Schools today face a range of challenges when it comes to supporting their pupils. A rise in behavioural instances and exclusions alongside bullying and the lack of SEN provisions means leaves teachers struggling. When it comes to supporting pupil behaviour and learning, there may be an approach that can aid in resolving many challenges. In this article we will discuss the benefits of Social and Emotional Learning in schools and propose a way to implement it.
What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process in which children acquire the skills to recognise and manage their emotions. Throughout this process they develop care and concern for others, establish positive relationships and make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations effectively.
The core elements of SEL
There are five main core elements to SEL:
Self-Awareness
Through self-awareness pupils learn to recognise their own emotions, strengths, and values, and understanding how these affect their behaviour.
Self-Management
Self-management refers to managing your emotions, thoughts, and actions to achieve goals, and handling stress effectively.
Social Awareness
By learning social awareness, pupils will understand others’ perspectives, showing empathy, and appreciating diverse backgrounds.
Relationship Skills
This refers to a range of skills including communication skills listening, cooperating, resisting negative social pressure, and resolving conflicts constructively.
Responsible Decision-Making
This element revolves around making constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions based on ethical standards and safety.
Why is SEL Important?
SEL is a holistic process that is grounded in the ethics of care. The main aim of it is to enhance learners’ wellbeing, academic success, and active global citizenship. Promoting SEL in a school environment will lead to positive social change, better academic attainment, better interpersonal relationships between pupils and staff, and improved mental wellbeing. Additionally, SEL helps to reduce behavioural challenges, exclusions, instances of bullying, and inequality/
Specialist SEL Training
While SEL is not a separate subject in schools but one that is integrated to the learning, having a member of staff with specialist SEL skills would ensure adequate implementation of the learning.
LMP Education offers a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme in which learners can choose to specialise in Social Emotional Wellbeing as part of their apprenticeship. Social and Emotional Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistants support the implementation of policies and processes that promote emotional well-being. They observe student behaviour to identify social and emotional needs and design targeted wellbeing interventions to advance learning. They may interact with external specialists, social services, and other agencies to ensure comprehensive support for learners.
If you are interested in using this funded training programme to upskill a current member of staff, book a discovery call with the LMP team today!
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