We recently delivered our Master Your Moods module at Beckmead College as part of our work supporting staff wellbeing in schools. Andy worked with over 40 members of the teaching team to explore the relationship between moods and emotions, how mood can influence our concentration, motivation and productivity both across the school day and in our wider lives. It was a chance to think about how emotional reactions can show up in busy and demanding school roles, and how they can be shaped by the pressures and pace of school life.
Supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools works best with a whole-school approach, where staff wellbeing, pupil experiences and the wider school environment are closely connected. Guidance on promoting children and young people’s mental health recognises staff development as an important part of this, including creating opportunities to understand staff wellbeing needs, offering space for reflection, and helping staff to take steps towards better health and work-life balance. Master Your Moods supports this kind of staff development by creating space for reflection, helping staff notice their wellbeing needs, and offering practical ways of supporting health and work-life balance within the realities of school life.
What staff told us after the session
What stood out most clearly in the feedback was confidence and practical application.
- All staff said they felt confident identifying practical steps to support their own wellbeing.
- All staff said they were likely to put what they learned into practice, both for themselves and in their work with pupils
- Most staff felt confident talking about moods and emotions, with 86% feeling confident discussing these topics with colleagues and 85% feeling confident discussing them with pupils
Many staff also reported increased understanding of how moods and emotions interact, and a broader understanding of mental health and wellbeing.