Build a stronger sense of belonging in your school
Belonging Matters is a whole school programme from the National Children’s Bureau designed to help schools create environments where every pupil feels valued, connected and able to thrive.
If you are a headteacher, pastoral lead, safeguarding lead or behaviour lead, the programme provides practical tools, training and expert guidance to help strengthen belonging across your whole school community.
The programme supports schools to build positive relationships, strengthen school culture and improve pupil engagement.
🏫 Why schools join Belonging Matters
- Strengthen belonging and inclusion: Support pupils to feel valued, connected and part of the school community.
- Improve engagement and relationships: Strengthen relationships between pupils, staff and families.
- Equip staff with practical strategies: Staff receive training and guidance to build inclusive, supportive environments.
📊 Evidence based and informed by research
Belonging Matters is grounded in research showing that when pupils feel they belong they are more likely to:
- engage in learning
- develop positive relationships
- feel safe and supported in school
- attend school regularly
The programme has been developed using evidence and insights from schools and pupils.
Supports key school priorities
Belonging Matters helps schools strengthen work around:
• pupil wellbeing and mental health
• relationships and school culture
• pupil engagement and attendance
• inclusion and equality
• positive behaviour and community
📋 Supports national policy priorities
Belonging Matters helps schools demonstrate work aligned with:
- the upcoming DfE Engagement Framework
- belonging and inclusion priorities in the recent Schools White Paper
- whole-school approaches to pupil wellbeing and relationships
What schools receive
Schools joining the programme benefit from:
- a whole-school belonging audit to identify strengths and areas for development
- online surveys for pupils, staff and parents to understand experiences of belonging and engagement
- a tailored action plan with access to the Belonging Matters Hub full of tools, resources and examples of best practice
- support from Belonging Matters expert throughout the programme
- an end of programme report with recommended next steps
- a certificate and logo to demonstrate your commitment to belonging and inclusion
🎓 Included in the programme price
Schools also receive the following additional benefits:
- 10 training credits for Belonging Matters staff online CPD training
- 2 training credits for senior leadership belonging online CPD training
- 20% member discount on live CPD training sessions
- 10% discount on additional staff training bundles
- free Anti-Bullying Alliance membership for one year
⏰ Early booking offer for 2026 to 27
Schools that book before the end of this academic year receive a 20 percent early booking discount.
£664 + VAT per school
(Normally £840)
What schools say
Examples you could adapt from the report:
“Belonging has become central to our school culture.”
“Staff feel more confident supporting pupils to feel included and valued.”
“The programme helped us understand what belonging means for our pupils.”
Secure your school’s place
Join the growing number of schools working to ensure every pupil feels they belong.
Register your school for the 2026 to 27 Belonging Matters programme today.