At the School Health Research Network (SHRN), we welcome the publication of Whole school approach to emotional and mental wellbeing: unmet evidence needs by the Welsh Government. The report highlights the importance of robust, regular data to evaluate how the Whole School Approach Framework is being delivered—and, crucially, what difference it is making.
While the report acknowledges that a broad range of valuable information has already been collected, much of it has been gathered through one-off activities. To support continuous improvement, the report highlights the need for more consistent and representative data from across the school community—particularly from school staff and parents/carers.
The report identifies several key areas where further evidence is needed, including:
- Engagement and communication with the whole school community.
- Staff well-being and support needs.
- School culture and environment.
- Prioritisation and resourcing.
- Partnerships with support services.
- Alignment with education and health strategies.
- Delivery across all education settings.
- Staff experiences, wellbeing, and training needs.
This is where SHRN plays a critical role in addressing the evidence needs identified in the Welsh Government’s report. Through our regular learner and school-level surveys, SHRN provides a robust and representative source of health and wellbeing data including mental Health and Well-being; physical activity; dietary behaviours; social media use; social relationships, school connectedness; sexual health and substance use . This evidence supports schools, local authorities, and national policymakers in tracking progress, identifying gaps, and informing targeted interventions.
We also capture pupil voice and participation, helping to ensure that learners are actively involved in shaping wellbeing initiatives. Our data supports analysis of equity and inclusion, highlighting how different groups experience health and well-being provision. By linking wellbeing efforts to educational outcomes, we help demonstrate the broader impact of these initiatives. Importantly, our findings inform understanding of staff confidence and capacity to deliver wellbeing support, ensuring that professional development is aligned with the practical priorities and challenges faced in schools. Together, these contributions help build a more complete, evidence-informed picture of what’s working—and where further support is needed.
We are proud to be recognised in the report as a key contributor to the evidence base:
‘The School Health Research Network (SHRN) which is an important source of robust, regular health and wellbeing data via its learner and school-level survey’’ .
‘SHRN offers a fantastic opportunity to address the identified unmet evidence needs for both learners and school senior leaders to support improved long-term monitoring and evaluation’.
This Welsh Government report also highlights how SHRN can address these evidence gaps. Our robust, detailed, and long-term survey data is being routinely gathered from both learners in both primary and secondary settings and school senior leaders. The learner data (ages 11-16-years) are also already being integrated into the SAIL databank which provides fantastic opportunities for linkage with other education and health datasets to examine the impact of the Framework and the factors that influence these outcomes over time.
In addition, SHRN co-chairs the Health Promoting Schools Programme Board to ensure survey measures are aligned with the proposed standards for the Health and Well-being Promoting Schools programme. These standards closely align with the Framework, and this alignment ensures that SHRN data can directly support many of the unmet evidence needs identified in the report.
Looking ahead, SHRN sees further opportunities to enhance the data landscape. These include:
- Further development of the national dashboard in collaboration with Public Health Wales to include additional secondary school data and launch of the primary school data dashboard (2026).
- Launching SHRN school-level dashboards to support local decision-making (2026).
- Expanding data collection to all primary schools.
- Undertaking a pilot of survey data collection with Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) across Wales.
Here at SHRN we believe that by working collaboratively across sectors, systems, and communities, the Whole School Approach can become a dynamic and responsive part of school life—one that evolves to meet the changing needs of learners and staff. SHRN remains fully committed to supporting this vision and to contributing to a healthier, more resilient future for all learners in Wales. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive environment for every learner and educator in Wales.