The HeadStart Service supports schools/colleges and wider educational settings to create a culture where everyone is included and considered in relation to mental health and wellbeing.
Promoting staff wellbeing is crucial in creating a positive environment, ensuring a duty of care and support to all staff and students.
When we work within systems that prioritise and promote mental wellbeing it can lead to better job satisfaction and increased productivity, improved educational outcomes, better staff retention and a more positive culture.
As part of a whole school approach it is important to work with staff to establish their mental health needs and how you can promote staff wellbeing in your setting.
This includes school and college leaders prioritising their own wellbeing and ensuring they have support from Governors.
Here are some ideas that can help to promote mental wellbeing in your setting:
- A staff wellbeing policy can help to manage workload and promote healthy boundaries
- Do you have a designated staff wellbeing lead? (such as your mental health lead in school?)
- Are appropriate support mechanisms in place for staff to access support?
- Is there a designated and comfortable space in your setting where staff can take time out if needed?
- Embed meaningful mental wellbeing initiatives which are part of your school’s culture and strategy
- Senior leaders actively model good practice around wellbeing
- How can you promote open conversations about mental health?
Published: August 26