Walk into any school and you’ll find lessons in maths, science, reading and writing all carefully planned, timetabled, and assessed. But running quietly alongside every academic subject is a second curriculum: one that’s not printed in workbooks or tested in exams, but which has a profound impact on how students learn, behave, and relate to the world around them.

This is the hidden curriculum the emotional lessons children absorb from their environment, often without even realising it. It’s in how a teacher responds to stress, how conflict is handled in the playground, and how a child is supported when they’re struggling to cope. Whether schools are aware of it or not, emotional literacy is being taught every day. The question is, are we intentional about what we’re teaching?

Emotional Literacy Isn’t Just for PSHE

We often reserve emotional education for the occasional PSHE lesson or an annual wellbeing week. However, true emotional literacy is the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and express emotions, which is developed over time through everyday interactions. When school staff model empathy, self-regulation, healthy boundaries, and reflective thinking, students learn far more than any one-off lesson can offer.

And it’s not just about students. The well-being of staff and leadership plays a central role in shaping this hidden curriculum. A stressed, unsupported workforce can unintentionally pass on anxiety, reactivity, or emotional disconnection, not because they don’t care, but because they’re stretched to their limits.

A Whole-School Approach That Supports Everyone

At Livewell, we work with schools to take a whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing, one that supports every level of the system. This includes:

• Supervision and coaching for headteachers and leadership teams, offering a safe space to reflect and recharge.
• Counselling and wellbeing support for teaching and non-teaching staff, recognising that staff mental health is key to student success.
• Therapeutic support for students, one-to-one sessions. 
• Counselling and guidance for parents, bridging the gap between school and home for more consistent emotional support.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

Schools don’t need to overhaul their entire system to start seeing results. Sometimes, the most powerful changes come from simply giving staff time to reflect, helping them feel heard and supported, and embedding small daily practices that prioritise connection and emotional awareness.

When emotional literacy becomes part of everyday life, it isnot just something we “add on” — the whole school benefits. Behaviour improves. Relationships strengthen. Children feel safer. Staff feel more resilient. And the hidden curriculum begins to reflect the values we truly want to teach.

Curious about how we could support your school?

We’d love to talk about how a tailored approach could fit your community’s needs. Get in touch with us!