Fostering Belonging Through Compassionate Care in Education

Educationalists have a long history of supporting children and young people who have experienced challenges in their lives. However, with ever-increasing societal changes, many are rethinking their approaches to the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils. Some have responded by focusing more on compassionate leadership and nurturing and trauma-informed approaches. The chapter provides an overview of some of the contemporary issues impacting the health and wellbeing of children and young people, including how the global pandemic of Covid-19 has facilitated new understanding. There will be a focus on how experiences of trauma, abuse and adversity can affect development and behaviour. The terms and intervention methods currently in vogue will be considered. There will be a focus on the importance of compassionate leadership that facilitates a whole setting response and the importance of self-care.