European Practices and Policies for Promoting Well-Being at School

SEL Approaches in European Schools: Insights and Transfer Enablers

A girl looking at other tennagers
UNICEF/Adrian Holerga

About

Across the European Union, including Romania, there is growing recognition of the importance of promoting well-being and mental health in schools through inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Developed as part of a TSI-funded Safe and Supportive Schools project, this report aims to inform education policy in Romania by identifying effective models and transferable strategies from five EU Member States: Finland, Spain, France, Ireland and Malta. The analysis is grounded in the first pillar of action for promoting mental health in schools, namely the creation of a learning environment conducive to well-being and examines how different education systems integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into curricula, teacher development and broader school practices. It also explores innovative approaches to strengthening student well-being, enhancing teacher capacity and supporting evidence-based policymaking.

Designed as a practical resource, the report highlights promising practices and policy mechanisms that can inspire dialogue and guide implementation efforts in Romania. It underlines the importance of a coordinated, whole-system approach involving schools, families, communities and policymakers to ensure that students’ well-being and social and emotional development are placed at the heart of education.

Author(s)
UNICEF