefits across a pupil's school career. Lisa Symonds looks at how a rejuvenated look at sport had a positive impact on SEN and G&T students, as well as on PSHE and self-confidence, at three schools across the UK

PE lesson plans are offered here by Crispin Andrews, who believes that striking and fielding activities can develop children's thinking skills. The lesson plans for sport (cricket) are aimed at primary students in years 3 to 6

Lessons in orienteering at school could provide cross curricular benefits to children of all ages. Lisa Symonds explores

Mini-basketball — basketball for young children — is a school sport played by millions of primary PE pupils across the world, under the age of 12. It was was introduced internationally in 1964

What constitutes a healthy diet for babies and toddlers under five years old? Sarah Almond, a registered dietician, discusses this query with reference to examples of the nutritional standards of food served in a range of childcare settings

Some might think that a positive learning environment would be an ineffective tool against aggression in pupils with social emotional behavioural difficulties. However, Michael Jones speaks to a school who believes that a nurturing and supportive environment is exactly what SEBD children need

Current research indicates that a significantly large proportion of females from ethnic minorities, particularly South Asian communities, are failing to participate in physical activity in the UK. Samaya Farooq and Gerald Griggs share their research

Computer games can now be used to effectively encourage fitness in schools. PE & Sport examines how the popular Nintendo Wii and PSX Dance Mats can be used to build up stamina, muscle tone and coordination

What can schools actually do about tackling self-harm at primary schools? Sue Morris discusses this in her second article on self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children

Boxing4Schools is the first project of its kind in the UK, linking schools with local amateur boxing clubs and endeavouring to address disaffected youths, discipline, respect and the battle against obesity

Fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASD) are regarded as the leading known cause of non-genetic intellectual disability in the Western world. Special Children gives some useful information about FASD and interviews the adoptive mother of a child with fetal alcohol sydrome

Is wrestling taught in your school? Wolverley secondary school business studies teacher Chris Green teaches wrestling at his school as an after-school activity

Local authorities owe a certain standard of care to children within their area. This case explores the legal implications and consequences of that responsibility, if it is believed to not have been upheld

Teaching children to pursue happiness can have real effects. Director of SEN service Dr Ruth MacConville writes about the happiness curriculum she developed in the London Borough of Ealing

The protection of older young people, particularly from the ages 16 to 18, can be overlooked. One serious case review of the suicide of a 16-year-old girl highlights the issues involved, explains Jenni Whitehead

A resource developed by ECPAT UK raises pupil's awareness of child trafficking and invites them to make an informed decision about joining a campaign

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This free SEAL resource aims to help students with emotional learning by introducing them to the "Happiness Curriculum"

What makes young people want to commit suicide, and, crucially, how can we prevent it? Jenni Whitehead looks at research and approaches to helping

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These five SEAL activities, aimed at key stages 3-5, promote a whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing and emotional learning, by helping teachers to engage young people

Would a project designed to help secondary students address their emotional needs and wellbeing benefit those at your school? Read on for former assistant headteacher Val Taylor's experience at her school with Reaching Out

NICE guidance advises that primary schools take a whole-school approach to children's emotional and social wellbeing. Raising Achievement Update has a look

Does two hours of PE a week really mean enough physical activity for children? Samantha Wilkinson discusses her research and findings

All children benefit from exercise - including those with asthma. Understanding the condition can help teachers support those who suffer from it, says Jill Wyatt

Schools working with the National Healthy Schools Programme are embracing a range of non-traditional 'street sports', such as rollerblading or iceskating, in order to develop healthier lifestyles in young people

The statistics regarding childhood health and overweight children are alarming, says Roger Smith. Here are some practical suggestions to promote healthy eating habits in children

Sue Morris looks at self-harm and suicidal behaviour in primary school children, including the definitions, prevalence rates and the factors that increase and reduce risk

A ready-to-print PE resource: this free teaching activity, a students' fitness diary template for you to print out and use, allows pupils to create their own fitness programme

Suggestions for PE lessons plans for year 6, to strengthen the links between primary practices and the KS2 and KS3 cross-over

Personal development and well-being at work are the themes of the last issue of CPD Week this school year

The Staying Safe Action Plan was launched by Ed Balls in February 2008, but what does the government hope to achieve with Staying Safe, and will it work? Susie Roome discusses the policy and practical implications of this three-year strategy

Whilst touching on the harmful affects of drugs and alcohol, this assembly examines the different ways in which people seek to feel a 'buzz' in life - some in healthy ways and others more harmfully

Thinking about death with secondary students, and imagining flying homes with primary pupils read more

CPD Week looks at opportunities to support school staff holistically, through effective structures for professional development

Early Years Update focuses on the importance of health and well being with babies, toddlers and three- to five-year-old children. This is part of a range of practical ideas to underpin the information in the Early Years Foundation Stage Principles into Practice cards

Your teaching staff must have the health and physical capacity to teach, but in assessing this you must make sure you comply with disability discrimination rules, says Yvonne Spencer

Whose opinion takes precedence in a dispute over provision, asks Michael Segal - parent or local authority?

Meditation can help create calmer and more relaxed classes as well as help a school achieve great SAT scores, says Kevin Hogston

Multi-agency working to support vulnerable young people can be an important strand of extended school provision, says Lisa McClarence, who gives an overview of the counselling work she does in schools