A New Year in School: Taking a breath and starting gently
The start of a new school year often feels busy before it even begins. New routines, full classrooms, and the familiar pressure to “hit the ground running” can leave little space to slow down and take a breath.
At Breathe Education, we believe the new year doesn’t need to start at full speed. Instead, it can be an opportunity to pause, reconnect, and focus on what really supports learning and wellbeing — for students and staff.
Reflecting Without Pressure
Before setting new targets or expectations, it can be helpful to take a moment to reflect. Teaching is complex, relational work, and progress rarely follows a straight line.
You might quietly consider:
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When did your class feel most settled or engaged?
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Which routines supported calm and focus?
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Where did relationships feel strong?
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What felt challenging — and what support helped?
Reflection isn’t about doing more or being “better” – It’s about noticing what already works and building from there.
Wellbeing Supports Learning (Including Yours)
When students feel safe, supported and understood, learning becomes more accessible. The same is true for teachers.
In everyday classroom practice, wellbeing often looks like:
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Clear, predictable routines
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Kind, consistent communication
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Space for mistakes and repair
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Realistic expectations during busy or difficult periods
Small, steady approaches often have the greatest impact — especially in the early weeks of term.
Connection and Belonging Matter
Feeling accepted and valued plays a significant role in how students experience school. Belonging supports confidence, engagement and resilience, particularly for those who may already find school challenging.
Connection is built through everyday moments: noticing effort, listening carefully, being curious about behaviour, and responding with consistency. These interactions matter, even when they feel small.
As the new year begins, it can be helpful to think about how connection is nurtured in your classroom — and how supported you feel as part of your wider school community.
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
A new year does not require immediate change or perfection. Sustainable practices are far more beneficial than constant adjustments.
At Breathe Education, we aim to support teachers with practical, evidence-informed resources that reflect the realities of school life and place wellbeing at the centre.
As the year unfolds, we encourage a gentle pace where possible, realistic expectations, and moments to pause and breathe — even on busy days.
Want Support This Term?
If you’re looking for practical ways to support wellbeing, connection and belonging in your classroom or across your school, explore our care packages, CPD and resources designed to fit real school contexts.
👉 Explore our resources or get in touch to find out more.
🔗 Resources Library – searchable library of wellbeing and classroom support resources (lesson plans, videos, PDFs). Breathe Education Resources Library
🔗 Teachers Toolkit / Practical Guidance – includes downloadable teacher-friendly packs and toolkits. Download Teachers Toolkit & resources
👥 Support & Services Information
🔗 Local-Service Signposting (Kooth) – free emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 11–25. Kooth emotional support info page
🔗 Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) – guidance and links to school-based early intervention support. MHST support page
🔗 Local Services (Pause) – brief, youth-led emotional wellbeing sessions for under-25s. Pause drop‑in wellbeing service info
🧠 Research & Projects
🔗 PIPA Trial research participation – information about getting involved in an evidence-based trial to prevent anxiety/depression in young people. PIPA Trial research page
🧑🏫 Lesson & Topic-Specific Resource Packs
🔗 “On Edge” Resource Pack – downloadable lesson plans and videos to explore self-harm and support awareness. On Edge resource pack and lesson materials
