Andy Mellor is National Wellbeing Director for Schools Advisory Service and was previously the Strategic Lead for the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools at Leeds Beckett University. He has been the Independent Chair of the Blackpool MAT CEO group, and was a member of the Blackpool Opportunity Area Board. He was previously the head teacher of St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Blackpool, where he implemented a programme of change that prioritised improving the wellbeing of the eachers and children in the school, with remarkable results.
Placing an overemphasis on academic achievement through traditional teaching often leaves students feeling disconnected, stressed, and uninterested. This lack of engagement frequently contributes to poor behaviour and classroom disruption. Unfortunately, teachers are acutely aware of this problem and, in turn, experience "moral distress" as they deliver a curriculum that they know isn't effective in meeting the needs of their learners.In The Wellbeing Effect, Andy Mellor argues for another way: one where wellbeing sits at the heart of school culture. Drawing on his knowledge of schools that have embraced this approach, he shows how prioritising wellbeing allows teachers to teach using flair, personality and passion, while students learn by being genuinely engaged and inspired. With refreshing honesty and practical strategies, Andy challenges the idea that driving school improvement and providing good mental health provision are competing priorities in schools. He demonstrates that prioritising wellbeing isn't inconsistent with raising standards, but in fact drives better personal and academic outcomes, improves inclass behaviour, and better prepares students for the next stage of their learning journey or future employment.It's time to re-engage with learning that improves our wellbeing and creates vibrant, knowledgeable, lifelong learners!