How to create a safe and supportive learning environment

Student success and wellbeing are tied to a safe and supportive learning environment, so how can you make your school ready for success?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Action for Healthy Kids

One of the most important pillars of child health and well-being is building a safe and supportive learning environment, one which is conducive to the overall health of the child in the following ways.

Engagement

There are strong relationships between students, teachers, families and schools and amongst the broader school community. Family and community engagement should be:

• Culturally responsive and socially aware – schools recognise and celebrate cultural identity and familial norms.
• Relationship-building – nurturing adults embrace positive attitudes and acknowledge and validate students’ lived experiences and needs.
• Inclusive and participatory – the community is invited to participate in school activities and shown that their engagement is valuable.

Safety

Schools, and school-related activities, are safe from violence, bullying, harassment and controlled-substance use.

Emotional safety

The school adopts and practices core components of social emotional learning.

Instruction includes experiential learning, behaviour modelling, mindfulness and more.

Staff are well-versed in trauma sensitivity.

Physical safety

There is a culture of awareness and prevention around bullying and digital harassment. Substance misuse prevention education is included in the health curriculum. Emergency readiness and management, such as drills and safety plans, exist and are understood by all.

Environment

The physical, academic and disciplinary environments are well-managed, supportive and fair.

Physical environment

• The building is clean, well-lit, and kept at a comfortable temperature.
• There is access to clean water.
• School grounds include access to play spaces.
• Overcrowding is prevented.

Instructional environment

Classroom management includes restorative practices, creative spaces, and engaging, interactive instruction.

Physical health

• Students have access to school health services and programmes.
• Meals and food meet optimal nutrition standards.
• Physical activity and movement are integrated throughout the day.

Mental health

• Students have access to mental health programmes and services (eg professionals such as counsellors and/or social workers are in the school building).
• Staff members are trained in de-escalation strategies and crisis intervention.

Discipline

Discipline is positive – such as school-wide climate improvements, empathy role-playing, circle time and conflict resolution – versus punitive, such as suspension and exclusion.

The school encourages self-discipline through self-management.

This is a long list, and it may seem impossible to achieve all of the above, but just understanding, and working towards, creating a safe and supportive learning environment is a step toward helping children thrive. Whether you’re a parent, or an educator striving to make your school a healthier place, you can simplify things by choosing a couple of these practices to advocate for and implement. 

Gather (or fight for) the resources you need, and get others on your side. Children benefit when we all work together to make change happen.