"School leaders are pragmatic. They don’t want wishy-washy. Motional fits with that - it gives you steps to take, data, and progress."
Thomas Oates, Virtual School Head, Barnsley MBC
FAQs
How long does Motional take each term? +
In practice, a teacher completes a short snapshot (around five minutes). Across a class, most schools then plan for around one hour per teacher per term, which builds whole-class insight and a clearer view of change over time. That keeps Motional inside existing meeting and planning cycles rather than becoming another heavy initiative. For the fuller pathway, see How Motional works.
Do staff need specialist training before they start? +
No separate training course is required to begin. Motional is designed for all staff, not only specialists, with short guidance, on-screen prompts and live sessions when you want to go deeper. For how implementation spreads responsibility across the team, see How Motional works.
How does Motional work from start to finish? +
Motional supports a structured cycle: understanding emotional wellbeing through snapshots, taking needs-led action with Advice and Activities linked to each profile, and tracking impact across individuals, groups and the whole setting. Over time that builds a shared language among staff and coherent reporting for leaders. The approach is grounded in an evidence base linking emotional development, behaviour and readiness to learn. Read the full walkthrough on How Motional works.
Can we evidence impact for governors, trustees or inspection? +
Yes. Motional helps you show intent, implementation and impact for wellbeing and inclusion over time. That supports governor papers, trust boards and expectations from bodies such as Ofsted and Estyn, alongside evidencing impact and Whole-School reporting. For how those themes fit together in one narrative, see How Motional works.
How does Motional help us measure Emotional Wellbeing? +
Motional gives structured questionnaires and cohort views so you can see patterns across classes and year groups—not only isolated incidents. Read more on measuring Emotional Wellbeing across your school and how that sits in the wider cycle on How Motional works.
Can Motional support attendance, engagement and behaviour? +
Yes. When need is clearer, responses can be earlier and more consistent—supporting attendance and engagement as part of everyday practice. See transform attendance, engagement and behaviour and how that sits in the wider cycle on How Motional works.
Is Motional suitable for primary and secondary schools? +
Motional is used in mainstream and specialist settings. You can explore how it fits your context under Primary School and Secondary School in Who we work with.
What about trusts, local authorities or teams beyond schools? +
Motional scales for Multi Academy Trusts, local authorities and Beyond school settings such as charities and youth services.
How does “lasting change” relate to programmes of support? +
Once needs are visible, Motional links to structured programmes of Advice and Activities so support is practical and reviewable—from whole-school priorities down to individual pupils. See from insight to lasting change. The same journey—from identification through to impact—is summarised on How Motional works.
Can we align Motional with our school development plan? +
Yes. Motional supports priorities you already hold in your improvement cycle. Start from school development planning for wellbeing.
How do we book a demo or speak to someone? +
Use the Book a demo calls-to-action across the site, or visit the demo page to arrange a walkthrough with the team.
"How lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside a company which is open to, in fact embraces, the lived professional experiences of teachers to explore and modify a wellbeing assessment tool to meet the needs of neurodiverse young people." "How lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside a company which is open to, in fact embraces, the lived professional experiences of teachers to explore and modify a wellbeing assessment tool to meet the needs of neurodiverse young people. 'Equity' is a word much quoted but not always acted on. Having spent time with the Motional Team and array of teachers from special schools engaging in professional discussions regarding our diverse learners I truly feel we have created a system where we can truly identify our pupils to meet their unique needs to build strategies that nurture and support their emotional and social development and wellbeing."
Lisa James-Smith, Deputy Headteacher – Heronsbridge School
""We have been delighted to be able to fund a Motional licence for schools across Pembrokeshire for the past four years, and feel that it has been a very worthwhile investment. School feedback on Motional has been very positive." ""We have been delighted to be able to fund a Motional licence for schools across Pembrokeshire for the past four years, and feel that it has been a very worthwhile investment. School feedback on Motional has been very positive. It has been a pleasure working with Rich, who is always available to offer advice and guidance to schools. We look forward to our continued work with Motional.""
Dr Emma Emanuel, Pembrokeshire County Council
Supporting schools, trusts and local authorities
to improve emotional wellbeing, inclusion, attendance, behaviour and engagement.
