Supporting the mental wellbeing of students in education isn't just an add-on — it's the foundation of their success. For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), this support becomes even more important, requiring approaches as unique as their individual needs. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Caro Strover, Senior Educational Psychologist, and Will Rogers, Head of SEND at Totton College, who shared their invaluable insights. Here are 7 powerful strategies for addressing the unique needs of SEN students, helping you build a truly supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment, enabling every student to thrive.
A strong sense of belonging is foundational to mental health. When students feel like they don’t fit in—whether in the classroom, school, or among peers—it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and isolation. These emotions are especially common among SEN students, who may already feel different from their peers.
To counteract this, it’s vital to create environments where all students feel they belong. Begin by assessing each student’s unique needs to ensure they’re placed in a classroom setting that feels welcoming and appropriate. Simple strategies like peer mentoring, inclusive group activities, and visible reminders of each student’s importance in the class can reinforce their sense of belonging.
Example: An educator might create group activities that pair students with different strengths, allowing each learner to contribute uniquely. This helps SEN students feel they are valued members of the class.
Bullying can be deeply personal, and SEN students are often more sensitive to interpersonal dynamics. If a student expresses that they are being bullied, it’s crucial to validate their feelings and take action, regardless of how the situation may appear from an external viewpoint. Every student deserves to feel safe and understood.
By taking a proactive approach to all reports of bullying, educators demonstrate that each student’s perspective is valued, contributing to an environment of trust and safety. Even if bullying may not appear severe from an adult perspective, acknowledging the student's experience is key to supporting their mental health.
Example: An educator might implement an anonymous reporting system, ensuring students feel safe sharing their experiences. This can empower students to express concerns and reduce feelings of isolation.
Meaningful learning is built on a foundation of trust between educators and students. Developing a strong, supportive relationship fosters an environment where students feel seen, valued, and motivated to learn. Invest time in connecting with students to create a positive, impactful bond.
To build this bond, educators can show a consistent interest in students’ thoughts, opinions, and well-being. This can be as simple as greeting students individually each morning, celebrating their unique qualities, and showing patience during challenges. Building these connections provides students with a secure space, fostering both emotional and academic growth.
Example: A teacher might set aside time each week for one-on-one check-ins, asking students how they’re feeling and if they have any challenges they’d like support with. This practice strengthens trust and fosters open communication.
Gaining insight into a student’s life outside the classroom can provide invaluable context for their behaviour and needs. Engage with parents and caregivers, as they often observe aspects of the child’s personality or behaviour that may not be visible in a school setting. Bridging this gap helps in supporting each student holistically.
Establishing regular, open communication with families allows educators to gain a fuller picture of the student’s world. Parents and caregivers are also valuable partners in developing support plans tailored to each student’s unique needs. The more educators know about the student’s background and family environment, the better equipped they are to provide empathetic, well-rounded support.
Example: A teacher might schedule informal “coffee chats” with parents or guardians throughout the year to discuss the student’s development and any notable behaviours they may have observed outside school. This builds trust and provides valuable insights that support both the student and educator.
While academics are important, focusing on life skills and soft skills is equally crucial for SEN learners. Developing social, emotional, and communication skills can be transformative, giving students the tools to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Educators can incorporate these skills into daily lessons, emphasising areas like empathy, self-regulation, and resilience. For SEN students, acquiring these soft skills can be particularly empowering, preparing them for life beyond school and supporting their overall wellbeing.
Example: A teacher could start each day with a short session on emotional awareness, where students are encouraged to express how they’re feeling and practice naming different emotions. This not only builds self-awareness but also fosters a supportive classroom culture.
Confidence is a powerful driver for growth, and for SEN students, recognising even small achievements can be profoundly motivating. Each step forward, no matter how small, builds a foundation of self-worth and resilience, encouraging them to persevere through challenges.
Regularly praise students for their efforts and accomplishments. This could include verbal recognition, stickers, certificates, or even a “success wall” where students can share their achievements. Small celebrations build a positive feedback loop, making students feel proud and motivated to continue working hard.
Example: An educator might keep a daily “celebration moment,” where students share something they’re proud of, whether it’s academic, social, or personal. This builds a culture of support and self-confidence across the entire classroom.
Learning inherently involves making mistakes, and creating an environment where students feel safe to fail without fear of judgement is essential. When students feel safe to take risks, they’re more likely to engage actively with learning and develop resilience in the face of setbacks.
Encourage students to view mistakes as opportunities for growth by modelling this attitude yourself. If a student answers a question incorrectly, take a moment to praise their effort and use it as a learning opportunity. This approach teaches students that their worth is not defined by perfection but by their willingness to try and learn.
Example: A teacher might create a “mistake jar,” where students and teachers alike can anonymously share mistakes they made that week and what they learned from them. This normalises the learning process and emphasises that mistakes are part of personal and academic growth.
Supporting SEN students’ mental wellbeing is a holistic effort that requires commitment, empathy, and collaboration between educators, families, and the students themselves. By focusing on belonging, addressing bullying with sensitivity, building strong relationships, understanding students’ backgrounds, teaching essential life skills, celebrating progress, and creating a safe space for mistakes, we empower students to transform their struggles into strengths.
When students feel secure, valued, and capable, they’re more likely to flourish in both their academic pursuits and personal lives. Together, we can create a more inclusive future and educational spaces where every student can find strength, resilience, and the support they need to thrive.
You have the power to make your classroom a safe haven where students learn not just to overcome anxiety and other well being challenges but to harness their potential. Uncover more strategies and resources here.
Looking for more? Explore the PAGS SEN platform — a powerful tool designed to help schools and educators meet the academic and emotional needs of their students, enabling:
To learn more about how PAGS can transform your approach to SEN, contact us here or schedule an appointment here.
For more insights about Will Rogers and Nacro Education visit their website. Find out more about Caro Strover here.
Supporting students' mental wellbeing is key to their success, especially for those with Special Educational Needs. In this article, Caro Strover, Senior Educational Psychologist, and Will Rogers, Head of SEND at Totton College, share 7 strategies for creating an inclusive, supportive environment.
Download PDFSupporting students' mental wellbeing is key to their success, especially for those with Special Educational Needs. In this article, Caro Strover, Senior Educational Psychologist, and Will Rogers, Head of SEND at Totton College, share 7 strategies for creating an inclusive, supportive environment.
Supporting students' mental wellbeing is key to their success, especially for those with Special Educational Needs. In this article, Caro Strover, Senior Educational Psychologist, and Will Rogers, Head of SEND at Totton College, share 7 strategies for creating an inclusive, supportive environment.
