Supporting Mental Health in Primary Schools

As Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is upon us, it’s an ideal time for primary educators to reflect on how both students and teachers’ mental well-being is being supported. This year’s theme, “Community,” reminds us that a strong sense of connection and belonging is at the heart of good mental health.

Why Mental Health Matters in Primary Education

Children’s mental health shapes everything; from their ability to focus in lessons to how they build friendships and respond to challenges. When a child feels safe, supported, and understood, their capacity to learn and grow is unlocked.

That’s why embedding mental health support into daily school life is so important. It’s not about adding more to our already-full plates; it’s about making small, consistent changes that build a safe, inclusive environment for everyone.

Supporting Students: Small Steps, Big Impact

Here are a few ways you can support mental health in your classroom:

• Start with feelings: Use emotion check-ins during registration to help children name and express how they feel.
• Create connection rituals: A morning circle, buddy system, or kindness jar can help pupils feel seen and valued.
• Model openness: Talk about emotions openly—share when you’re feeling stressed or proud (in an age-appropriate way) to normalise those conversations.
• Use available resources: Tools like the Mentally Healthy Schools Toolkit offer ready-made lessons and activities focused on feelings, friendship, and resilience.

Supporting Teacher Well-being

Let’s be honest, teaching can be emotionally demanding. Between the day-to-day classroom challenges and the emotional load of supporting young children, it’s easy to put our own needs last. But just as children thrive when supported, so do adults.

Here’s how staff can support one another:

• Check in with colleagues: A quick “How are you really doing?” can open the door to meaningful connection.

• Share strategies: Swapping tips that help with managing workload or stress can lighten the load for everyone.
• Protect your boundaries: Encourage each other to take proper breaks, finish on time when possible, and leave work at work.

Building a Mentally Healthy School Culture

Mental health shouldn’t fall on individual teachers alone, it’s something we grow together. Whole-school strategies that prioritise connection, empathy, and staff development are key.

Let’s keep the conversation going beyond this week. By supporting one another and championing mental health in small, everyday ways, we build a school community where everyone feels they belong; and that’s the most powerful foundation we can offer our pupils.