Feeling accepted, respected, included, and supported at school is important for children’s wellbeing and academic success
Devon’s Relational Policy and Practice and OAIP frameworks demonstrate the importance of investing time and resources to improving relationships. Taking a whole-school approach to relational practice can lead to positive outcomes including:
- Improved inclusion of vulnerable pupils.
- Improvements in engagement, learning and behaviour.
- A sense of belonging within the school community for pupils.
Ways to help build a sense of belonging
A number of approaches can be taken to support members of the school community feel a sense of belonging. This includes:
- Embedding relational policy and practice throughout all aspects of the school.
- Where pupils are experiencing difficulties with attendance make sure they have opportunities to build trusting relationships with key members of staff.
- Make sure pupils feel safe in school and provide a ‘safe base’ through their interactions, predictability of routines, and management of the environment.
- Promoting a sense of connectedness and belonging to the school through sports, music, drama, charity events or other extra-curricular activities. Where a pupil is experiencing difficulties in attendance, speak with them about activities they could take part in. If there are no clubs that interest the pupil, there may be opportunities to start a club at school which could also promote a sense of belonging for pupils with similar interests.
- Encourage positive interactions among students. Implement peer mentoring programs and group activities that promote teamwork and friendship.
- Recognise and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of your students. This can include multicultural events, inclusive curriculum content, and classroom decorations that reflect diversity.
Working with parents to help promote a sense of belonging
Schools can work with parent carers to support in developing a pupil’s sense of belonging if they have been away from school including:
- Good home and school links such as having regular email, video calls or telephone contact with a key member of staff.
- Providing updates about school events, such as assemblies, trips, performance or sports events which can help a child feel connected to the school community.
- Supporting pupils to maintain friendships from school. Schools can work with parents to find ways in which children could be supported to attend after-school clubs or extra-curricular activates. Parents may also support in encouraging their child to meet friends after school or at weekends.
Resources
- Guidance for developing relational practice and policy
- Soft starts – Soft Starts in the Classroom: Creating a Calm and Engaging Learning Environment