Making Sense of Mental Health and Wellbeing in Primary Schools: A Practical, Neuroscience-Based Guide

Building on the latest research in developmental neuroscience, this book provides an evidence-based, accessible and practical roadmap for those looking for more effective ways to support primary school pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

The guide begins by analysing current approaches before presenting a new, comprehensive framework for mental health and wellbeing curricula in primary schools. Focusing on building up mental health knowledge and key skills of children in a neuroscience-informed and age-appropriate way, the book:

• Translates key developmental processes in the mind and brain into learning outcomes, knowledge and skills with focus on Reception stage, KS1, and lower and upper KS2
• Lays out a 7-step, trauma-informed pedagogical approach for teaching mental health and wellbeing and provides a plethora of relevant activity examples
• Looks at the implementation of the curriculum framework as a whole school approach in primary schools, including its positioning within wider social contexts
• Explains key terms, with case studies and reflection opportunities throughout.

This innovative book is a must-have guide for primary school educators interested in understanding the mental health and wellbeing development of their pupils and finding research-based ways to effectively support them long-term. It is also valuable reading for pastoral leaders in schools, mental health professionals and policy makers.

Dusana Dorjee is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Education at the University of York where she is heading the Well Minds Lab. A clinical psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist by training, research in her lab focuses on developmental psychology and translational developmental neuroscience of mental health and wellbeing. Dusana’s research has been applied to development of two primary school mental health and wellbeing curricula in the UK. She has also contributed to policy initiatives on mental health and wellbeing in schools in Wales and internationally. Dusana has authored and co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications. This is her third book published by Routledge.