This podcast includes Do Be Mindful's founder presenting her own programme. Louise Smith founded Do Be Mindful; Nicola is a headteacher from Wales describing her school's experience of it. HeadteacherChat has not independently tested the programme. Published 14 October 2024.

What this covers

  • Why staff wellbeing comes first: stressed staff struggle to support pupils' mental health.
  • What the Do Be Mindful online programme offers staff and pupils, from early years to secondary.
  • Starting a whole-school approach with staff tools for managing stress and regulating emotions.
  • One headteacher's account of changes she saw after introducing it (her school is in Wales, which has its own curriculum and guidance).

Before you act on it

In England, the DfE's mental health and behaviour in schools guidance and its education staff wellbeing charter are the starting points for a whole-school approach.

About the session

This episode of the Headteacher Chat podcast focuses on creating a sustainable whole school approach to well-being for pupils and staff.

Guests Louise Smith, founder of Do Be Mindful, and Nicola, a headteacher from Wales, discuss the importance of mental health and well-being in schools, especially after COVID.

Here are the key points covered in the podcast:

The importance of staff well-being: Educators experiencing high levels of stress can't effectively support pupils' mental health.

Do Be Mindful programme: An online resource with mindfulness exercises for staff and pupils.

Sustainable approach: The programme starts with staff well-being, equipping them with tools to manage stress and regulate emotions.

Benefits for pupils: Includes resources for early years through secondary school that focus on practices like breathing exercises, social and emotional skills development, and self-awareness.

Positive impact: Nicola describes the positive changes observed in staff and pupils at her school after introducing the Do Be Mindful programme.

If you'd like to learn more about Do Be Mindful, you can visit their website or contact Louise Smith directly.

The podcast host also encourages listeners to connect with Headteacher Chat on social media or their website.