Teaching Teachers
Last updated: 07/09/2006 - 10:45
A series of innovative ways to help staff improve their well being and become fighting fit for the New Year have been put together by officers from Education Leeds, in the West Yorkshire city.
They have allocated £80,000 to spend on stress busting methods this year in a bid to tackle a national problem, which should also help improve recruitment and retention of teachers. Some of the stress-busting measures already being put into practice are:
Stress management courses run by external consultants. These have already been held for head teachers and more are planned for the future. Head teachers are helped to examine the causes of their own particular stress and ways of overcoming it.
Alternative Therapy
Health days, as part of the Leeds Healthy School Standard, during which there are presentations on stress management, life balances and conflict management. Plus, staff have the chance to unwind using various therapies including facials, massage, aromatherapy, nutritional therapy, reflexology and reiki.
Anne Cowling, teacher adviser said: "Staff said it gave them a great boost and helped to make them feel valued. Most went away determined to take positive steps to improve their health such as join a gym or spending more time in the staffroom at lunchtime. It also gave staff quality time to get to know each other better. A healthy school, on every level, is the best learning environment for children and young people."
Teacher Support Network
Education Leeds is one of the first large local authorities to sign up to the independent Employee Assistance Programme set up by TBF, the national teacher support network. The aim is to provide free face-to-face counselling, a confidential 24 hour helpline and professional support and practical advice for teaching staff.
Terry Johnson, health and safety officer said: "There is evidence to show that teachers suffer levels of stress higher than other comparable professions. Employee assistance and counselling schemes not only have major financial benefits for schools by reducing the cost of sickness absence, but can also improve school effectiveness and standards. This is because pupils are more likely to thrive in a positive environment with staff who are less stressed and have balance in their work and personal lives."
More information available in Work Life Balance