The education sector has grappled with staff wellbeing concerns for several years now, with issues such as stress, burnout, and workload raising the prospect of a potential retention crisis. These concerns reached new heights when the pandemic struck, as education workers went above and beyond to help pupils stay…
The rise of eco-anxiety represents a challenge for schools. According to a recent survey, almost two-thirds of young people are “very or extremely worried” about climate change, while over 45% report that their eco-anxiety “negatively affected their daily life and functioning”. As you may be aware, our ‘All pupils,…
It’s undeniable that today’s young people are facing a time of turbulence and uncertainty, particularly following the disruption caused by COVID-19. As well as dealing with the aftermath of isolating lockdowns, young people are increasingly exposed to anxiety-inducing news stories and household pressures. In fact, the Sutton Trust recently flagged…
Mae bwlio yn bryder difrifol i blant yng Nghymru. Dyna pam rydym wedi ymuno â’r elusen gwrth-fwlio Kidscape yr Wythnos Iechyd Meddwl Plant hon (7-13 Chwefror 2022), i dynnu sylw at wybodaeth ymarferol a chyngor ar yr hyn y gall llywodraethwyr yng Nghymru ei wneud i gymryd camau yn erbyn…
Bullying is a serious concern. That’s why this Children’s Mental Health Week (7-13 February 2022), we’ve teamed up with anti-bullying charity Kidscape to highlight practical information and advice on what governors in Wales can do to take action against bullying. You can also find further resources for governors on…
Improving the educational and life outcomes for pupils is at the centre of a school’s purpose and drives those who work and volunteer in education. Parents of students are even more invested in ensuring their child or children are given the best possible start in life, but despite this shared…
Providing support and challenge to headteachers and a school’s leadership team is one of a governor’s key roles. For some people, finding the balance between the two can be the hardest part of the job. To ‘provide challenge’ can conjure up visions of confrontation and…
The mental health and wellbeing of school staff and their pupils is closely linked. If teachers and school staff work in an environment where wellbeing is prioritised and they feel supported and valued, their pupils will also reap the benefits. So how can schools go about this,…
Working in a school is rewarding yet challenging, and the past few months will likely have been some of the most difficult of many teachers and school staff’s careers. Looking after school staff’s mental health and wellbeing should always be a priority for governors.
Governors can help transform their schools’ approach to staff wellbeing and mental health. But before they can do so, governors need some underlying knowledge and understanding of the terminology and issues involved. The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every…
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed the issue of mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of schools. But it’s a subject that’s been of concern for some time, and will continue to be long after the effects of the pandemic end. School governors have a role to play in mitigating the effects of…
Kingmoor Infant and Nursery School recently became the first school in Cumbria to be awarded the AcSEED Award. Headteacher Nicky Corfield and Youth Mental Health Champion Nikki Hall, answer some of our questions about their school’s approach to mental health and wellbeing in this Q&A. 1. Should schools…