Belonging “is the subjective feeling of deep connection with social groups, physical places, and individual and collective experiences” (Allen et al., 2022).
Why Belonging Matters
Belonging is a fundamental human need linked to improved mental, physical, social, economic, and behavioural outcomes. It predicts higher attendance and engagement (Allen et al., 2022; National Children’s Bureau, 2025). Feeling safe — physically and psychologically — is central to belonging. Inclusion, a key focus of the 2025 OFSTED framework, is essential in creating environments where students feel safe to be themselves. Below you’ll find practical tools, lesson plans, CPD materials, and research to help you reflect, plan, and develop belonging in your school.
Below is a ‘belonging’ care package designed to support you in thinking about and cultivating belonging in your school.
Microlearing with 7 TAPS
- Belonging Overview for Teachers – A quick introduction to what school belonging is, why it matters for wellbeing, and how to start cultivating it.
- Daily Quick Habits, Strategies & Connection Games – Practical ideas to strengthen teacher–student relationships.
- Feeling Safe at School – What Can We Do?
Looking to engage staff collectively? An interactive staff meeting resource is available. Designed for delivery by pastoral, SEND, or mental health leads (approx. 1.5 hours). Includes facilitator guidance.
Whole School Resources
CPD for Teachers
- Whole School Audit Toolkit (including reflection sheet and questions).
- Belonging- what does it mean? Why is it important? Action: Planning for belonging (canva)
- Belonging-what does it mean?Why is it important? Action: Planning for belonging (PDF)
Want to get a group of people on board, thinking collectively about belonging? Here is an interactive staff meeting for all staff that can be adapted for your context.
This can be delivered by mental health/pastoral/SEND lead or anyone who feels confident guiding this material. Take a little time to read it through and digest it before facilitating. Guidance for the facilitator is on page 2 of the presentation. Timing is approx 1.5 hours.
In the Classroom
- Quick belonging games, activities, check-ins
- ‘Belonging’ Lesson Plans (Early KS3)
- 1. Introduction to Belonging
- 2. Inclusion
- 3. Belonging in Action
- Beginning of Year / Term Belonging Session (KS3 & KS4) – Circle format session designed to create psychological safety and a felt sense of belonging.
