The new curriculum in Wales has the potential to significantly improve mental health support in schools, but there are some uncertainties about its current effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Positives:

• Focus on Wellbeing: The curriculum prioritizes health and wellbeing as one of the six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE) for students aged 3 to 16. This integrates mental health awareness and strategies into the core curriculum (https://decipher.uk.net/blog/a-curriculum-for-childrens-health-and-wellbeing/).
• Developing Resilience: The curriculum aims to equip students with skills to cope with challenges and build emotional resilience, potentially reducing the risk of mental health problems.

Uncertainties:

• Implementation: The curriculum is still relatively new (introduced in 2022). Its effectiveness depends on how well schools implement it, which can vary (https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/whole-school-approach/wales/mental-health-on-the-curriculum-in-wales/).
• Teacher Training: Some teachers may require additional training to confidently deliver the mental health aspects of the curriculum effectively (https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru-mind-in-wales/).

Overall:

It’s too early to say definitively whether Welsh schools are adequately supporting mental health through the new curriculum. While the curriculum itself holds promise, successful implementation and ongoing support for teachers are crucial.