Creating Inclusive Learning Spaces: Mental Health Language and Communication Audit

Everyday school communication shapes whether students, staff and families feel they belong, often in ways that go unnoticed. In this Brain Gym session within the #SameHere Global STARR Gym for the Brain learning space, you will conduct a structured audit of how school language signals belonging, support and expectations around wellbeing. Using a comprehensive framework grounded in an inclusive 5-in-5 approach, you will analyze policies, handbooks, discipline protocols, family and staff communications, websites, classroom materials and informal interactions for tone, accessibility, consistency and alignment. You will learn to spot gaps between stated values and lived experience, recognize asset-based versus deficit-based language, and assess whether messaging invites help-seeking, makes pathways to support clear and presents mental, emotional and social health as a shared human experience rather than a siloed initiative. You will leave with a practical audit framework, discussion protocols and clear next steps for reframing language and aligning messaging across your school community.