UK health provider suggests teaching wellbeing at school

A study by health provider Nuffield Health is suggesting that wellbeing should be timetabled in schools alongside English and Maths. 

The suggestion of introducing a “head of wellness” into schools comes following a two-year pilot scheme where a member of staff was assigned the role at Wood Green Secondary School in Oxfordshire, teaching children about mental health and wellbeing. 

11 year-groups reported an improvement in energy and relaxation levels and an increased ability to deal with problems, as well as a 48% rise in average fruit consumption and 59% in vegetables, the study found. 

Teachers also felt the benefit too, according to the data, with a “significant increase” on a scale used to measure wellbeing, as well as a 7% rise in average fruit consumption and 13% in vegetables.

The head teacher, Robert Shadbolt, said the programme was such a success that wellbeing is now being timetabled and added into the curriculum.

Nuffield Health is now offering a free-of-charge six-week programme to be used in schools across the country, covering guidance for children on what they should eat, how often they should exercise and how much screen time on digital devices they should have. 

Davina Deniszczyc, Nuffield Health medical director, said: “There is a gap in the provision of wellbeing support in schools that urgently needs addressing.”

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