The menu of options is part of the National Education Programme (NPO), in which the government is making €8.5 billion available to invest in pupils affected by the coronavirus measures and to offer them equal opportunities. Through a school scan, schools can map out how pupils are doing cognitively, executively and socially. The collaborating knowledge institutes had previously published a guideline to support schools with this school scan. The recently developed menu of interventions can then be used to develop an action plan, implementing suitable interventions.
Why work on well-being at school now?
During the coronavirus pandemic, most young people (and adults) experience more stress, including more worrying, greater concerns about the future and the loss of contact with one another. Although this is a 'normal' response to an 'abnormal' situation, it is also becoming clear that different groups of young people respond differently to this situation. Among children and young people who already had emotional, social or physical problems, these problems appear to be worsening, leading to greater inequality of opportunity.
Working on pupils' well-being leads to better academic performance, better social and emotional skills, a reduction in problem behaviour and anxiety and depression symptoms, a reduction in the use of youth support and youth care services, improved working memory and concentration, a more positive attitude towards school and teachers, greater motivation to learn, less delay in obtaining diplomas, less school dropout and a better starting position for participation in society. Well-being and learning outcomes cannot be viewed separately.
Working on well-being in the short term
Research shows that integrated programmes implemented over a longer period are the most effective. Nevertheless, there are also things a school can do now to assess pupils' well-being and choose appropriate actions. In the short term, it is particularly important to identify where there are concerns regarding well-being; this may apply to the school, a class or an individual pupil. Focusing on the well-being of the school team itself, clarifying the different aspects of well-being and setting priorities are the first steps in this process. The Practical Guide to Well-being: from analysis to intervention provides a clear overview of these steps and offers insight into where suitable interventions can be found.
Questions or would you like to discuss this?
Do you have a specific question or would you like to discuss what we can do for your school? Please contact us at [email protected].
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