This programme is based on the planned details for the 2024 original date - which we had to reduce due to the snow.
We are striving to provide the same details, though please note this programme is subject to change.
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Mentally healthy schools conference 2025
Conference programme
09:30 Welcome and introduction
09:45 Mental wellbeing and attendance in education settings - Amy Shelton, Anna Freud Centre
The keynote will outline the current national context and guidance on attendance. Through the lived experiences of children, young people and families, it will give an understanding of how emotional, mental health and wellbeing issues can present significant barriers to attendance. The keynote will equip schools and colleges with the knowledge and tools to implement a whole-school approach to mental wellbeing and attendance, including evidence-based interventions and strategies.
11:15 Refreshments, networking and exhibition
Exhibition displays
A supportive space of teams sharing the services on offer to support both children and young people and staffs health and wellbeing within schools. Please see exhibitor webpage for more information.
11:45 The power of youth - Connor Warren, CEO and Founder, Spark UK
How can we support young people with their mental health? How can we empower young people to look after themselves? How can we be positive role-models for young people?
This keynote will share ideas with delegates on how they can support young people and how they can embed mental health support into day-to-day school life. We will outline 3 key pillars in how to support youth mental health as well as a personal story from a young person.
12:45 Lunch, networking and exhibition
Exhibition displays
A supportive space of teams sharing the services on offer to support both children and young people and staffs health and wellbeing within schools. Please see exhibitor webpage for more information.
14:00 Workshops: Teachable moments provided by peers - see more detail on content below
40 minute sessions repeated three times. Delegates can attend 3 out of the 4 sessions provided. Sessions are to be pre-booked in advance of event.
Self Reflection - supporting leaders well being – Sarah Butler, Deputy Head, Haytor View
School-based strategies to support Mental Health and Wellbeing - Claire Norman (SENDCO) and Sinead Coville (Mental Health Lead) Exminster Primary School
Using character development in the classroom and to support individuals - Rachael Sharpe, Director of Education, Alumnis MAT, Lyndsey Bolton, Character Lead, Alumnis MAT and James Creek, Social Inclusion Officer, Alumnis MAT
Circle of Adults – supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, parents/carers and staff – Rhiannon Alcock, Deputy SENDCO, St Peters Church of England Aided School and Attachment Lead Teacher
16:00 Close of conference - a continued chance for networking and discussion with the exhibition
Sarah Butler, Deputy Head, Haytor View
Introduction on the use of Self Reflection at Haytor View Community Primary School and Nursery using Solution - focused brief therapy. As a school we made a commitment to investing in the provision of 45 minutes fortnightly to each learning and school leader has been made. The core purpose for this time is for individuals to engage in reflective practice focused upon supporting their development and improving outcomes for children.
Claire Norman (SENDCO) and Sinead Coville (Mental Health Lead) Exminster Primary School
An overview of the Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision offered at Exminster Community Primary School to support young people’s mental and health and well-being. The workshop will offer you the opportunity to reflect on your current practice and provision, and provide time to reflect and identify areas of growth and next steps. Sinead and Claire will provide signposting to resources and websites that have been helpful in supporting the mental health of young people.
Rachael Sharpe, Director of Education, Alumnis MAT, Lyndsey Bolton, Character Lead, Alumnis MAT and James Creek, Social Inclusion Officer, Alumnis MAT
In this interactive workshop, we will explore effective strategies to integrate character development seamlessly into daily lessons, classroom routines, and the broader curriculum. Discover how to "catch, teach, and practice" positive character virtues, making these skills as essential as any academic subject. From using character to support and enhance classroom conduct, to working with individual pupils to understand and develop their own unique values, this workshop offers tools and insights to guide every student toward becoming a compassionate, resilient and inspiring changemaker.
Participants will learn practical techniques for weaving character education into their teaching, fostering a classroom environment where virtues like empathy, responsibility, and perseverance come to life. Through engaging activities and real-life examples, we’ll delve into how to inspire each child to not only understand key character virtues but to live them daily. Join us to gain fresh approaches for helping young learners understand their own identities, make responsible choices, and create positive change both within and beyond the classroom.
Prepare to leave this session with actionable ideas that will empower your pupils to grow into thoughtful, principled, and capable young citizens
Rhiannon Alcock, Deputy SENDCO, St Peters Church of England Aided School and Attachment Lead Teacher
Circle of Adults is a relational model which advocates a holistic approach to supporting pupils and their needs by bringing together staff, parents/carers and pupil voice to problem solve and create solutions that benefit the mental health and wellbeing of all.
