Supporting Pupil Mental Health in Primary Schools

Pupil wellbeing has always been important in primary schools, but in recent years it has become an even greater focus for teachers. Rizwana Hussain, Vice Principal at The Godolphin Junior Academy knows this all too well as the Academy’s Mental Health Lead. Here’s what she has to say about how teachers can support pupil mental health and wellbeing in primary schools…

Across classrooms, many of us are seeing increasing challenges around emotional regulation, confidence, friendships and anxiety. These experiences are not unusual – they reflect the complex world children are growing up in – but they do remind us how important it is that schools remain safe, supportive spaces for pupils.

As a Digital Lead in a primary school, I have spent time thinking about how technology can support both learning and wellbeing. When used well, digital tools should enhance what great teachers already do: create engaging, meaningful experiences that bring pupils together. One example I’ve seen work particularly well in supporting both engagement and emotional development is now>press>play, which uses immersive audio storytelling to place children at the centre of the learning.

With Mental Health Awareness Week (11th–17th May) approaching, it feels like a good opportunity to reflect on some of the challenges we are seeing in primary classrooms and the practical ways we can support pupils.

Supporting emotional regulation

One of the most common challenges teachers talk about is pupils struggling to regulate their emotions. Children can become overwhelmed quickly, particularly when they find work challenging or when friendships become complicated.

Often, this isn’t about behaviour in the traditional sense. It is about pupils still developing the emotional language and strategies they need to understand how they feel.

Strategy: Use stories to explore emotions

Storytelling has always played an important role in helping children understand emotions. What immersive Experiences like now>press>play add is the opportunity for pupils to step inside the story rather than simply listen to it.

During a now>press>play Experience, pupils wear headphones and move around the classroom as the story unfolds. They might find themselves exploring the rainforest, travelling through space, or meeting historical characters. Because they are actively part of the narrative, they naturally begin to empathise with the characters and situations they encounter.

After the session, these Experiences create valuable opportunities for reflection:

How did the character feel at that moment?

Why did they make that decision?

What would we have done in that situation?

These conversations help pupils develop emotional awareness and build empathy.

Rebuilding social confidence

Another challenge we are noticing is the impact of social and developmental gaps. Some pupils find it harder to collaborate, communicate their ideas, or navigate friendships. 

As educators, we know that pupils learn best when they feel connected to each other and to the learning.

Strategy: Create shared learning experiences

One of the reasons immersive storytelling works so well in primary classrooms is that it creates shared experiences. Instead of pupils working individually on screens, they take part in a collective adventure.

As pupils move through a now>press>play Experience together, they react to the same moments, imagine the same settings and encounter the same challenges. Afterwards, the classroom is often full of conversation as pupils discuss what they experienced.

These shared moments naturally support:

• Collaboration

• Discussion

• Empathy

• Confidence in sharing ideas

They help pupils feel part of a learning community, which is a key factor in supporting wellbeing.

Helping pupils navigate change

Another challenge many teachers see is anxiety around change and transitions. This might be moving into a new year group, adapting to new routines, or stepping outside of familiar learning activities.

To ensure our school is fully supported through these moments, the MHST team is a core part of our practice at Godolphin. By working alongside our teachers, they help us ensure that children feel more confident and that learning remains engaging and accessible.

Children often feel more confident when learning feels engaging and accessible.

Strategy: Use immersive learning to build confidence

Immersive Experiences can help pupils feel more confident exploring new ideas. Because now>press>play is active and imaginative, it allows children to take part in learning without the pressure that sometimes comes with more traditional tasks.

Pupils who might be reluctant to contribute in class discussions often feel more comfortable sharing their ideas after taking part in a shared Experience. The story gives everyone a common starting point, which can make discussions more inclusive.

Why shared experiences matter

At the heart of supporting pupil mental health is helping children feel connected and understood. Shared experiences play an important role in building that sense of belonging.

As a Digital Lead, I am always interested in technology that enhances teaching without replacing the relationships that sit at the centre of education. Tools like now>press>play do exactly that. By combining storytelling, movement and immersive audio, they create meaningful experiences that bring pupils together.

When pupils imagine, explore and reflect together, they develop not only knowledge and understanding, but also the empathy, confidence and resilience that support their wellbeing.

In a busy school day, it is often these shared moments – the experiences that spark conversation and connection – that make the biggest difference.

Thank you to Rizwana for sharing The Godolphin Junior Academy’s experience using our resources. We're thrilled to continue supporting their pupil’s mental health and wellbeing.

As Rizwana pointed out, Mental Health Awareness Week is fast approaching. Book a FREE Taster Week to try our PSHE Experiences, available for Reception, KS1 & KS2.