Well-being 4 Schools
Derek Kinnen BEd(Hons) MEd
PGDipEd(Autism)
PGCert Psychological Well-being
Helping pupils flourish and thrive.
Well-being in schools
I have worked within education in Northern Ireland since 1992, having taught in both the primary mainstream and Special Education sectors. Currently, as an autism support teacher and parent I want my own children and those whom I support to be happy in school.
Regrettably for many pupils anxiety, stress and emotional distress are occuring features of their school journeys. And yet we know that pursuing healthier ways of thinking and living through cultivating practices such as gratitude, optimism, reframing negative thoughts and mindfulness really can have a major impact on our own and others’ happiness.
I wish to help pupils learn how to recognise and manage their reactions to both positive and negative emotions; cope with and manage stressful situations and help them to thrive in life by being rooted in healthy psychological well-being practices.
As both a parent and educationalist, I believe that more than ever, we need to enable children to flourish into rounded, self-controlled, compassionate, content and resilient individuals.
Get in touch to learn more.
State of Children's
Mental Health in NI
HSCB Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey 2020
1 in 8 children and young people in Northern Ireland experienced emotional difficulties and 1 in 10 had conduct problems.
Boys aged 5-10 years had higher levels of emotional problems than girls in the same age group
NICCY 2021
Children and young people have been adversely impacted by the pandemic, which has had a knock-on effect on their mental health and wellbeing.
Our well-being roots
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree....
Genesis 21: 33
A tamarisk tree is a hardy slow growing evergreen tree that can vigorously grow in dry, hot conditions whilst providing cool shade and sustenance in an hostile environment.
A symbol of resilience, hope and endurance!
Victor E Frankl
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
As a teacher with 30 years experience in NI education, I offer sessions through NISTR to either present staff training and/or whole class pupil well-being sessions across Key Stages 1 & 2 on the following themes:
Emotional Well-being
Staying Healthy and Happy.
Managing emotional states
The 'Upstairs & Downstairs Brain.' Learning to 'engage' rather than 'enrage' our brains.
Positive thinking
What to do when negative thoughts stick in our mind?
Sensory awareness
Recognising internal bodily sensations including feelings and emotion.
Resilience
'Trying when it is hard.'
Mindfulness for the classroom
Opting out of automatic pilot and enjoying the moment of being in the present.
School Feedback and Teacher Comments
Whole-class Pupil Emotional Regulation Sessions
"Very approachable...very helpful...worth a call."
Mr S Gray
Principal
Ballymacash Primary School, Lisburn
School Partnership Sensory Awareness Twilight Training
"Fabulous staff training."
Mrs T McCauley
SENCo
Harmony Hill Primary School, Lisburn
Positive Approaches to Behaviour & Well-Being Staff Training
"Excellent Training and very engaging..."
Mr S Patterson
Principal
Fort Hill Integrated Primary School, Lisburn
School Baker Day Whole Staff Training - Sensory Awareness
"Wonderful training... Thank-you so much...
Lots of wonderful tips for our teachers and Classroom Assistants..."
Miss Jaclyn Wortley
SENCo
Meadow Bridge Primary School, Hillsborough
Below are links to worthwhile websites that you may find useful in
promoting psychological well-being
among your staff and pupils
Resources
Back to School Resources
- Teacher well-being Preparation - 3 Little thoughts to inspire you as a teacher.
- Helping children succeed with emotions and sensory input
Supporting School Staff
- Supporting your own psychological well-being in the classroom as a teacher or adult assistant
- Supporting Teacher Wellbeing at Work
- Health and Well-being hub – support for school staff in NI
- Mental Health and Wellbeing in Primary Schools - the importance of supporting a good mental health lifestyle in early stages of a child’s life
Supporting pupils
- Positive Behaviour Strategies to assist teachers and adult assistants in class
- Assembly and class activity ideas plus tip sheets to support pupil mental health
- Teaching happiness and well-being in the classroom
- Mindfulness activities for primary school aged pupils
- Sensory Circuits Information for Schools
Templates to download
