How Can We Empower Schools to Thrive

By Hayley T Wheeler , founder of EmotionMind and friend of Compass Education UK & IE

Schools are doing more with less

School is a microcosm of society, where challenges and triumphs coexist. Reliance on funding and government means competing priorities will always remain. At the heart of this ecosystem are children, staff, and leaders navigating these challenges the best they can in education today.

Teachers are tasked with meeting the ever-changing needs of children, often without adequate external support. Many believe social care is broken, leaving schools to pick up the pieces. Waiting times for assessments are long, and support for children’s needs is declining. Meanwhile, teachers manage classes, behaviour, and struggle to meet attainment expectations.

A system under strain

It is clear from recent conversations that teachers remaining in the profession are there for the right reasons and are deeply invested. It is our responsibility to support them and their passion for teaching the next generation.

Wellbeing, when reduced to a “tick-box” exercise, becomes the breaking point for many teachers. It’s unsustainable for teachers to meet growing student needs without adequate support for their own wellbeing.

In 2022, around 40,000 teachers left the profession for reasons other than retirement, leading to a loss of experienced and passionate educators.

Children are affected too. The world has changed. Social media and phones affect their wellbeing, behaviour, and learning. What we do now is crucial for their futures.

Creating the conditions for wellbeing

Senior leaders manage competing priorities, allocating funding, resources, and time to ensure school performance. They play a crucial role in nurturing the wellbeing of the entire school community, students, teachers, staff, and parents. Prioritising wellbeing can foster resilience, engagement, attainment, and happiness.

Wellbeing in schools goes beyond addressing mental health or promoting physical fitness. It includes emotional, social, and psychological dimensions, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported. Leaders have the chance to create an environment where wellbeing is a shared priority, empowering all to contribute to a positive school culture.

Achieving this requires a strategic approach, integrating technology, data insights, and a deep understanding of the school community’s unique needs.

A framework that works

Wellbeing isn’t achieved through one-off initiatives or posters on a wall, it needs to be built into the daily fabric of school life. For many leaders, that means having a clear, realistic framework to guide decisions, actions, and priorities. Here are six key areas that, when embedded thoughtfully, can make a real difference.

• Prioritise mental health – provide access to mental health support services, promote positive coping strategies, and create a stigma-free environment where students and staff feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns.
• Nurture emotional wellbeing – foster a sense of belonging, encourage empathy and compassion, and teach emotional regulation skills.
• Support physical health – promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.
• Enhance social wellbeing – create opportunities for social interaction, foster positive relationships, and address bullying and harassment.
• Develop a sense of purpose – help students and staff understand their role in the school community and how their work contributes to a larger purpose.
• Provide early intervention – offer support and resources to individuals who may be struggling with their emotional wellbeing.

How technology supports wellbeing

Modern Management Information Systems (MIS) can play a pivotal role in helping school leaders capture comprehensive, real-time insights into the wellbeing of their students and staff, supporting a positive wellbeing culture.

Chronicle is a powerful tool at the heart of the MIS created by Compass Education that is having a real impact on the wellbeing of school communities in the UK and globally. With Compass, schools can:

• Gather data-driven insights – track key indicators of wellbeing, such as attendance, behaviour, and academic performance, to identify areas of concern and tailor interventions accordingly.
• Personalise support – use data to provide personalised support for students and staff who may be struggling, creating more time and space for them to thrive.
• Promote communication and collaboration – facilitate communication between school staff, students, and parents to build a strong school community, relationships, and support networks.

Our shared vision

Chronicle by Compass has the ability to build a holistic picture of what is going on with a child, effectively sharing relevant information and good practice insights to identify key areas of support.

Through early intervention and preventative measures, we can help schools foster a culture of wellbeing that allows all members of the education ecosystem to thrive.

About the Author

Hayley T Wheeler , founder of EmotionMind and friend of Compass Education, is a mental health pioneer revolutionising the landscape with her EmotionMind Dynamic process. With a unique perspective forged from her personal triumph over depression, she empowers others to unlock their potential. Through her inspiring work, she illuminates the profound connection between emotions and the mind, unlocking the potential for peak performance in business, education, sports, and life.

“I share Compass Education’s passion for combining human connection with technology and data, to increase the possibility of creating a supportive learning environment.”

— Hayley T Wheeler

For any MIS enquiries, get in touch.

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