Positive ethos
The ethos of a school contributes significantly to the emotional well-being of the whole school population. Schools with a positive ethos have a vision and philosophy that translates into practice and the day-to-day life of the school: they are places where staff want to work and pupils want to learn.
School ethos is created by a combination of the following:
- organisational practices
- the physical and psychological environment
- pupil and staff well-being and sense of achievement
- the involvement of families, carers and the community.
Features of a positive school ethos include:
- leadership and management that is committed to improving the health and well-being of all pupils and staff
- a positive vision and philosophy that is translated into practice
- a physical and psychological environment that supports emotional well-being
- ongoing work to eliminate discrimination and stigma
- a strong sense of community
- good interpersonal relationships
- appropriate pastoral care for pupils and staff
- pupil involvement in decision making
- development of citizenship
- involvement of families and carers
- involvement of individuals and organisations that support promotion and care of emotional well-being across the whole school population.
Useful resources
School ethos page
Learn more about school ethos and where to find support.
Scottish Schools Ethos Network
The website of a Scottish Executive funded project aiming to promote the importance of a positive school ethos: contains news, events, case studies and a database of resources for schools.
Anti-bullying Network
Provides school staff, young people and families with assistance in tackling bullying.
PDF file: The Health Promoting School
One of a series of guides to self-evaluation published by HMIE which builds on the advice given in the publications How Good is Our School? and The Child at the Centre. This guide also shows how the relevant National Care Standards can be applied when evaluating the effectiveness of your establishment as a health promoting school or centre.
PDF file: Being Well – Doing Well (1033KB)
National framework for health promoting schools in Scotland.
Participation page
Information and resources to support participation by pupils, families and the wider community.
