What is SEAL? (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning)
SEAL is a whole-school approach to helping children develop the social,
emotional and behavioural skills that underpin effective learning, positive behaviour, relationships and success.
Why do we need SEAL in our school?
A changing society
- A changing society – a recognition that schools need to be part of the solution
- 1 in 10 young people between 5-15 suffers from a diagnosable mental health disorder (3 in every class) These children are more likely to have academic and interpersonal difficulties and to use drugs, alcohol and attempt suicide.
So...In a school like ours (200 pupils) this means:
•10 with depression
• 2 affected by eating disorders
• 20 experiencing ‘significant distress’
• 2 - 4 with obsessive compulsive disorder
• 1-2 attempting suicide (www.youngminds.org.uk)
What skills does SEAL aim to develop?
•Self-awareness + self-valuing
•Managing feelings
•Motivation
–Goal setting and achieving
–Persistence and resilience
–Responsibility and autonomy
•Empathy
•Social skills
–Communication
–Assertiveness
–Problem-solving + conflict management