Relationship Health and I Matter Informed Education
with Schools Partners

Schools as Relationship Health and I Matter Informed Partners

Helping children, families and staff thrive through understanding of the I Matter Framework

Schools are central to children’s relational worlds. Learning, behaviour, attendance, staff wellbeing, and family engagement are all shaped by relationship health. Yet it is rarely named or systematically supported.

The I Matter Framework gives schools a practical, evidence-informed approach to:

• Strengthen adult–child and adult–adult relationships

• Build shared language and confidence across home and school

• Support early intervention efficiently

• Align with SEND, SEMH, safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion priorities

This is not a programme to “deliver to children.”
It’s a whole-system approach supporting adults first, so children benefit naturally.

Why join as a school partner?

Becoming a partner means:

• Recognising relationship health as foundational to learning and wellbeing

• Equipping staff and parents with practical knowledge and skills

• Working alongside health and community partners

• Choosing a level of engagement that fits your context and resources
  
  

Schools Partnership Pathway

We align the schools pathway with the GP/Primary Care and Community Partner pathways, so families and professionals experience a consistent, supportive approach.

Step 1: Awareness & Alignment

Who: Senior leaders, governors, pastoral leads

• Introductory briefing or recorded overview

• Understand what relationship health is, how it supports existing priorities, and where the I Matter Framework fits

Decision point: School decides if they want to explore further engagement.

Step 2: Building Staff Understanding

Who: Teaching, pastoral, and support staff

• Access I Matter Foundation learning (modules, short courses, or guided sessions)

• Build confidence in everyday relational interactions

• Reduce stress and “why doesn’t this work?” frustration

Decision point: Staff feel grounded and informed — or the school opts for a lighter engagement.

Step 3: Supporting Parents

• Signpost parents to I Matter learning pathways

• Use shared language to support conversations about behaviour, emotion, and need

• Reduce escalation and parental stress

Decision point: School decides the level of parent engagement they can support.

Step 4: Targeted Early Intervention (Optional)

• Works best where funding is available

• Supports children and families needing more focused help

• Aligns with GP, health visitor, or community partner support

Decision point: Clear understanding of:

1. What the school funds

2. What families self-fund

3. When external support is needed

Step 5: Sustaining a Relationship-Healthy Culture

• Identify relationship health champions

• Align policies and practice

• Join local learning networks with health and community partners

Outcome: A calmer, more coherent relational culture for staff and children

What schools don't have to do

✔ Deliver extra curriculum content
✔ Become relationship therapists
✔ Fix families
✔ Absorb unfunded workload

The I Matter Training approach reduces pressure, not adds to it.

Fits With Existing Priorities

• SEND and inclusion strategies

• SEMH and behaviour approaches

• Safeguarding and early help

• Staff wellbeing and retention

• Home–school relationships

This framework provides a missing foundation, not a competing initiative.

Who This Helps Most

• Schools noticing rising complexity and parental distress

• Early years and primary schools supporting transitions

• SENCOs and pastoral teams carrying emotional load

• Schools collaborating with health and community services

Next Steps

1. Request an introductory conversation

2. Access a short recorded overview

3. Explore staff or parent learning pathways

4. Discuss partnership options
   
   

👉 [Explore Partnership Options]
👉 [Request an Introductory Conversation]

Relationship health is the ground children stand on — and adults need. Schools cannot do it alone, but with the I Matter Framework, they can play a powerful role.