Many pupils face challenges at home that can significantly impact their academic performance and overall wellbeing. As educators and support networks, understanding these struggles and knowing how to respond with compassion can make a real difference in a young person’s life. 

Recognising the Warning Signs 

Young people experiencing crises at home may show signs such as: 

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or engagement in schoolwork 
  • Increased absenteeism or lateness 
  • Difficulty concentrating or completing assignments 
  • Withdrawal from friends, teachers, or extracurricular activities 
  • Signs of distress, anxiety, or unexplained aggression 

Recognising these signals early can help ensure that the right support is provided when it’s needed most. 

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment 

Teachers, mentors, and school staff play a crucial role in developing stability and security for students in crisis. Here are a few ways schools can cultivate a safe and supporting environment

Encourage Open Communication

While there are signs that a pupil could be struggling teachers can identify, pupils can be good at hiding exactly what’s going on. This is why it’s important for teachers to be a safe space for pupils to share what’s on their mind and any struggles they may be facing. Let your pupils know they can speak to you in confidence and without judgment and are there to support them whenever they need.

Be a Consistent Presence

If a pupil’s home life is unpredictable, having stability in school can be the reassurance they need to feel comfortable and confident to reach out. Work to ensure that the school environment is predictable and consistent. If changes must be made, notice if any pupils in your classroom struggle more than others to except the change and reach out to try and gauge what underline issues may be causing their discomfort. 

Practice Active Listening

Sometimes, being heard is the first step in helping a young person navigate their struggles. When your pupils reach out to speak to you, be engaged and listen to what’s on their mind. Not only will this be showing them that you are a trusted person they can speak to, but you might hear something that could indicate to a larger issue.

Connecting Families with Resources 

For pupils in crisis, professional and community support can be life changing. Schools can help by: 

  • Referring families to local counselling services or mental health support networks 
  • Providing access to school-based wellbeing programs 
  • Connecting families with food banks, financial aid services, or community support groups 

Alternative Provision

At times, pupils who face crisis at home struggle within traditional education and may act out which could cause them to be excluded. This is where Alternative Provision comes in to support the pupil and help to reintegrate them into mainstream schools or complete their education.

LMP Action CIC is experienced in delivering support to young people to help them reintegrate into mainstream education by using restorative practice, specialist programmes, vocational qualifications and core subject learning where attending mainstream education is not suitable.

We are committed to providing intervention, positive relationships and varied learning styles to aid a young person’s success and give them the best possible opportunities. When it comes to school and education, we understand that everyone is different. It is absolutely crucial that individuals are given the tools, support and network they need to success.

Learn more about Alternative Provision.

The Importance of Designated Safeguarding Staff Members

When faced with concerns about a pupil, it is important to follow correct safeguarding procedures. This is why it is key for a school to have qualified safeguarding staff members who can adequately signpost teachers to the right resources and processes to dealing with a safeguarding concern.

Many schools relay on once-a-year safeguarding training for staff, however, this may not be enough to adequately prepare team members for all situations. Likewise, having additional team members upskilled to support safeguarding would elevate the school’s safeguarding work.

LMP Education has recently launched a brand-new Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship programme. This programme is designed for individuals who work within safeguarding or have safeguarding responsibilities as part of their role with an aim to get them up to speed with the most up to date safeguarding information and help keep schools safe.

Every pupil deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. By recognising challenges early, fostering a nurturing environment, and linking families to essential resources, we can help young people navigate difficult times with confidence and resilience. 

If you would like to discuss upskilling a team member through the Safeguarding Support Officer programme book a discovery call with the LMP Team today! 

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