Experts have created a pioneering new course to help secondary school staff support children become more emotionally literate, build trusting relationships and contribute to safe, healthy communities.
The innovative professional development course was designed in response to growing concerns about the mental health and well-being of young people.
It is designed to enhance knowledge, skills and understanding of socio emotional learning, a form of teaching designed to help children develop their personal skills so they can succeed in school.
Academics and Educational Psychologists from the University of Exeter and Devon County Council have partnered to create the innovative course, which provides secondary school teachers and other staff with evidence-based strategies.
The online course is flexible and accessible, allowing those who take it to progress at their own pace from anywhere. It includes interactive elements that help staff recognise and understand additional social and emotional needs, and how to embed this into their classrooms and regular teaching practice.
Dr Eleni Dimitrellou, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter School of Education with expertise on inclusion and emotions in the curriculum , said: "We know that social and emotional learning is a critical component of a young person's development. By giving teachers the right tools, strategies and resources they need, we can cultivate supportive and inclusive classrooms that nurture a sense of belonging for every student."
Catherine Dunnett, Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist for Devon County Council, said: "Supporting our young people's mental health and wellbeing is a priority, and this course represents a major step forward in ensuring that school staff are equipped to meet these needs. The course is unique in its focus on developing subject teachers understanding and skills in order to support them to integrate social and emotional learning into their everyday practice and the subject curriculum. By working together with the University of Exeter, we can make a real difference in the lives of students across Devon."
The program is open to secondary school staff across the South West and beyond.
Sign up with a school email address at: https://learn.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=160
Enrolment key: SEL2025
You will be taken to the Learn Exeter page which will guide you through enrolment. Learn Exeter is for everyone, even those who haven't enrolled on a course with us before. Follow the instructions on the webpage to create a new account and multi-factor authentication.
