The campaign for a national wellbeing measurement programme
We are calling on the government to implement a national wellbeing measurement programme to address the needs of children and young people across England.
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Young people in the UK have the lowest wellbeing in Europe
The wellbeing of children and young people in the UK is at an all-time low. Latest PISA data reveals that 1 in 4 children report low wellbeing, making the UK the lowest-ranked country in Europe.
Without urgent action, the consequences will be far-reaching: poorer educational outcomes, reduced productivity, higher healthcare costs, and increased demand for social services.
Only by listening to young people and what they tell us about their wellbeing, can we begin to understand why and address this.
A roadmap to implementation
The UK government must act now by establishing a cross-sector working group to guide the rollout of a national wellbeing measurement programme across England.
This expert body would:
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Define the roles of schools and local authorities.
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Determine the frequency and scope of wellbeing measurements.
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Ensure that children’s voices are integral to the process.
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Be guided by our 5 key principles.
5 key principles
This campaign has 5 key principles we want the Government to commit to, and for the proposed working group to abide by. We want to see a national wellbeing measurement programme that is underpinned by these key things:
1. national coverage
For the wellbeing measurement programme to be delivered nationally, capturing the voices and experience of young people in every part of England, with central accountability for managing the programme, developing national insights based on robust research to inform policymaking.
2. local ownership
Local areas to determine aspects of the survey to meet local need and to facilitate local collaboration to respond to survey insights, bringing together young people, schools, local government, local healthcare systems and civil society.
3. youth-centred
To be genuinely youth-centred with young people involved in the working group, the survey design, rollout, oversight and accountability.
4. regular
5. confidentiality
The survey to be conducted on a regular basis (e.g. every year or every two years), to the benefit of young people, at a consistent time of the year that is deemed appropriate for young people.
Survey data to be transparent and made public at neighbourhood level. School-level data not made public to avoid crude league-tables and unfair school accountability. Appropriate controls in place to support insightful new research.
The case for measuring children and young people's wellbeing
National wellbeing measurement is a critical part of the solution to the UK's youth wellbeing crisis.
Without good measurement, it is difficult to know what needs to change and what works in bringing about change.
Only by consistently and regularly listening to what young people tell us, can we begin to understand their experiences, act on the issues they recognise as important for their wellbeing, and implement targeted solutions to overcome barriers and ensure all young people get the opportunities they deserve.
There are significant opportunities both locally and nationally to improve policy and programme delivery by basing it on evidence and data. If we want to break down the barriers to opportunity, measurement is a key piece of the jigsaw.
"This is a really important moment and opportunity. It works so well in the areas that #BeeWell is already running in, and it would make a massive difference if it was running across the country."
#BeeWell Youth Steering Group Members
“Wellbeing is at the centre of our physical and mental health. By measuring young people’s wellbeing we are taking a vital step towards not just addressing our youth mental health crisis, but understanding why young people are struggling so much and what we can do as we move forward.”
Lauren, Fair Education Alliance Youth Steering Group Member
“Uncovering young people’s wellbeing through comprehensive surveys allows personalised & effective measures to be implemented. The youth perspective acts as a crucial framework for policy makers taking action to improve mental health.”
Aisha, Fair Education Alliance Youth Steering Group Member
Why measurement matters
The saying goes, “What gets measured, matters.”
Measuring children’s wellbeing will not only provide the insights needed to drive change but will also demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of the next generation.
The government has a clear opportunity to lead the way in addressing this crisis. With the right tools, support, and collaboration, we can ensure that all children and young people in England have the chance to thrive now and in the future. The happiness and wellbeing of our children and young people must be a national priority.
The impact of existing wellbeing measurement programmes
Where wellbeing measurement programmes are in place they are already driving action to support the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Some examples of wellbeing measurement in action are #BeeWell and OxWell in England, and The School Health Research Network (SHRN) in Wales. Internationally there are children’s wellbeing measurement programmes operating in Finland, Denmark and Ontario.
Coram Voice has been surveying care leavers on their experiences since 2016. The Children’s Society’s Good Childhood Index has been consistently delivered since 2010.
A better start in life
Cardiff
A large high school in Cardiff with high free school meal uptake and many learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, effectively responded to their SHRN data showing they were below the national average in time spent engaging in physical activity.
They took action by expanding the variety of sports on offer and included a wider range of physical activities in new fortnightly enrichment sessions for pupils.
Support for care leavers
Stockport
Coram Voice measured the wellbeing of children in care and care leavers, based on what they felt made their lives good. Findings have been used by local authorities to influence practice, service development and strategic thinking.
For example, Stockport used the data to make the business case for further supported accommodation and it contributed to a successful £2.3 million bid to develop a ‘staying close’ initiative to support care leavers in their area.
Good places to go
Greater Manchester
In Greater Manchester, #BeeWell's wellbeing measurement data has shown a decline in young people reporting having good places to spend their free time.
This has informed the Violence Reduction Unit’s strategic needs assessment and forms a key part of the Greater than Violence strategy.
Awareness of mental health support
Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton
Schools in in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton have responded to data from #BeeWell's wellbeing measurement programme by improving pupil awareness of available mental health support.
Future life readiness
Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has used data on future life readiness from #BeeWell’s wellbeing measurement survey to support their Careers Community of Practice and other local work on youth employment and opportunities. This supports young people’s awareness of the different options and career paths available to them, and helps young people make informed decisions about their future.
Improved school belonging
OxWell
Schools
Findings from the OxWell 2023-24 wellbeing measurement programme resulted in schools working with their local authority to develop three-year action plans for improving pupils’ senses of school belonging.
Help to stay in school
Football Beyond Borders Programme Efficacy Study
Football Beyond Borders delivers a social and emotional learning (SEL) programme working with pupils at risk of school exclusion. By using data from its youth wellbeing survey, #BeeWell created a control group to compare the effects on wellbeing of the pupils who were participating in the intervention, with those who were not. The evaluation revealed a 17% increase in wellbeing and a £2 return for every £1 invested. This case study demonstrates how national wellbeing measurement can provide concrete analysis of what works for improving wellbeing and supporting young people to stay in school.