Wellbeing and mental health at school :Guidelines for school leaders, teachers and educators

The “Guidelines for school leaders, teachers and educators to address wellbeing and mental health at school” were developed by the Commission Expert Group on supportive learning environments for groups at risk of underachievement and for supporting wellbeing at school. They are based on the evidence-informed framework “A systemic, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing in schools” and align with the logic and approach of the Council Recommendation on Pathways to School Success, the EU Strategy on the rights of the child and other frameworks proposed by international organisations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) “Health-promoting schools and systems” implemented in association with United Nations Children's Fund, and UNESCO, the OECD’s “Education for inclusive societies” project6 and UNESCO’s “Happy Schools Framework”. The guidelines are also aligned with the principles within UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Council of Europe’s approach to well-being and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document addresses school leaders, teachers and educators and offers a concise overview of the 11 recommendations. Its sister version addresses education policymakers. Both documents are complemented by a more in-depth version, addressing education policymakers, school leaders, teachers and educators, having the same structure and containing more detailed recommendations, supported by research evidence, good practice examples and practical tips.