We’ve recently been asked to join the Well Schools Movement’s Advisory Panel, who aim to create the happiest, healthiest schools in the world – and we’re thrilled!
What’s a Well School?
A Well School places just as much emphasis on health and wellbeing as it does on academic performance. It understands that children and young people are more effective learners when they are happy and healthy, and that they must take care of their staff and their pupils' well-being to create a culture that allows everyone to reach their potential. Well Schools is powered by Youth Sport Trust, a children’s charity working to ensure every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport, and who are passionate about improving the life-chances of every child.
Bringing together educators, organisations and sector leaders, the Well Schools Movement provides expertise, guidance and a bank of free-to-access resources to support children, teachers and school staff.
The Well Schools approach centres on three pillars:
- Well Led
Staff and Headteacher wellbeing actively supported and championed, ensuring whole school is well led and connected with the wider school community. - Well Prepared
Every child has a foundation of physical and emotional literacy to prepare them to be effective learners and cope with the pressures of life. - Well Equipped
Every child is equipped with life skills through a curriculum and enrichment programme that develops social capital to thrive in a modern world.
Through this partnership, a Well School will be encouraged to consider how the Skills Builder Universal Framework can support their work to equip learners with the skills to thrive, as well as supporting staff wellbeing and development.
Tom Varley brings essential skills to life in the latest Well Schools podcast
Tom Varley, our Lead Associate for Inclusion, who has been working closely with partners on the Advisory Panel, appears on the latest episode of the Well Schools podcast. Speaking to Ant Judge and Chris Wright from Youth Sport Trust, Tom discusses why equipping students with the essential skills needed for their future will allow them to solve big problems and be the leaders of tomorrow, looking at practical ways to weave a focus on skills through all areas of the school day.
