Earlier this month, Paul McColgan, our Director for Inclusion at The Element, was privileged to attend a landmark reception at the House of Commons. The event, hosted by Dr Sam Rushworth MP, brought together education leaders, policymakers, and young people to spotlight the transformative power of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Organised in partnership with Thrive, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Skills Builder Partnership, Think Equal, and Salzburg Global, the event underscored a growing consensus: SEL is not a luxury in education but an essential foundation for academic success, mental wellbeing and social cohesion.

The Importance of SEL in Today’s World

Paul McColgan reflected on the event with a poignant observation:

“In the face of a growing mental health crisis among children and young people, my visit to the House of Commons reaffirmed a powerful truth: Social and Emotional Learning isn’t just an addition to education—it’s a necessity. With universal implementation, we can equip every child with the tools to manage emotions, build resilience, and shape a brighter future. The brilliance already happening in pockets must become the standard, because investing in wellbeing today creates stronger, more hopeful generations tomorrow.”

The Element’s Commitment to Change

At The Element, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality education that prioritises their wellbeing. Our approach combines tried-and-tested methods with cutting-edge research, creating bespoke programmes tailored to the needs of our young people, their families and schools.

This event reinforced our mission to elevate social and emotional development as a central pillar of education. We share the collective vision that SEL should no longer be a “nice-to-have” but a standard across all schools.

Charge for change

At The Element, we are proud to stand alongside those leading the charge for change. Together, we can build a future where every child is equipped not only to succeed academically but also to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, empathy and hope.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Element remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming the educational landscape through inclusion, innovation and kindness. Together, we can ensure that SEL is not just a conversation at the House of Commons but a reality in every classroom.

Discover more about our work at The Element and join us in creating a brighter future for the next generation.