Imagine a classroom where every young person feels supported, confident, and equipped to thrive—not just academically but emotionally as well.
Across the country, educators are making this vision a reality by implementing a powerful formula that’s changing lives.
This blog introduces the RISE Up Formula, a research-backed approach proven to enhance student wellbeing. It’s more than a strategy—it’s a movement, driven by passionate educators who are creating safe, inspiring environments where young people can reach their full potential.
The RISE Up Formula:
Outstanding Relationships +
Movement for Mental Wellbeing +
Play Wrapped in Care +
Early Intervention Wellbeing Programmes =
A Transformational Wellbeing Teacher
Outstanding Relationships: The Foundation of Wellbeing
At the heart of transformational teaching lies the power of outstanding relationships. When students feel truly seen, valued, and understood by their teachers, a secure foundation is built—one where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
In today’s world, many students face challenges such as anxiety, disrupted social development, or the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences influence health & wellbeing throughout the lifespan.
Source: Brown, D.W. et al (2009) in their Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Risk of Premature Mortality study
Yet, research consistently shows that having a strong connection to emotionally available adults can be life-changing. These relationships provide the safety and trust young people need to unlock their full potential.
For educators, this means embracing opportunities to foster connection, empathy, and emotional safety in the classroom. By prioritising these relationships, you create an environment where every student feels they belong, paving the way for personal growth and academic achievement.
Outstanding relationships are not just the foundation of wellbeing—they are the catalyst for a brighter future, empowering students to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Movement for Mental Wellbeing: Unlocking the Power of Physical Activity
Movement is more than just exercise—it’s a game-changer for mental wellbeing.
Through the RISE Up approach, educators are helping students regulate emotions, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.
The RISE Up framework introduces activities like Repeaters, Inclusive Teams, Stress Busters, and Energisers, turning movement into a tool for emotional regulation and connection.
The science is clear: physical activity improves mood, concentration, and emotional resilience. Educators implementing RISE Up have seen students transform, with increased engagement and a brighter outlook on their school day.
When movement is integrated into the school experience, it creates an environment where students can actively take charge of their mental and emotional health, paving the way for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Play Wrapped in Care: Sparking Joy and Emotional Growth
Play is a universal language of connection and healing, and when wrapped in care, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation. Inspired by neuroscience, play wrapped in care provides students with opportunities to explore their emotions, build relationships, and find joy in safe, inclusive environments.
This aspect of the formula is particularly vital for children who may feel trapped in cycles of rage, grief, or shame.
Play offers a pathway to shift these emotional states, creating moments of connection, trust, and laughter that can interrupt negative patterns and foster hope. Through play, students can move from dysregulation to calm, from disconnection to belonging.
One primary school shared how introducing playful, nurturing activities during break times improved friendships and reduced conflict. Students who once struggled with social skills began to thrive, developing confidence and emotional intelligence through these simple yet powerful interactions.
Play wrapped in care isn’t just fun—it’s transformational. It allows students to process emotions in a supportive environment, build resilience, and rediscover the joy of learning and connection.
By making play an integral part of the school experience, educators create a space where every child can feel safe, valued, and ready to grow.
Early Intervention Wellbeing Programmes: Empowering Young People with Self-Care and Emotional Intelligence
Early intervention wellbeing programmes are not just about addressing challenges; they’re about empowering young people to thrive by equipping them with the tools to build resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
These programmes inspire students to take ownership of their mental wellbeing, giving them practical strategies to navigate life’s ups and downs with positivity and self-assurance.
Central to this approach is the development of self-care wellbeing toolboxes—a collection of skills and habits designed to help young people manage their emotions, reduce stress, and build lasting resilience.
These toolboxes focus on fostering greater emotional intelligence by teaching students to:
Regulate emotions through mindfulness and self-awareness.
Practise self-compassion by building a positive inner voice.
Develop healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and mindful technology use.
Find purpose by exploring their passions and strengths.
These programmes aren’t just about addressing immediate concerns—they’re about equipping students with skills for a lifetime of mental wellbeing, ensuring they are ready to embrace the future with optimism and confidence.
Celebrating Hero Educators: Real Impact, Real Stories
This formula isn’t just a concept—it’s a proven approach that’s already transforming schools nationwide.
On our impact page, you’ll find case studies and reports from hero educators who have implemented this formula to incredible effect in a wide range of settings.
Schools have reported:
Significant improvements in student confidence and emotional resilience.
Reduced anxiety and stress levels.
Increased focus, motivation, and academic success.
Becoming a Transformational Educator
Every educator has the potential to become truly transformational. By embracing this formula, you can create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to flourish.
The journey to transformation begins with reflection. What areas of the formula align with your strengths as an educator? Which ones could you develop further to meet the unique needs of your young people?
Each classroom is different, and the impact you make depends on how you tailor your approach.
Ask yourself: How would you rate yourself out of 10 for each aspect of the formula?
Outstanding Relationships: Do your young people feel truly seen, valued, and connected to you?
Movement for Mental Wellbeing: How often do you incorporate physical activity as a tool for emotional regulation and connection? Are you intentional about teaching the link?
Play Wrapped in Care: Are there opportunities for safe, nurturing play activities that help your young people express themselves?
Early Intervention Wellbeing Programmes: Are you equipping your young people with the tools they need to manage their emotions and develop lifelong emotional intelligence?
By identifying your strengths and areas for growth, you can focus on the aspects of the formula that will make the greatest difference for your students.
Empowering Educators Through Training Courses
To support you in implementing this formula, we offer a range of training courses. These courses are designed to meet your needs and provide practical tools and strategies to create bespoke programmes that align with your school’s unique context and your students’ needs.
Each aspect of the RISE Up Teaching Formula is covered across our training courses:
Outstanding Relationships: Explored in-depth in the Trauma-Informed Teacher Training Courses, focusing on building trust, empathy, and emotional safety in the classroom.
Movement for Mental Wellbeing: Addressed in both the Trauma-Informed PE Course and the RISE Up Course, which highlight how movement can regulate emotions, build resilience, and foster connection.
Play Wrapped in Care: A core component of the Trauma-Informed Teacher Training Courses, emphasising the role of nurturing, inclusive play in supporting emotional growth.
Early Intervention Wellbeing Programmes: Central to the RISE Up Course, equipping educators with strategies to develop self-care toolboxes and foster emotional intelligence in their students.
With editable resources and concise training, we make it easy for all educators to integrate these transformative practices into their daily routines.
Whether you’re deepening relationships, incorporating movement for mental wellbeing, or applying early intervention strategies, our courses empower you to teach with confidence and purpose.
Do You Want to Improve Your Students’ Wellbeing?
Take the first steps by completing our School Wellbeing Scorecard here.
This action will help you map your school’s wellbeing provision in just three minutes and identify the key areas to focus on for your setting.
You’ll receive a personalised report and a complimentary login to our taster ‘RISE Up’ course, where you can experience Steps 1 and 2 of our 9-Step RISE Up teacher training course.
Join Our Waiting List
We offer a range of services, including courses, consultancy, keynote speaking, and our book Time to RISE Up.
To express an interest in exploring a partnership with us, join our waiting list here:
Make sure you subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed and receive the latest wellbeing insights:
Have a brilliant week, and thank you for all you do for your young people.
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