Does the school actively address workload issues and support staff wellbeing through surveys, workshops, impact assessments and analysing staff diaries?
The role played by trustees, governors and leaders when addressing the stresses and challenges within a school or trust is key if the structures and support systems created are enabled to succeed. The confidential use of surveys, records and a variety of methods for support, both external and internal, are at the core of successful outcomes for individuals and the staff as a group. When leaders at all levels create a health and wellbeing environment for staff, that has had key involvement from them in its creation, including in creating and agreeing the policies and practices, your wellbeing practice will have the ownership of everyone working within it.
The integration of wellbeing into the curriculum of the school will also allow open discussion and honesty by pupils, which ensures training regularly and updated training for all staff. Trustees or governors should also have regular training and involvement with school wellbeing systems, in order that they can give appropriate support to leaders in school with their particular needs.
Please find below some thoughts aimed at stimulating discussion around your health and wellbeing strategies and resources.
- Is a senior leader involved with developing and monitoring the policies and practice supporting staff wellbeing?
- Does the school monitor and evaluate the wellbeing strategies and provision by external agencies and internal systems?
- Do all staff understand their role in supporting the wellbeing of their colleagues? across the curriculum?
- Does the school make appropriate use of staff surveys, questionnaires and diaries?
- Are strategies for improving the health and wellbeing of staff a regular part of staff meetings and training days?
- Do all staff have similar opportunities to develop and discuss their wellbeing needs?
- Do readers ensure that the results of surveys and questionnaires are analysed and actions to improve staff wellbeing implemented?
When leaders and staff successfully create environments and situations that stimulate staff involvement and understanding of their health and wellbeing, the overall outcomes for all aspects of school are enhanced.
John Croghan M.Ed. BA. Cert.Ed.
If you would like to speak to John please email john.croghan@evaluate-ed.com.
