SOLutions In Schools (SOLIS): implementing and evaluating staff training in solution focused practice to support student-staff communication, relationships, and wellbeing

In the UK, it is reported that one in five children have a probable mental health disorder. Schools are key environments for promoting mental wellbeing; however, many school staff lack training in supporting student wellbeing. Furthermore, classroom behaviour when students are not behaving as expected is challenging for staff to understand and manage. A focus on discipline impacts negatively on students’ school experiences, learning and wellbeing, as well as staff job satisfaction. Low school attendance and high numbers of students in detention affects learning and future life chances. “SOLutions In Schools” (SOLIS) is an innovative whole-school programme, training staff to use solution focused practice in their everyday conversations with students. Developed through a co-design process in an allthrough school in England, the programme trains staff to have positive, strengths-based conversations to improve student engagement, staff-student relationships, and wellbeing. The aim of this paper is to report (1) how the training and programme components were implemented in practice; (2) staff evaluation of the training; (3) further development of the programme in response to student and staff needs; and (4) early feedback from staff. Methods: Participatory action research (PAR) was used to iteratively co-design and refine staff training and programme implementation. 240 staff were trained. Training feedback questionnaires (n=114) were administered and analysed descriptively. Results: The training was feasible to implement and highly acceptable to staff. The programme components have been implemented into teaching and behaviour management strategies. The programme offers a potentially sustainable, evidence-based model for working in a strengths-based paradigm to enhance wellbeing cumulatively through everyday school interactions. Future research will explore the programmes' impact on wellbeing, behaviour, and staff job satisfaction.