What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England

Sarah Holmes; Vicky Sinclair

What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England

Abstract

In the light of increased focus on wellbeing in UK schools, this paper explores and compares different approaches to pupil wellbeing implemented in seven schools across a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in NorthWest England. The findings from staff interviews in the seven MAT schools highlight the need for bespoke and context-specific strategies and approaches to be constructed and embedded within individual schools, rather than a framework or curricula being externally selected or imposed. The role of external bodies such as a MAT is then to scaffold, support and equip schools in outworking their vision and ethos. It is clear that such approaches are more effective and valuable when implemented holistically across the school rather than in individual curriculum elements, such as PHSE. Communication, collaboration and investment across the whole staff team also enhances the positive impact for the children and school community as a whole.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This has been scrutinised and approved by the Liverpool Hope ethics committee

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Child Development Education, Other Fields of Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Sarah Holmes ^*
United Kingdom

Vicky Sinclair This is me
United Kingdom

Publication Date

January 28, 2026

Submission Date

April 14, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 15, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 2 Number: 1

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Holmes, S., & Sinclair, V. (2026). What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England. Journal of Child Development and Education, 2(1), 1-13. https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT

AMA

1.Holmes S, Sinclair V. What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England. JOCDE. 2026;2(1):1-13. https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT

Chicago

Holmes, Sarah, and Vicky Sinclair. 2026. “What Is Working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Approaches to Pupil Well- Being in a MAT in NorthWest England”. Journal of Child Development and Education 2 (1): 1-13. https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT.

EndNote

Holmes S, Sinclair V (January 1, 2026) What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England. Journal of Child Development and Education 2 1 1–13.

IEEE

[1]S. Holmes and V. Sinclair, “What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England”, JOCDE, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 1–13, Jan. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT

ISNAD

Holmes, Sarah - Sinclair, Vicky. “What Is Working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Approaches to Pupil Well- Being in a MAT in NorthWest England”. Journal of Child Development and Education 2/1 (January 1, 2026): 1-13. https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT.

JAMA

1.Holmes S, Sinclair V. What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England. JOCDE. 2026;2:1–13.

MLA

Holmes, Sarah, and Vicky Sinclair. “What Is Working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Approaches to Pupil Well- Being in a MAT in NorthWest England”. Journal of Child Development and Education, vol. 2, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 1-13, https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT.

Vancouver

1.Sarah Holmes, Vicky Sinclair. What is working? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of approaches to pupil well- being in a MAT in NorthWest England. JOCDE [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 1;2(1):1-13. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA65AZ66YT