A clear and compelling text written by teachers, psychologists and educationalists, this book advocates a movement away from the medicalised mode of mental health, instead embracing a dynamic and relational approach to supporting the mental health needs of children and young people within education.

A clear and compelling text written by teachers, psychologists, and educationalists, Relational Practice: New Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools proposes a dynamic and relational approach to supporting the mental health needs of children and young people within education. Contributing authors advocate a movement away from the deficit, medicalised model of mental health and instead encourage readers to embrace a relational approach, considering philosophical and spiritual dimensions, as well as the wider everyday contexts that shape the mental health of individuals, groups, and school communities.

Filled with case studies, intervention strategies, and CPD activities, this essential guide bridges the gap between theory, research, and practice to offer evidence-based resources for practical application within schools.

Areas covered include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting neurodivergent and LGBT+ students to thrive
• Creating and actioning an anti-racist approach
• Multi-agency interventions
• Relationships in SEND settings
• Creating a supportive culture to enhance staff wellbeing
• Appreciative inquiry
• Staff perceptions of Building Relational Schools (BRS)
• The role of intersubjective processes and the impact they have on relationships in educational settings

Providing a comprehensive introduction to relational practice within education, this is an indispensable resource for anyone working in education who wishes to support the mental health and wellbeing of their school community.