Ever held back from sharing an idea in a staff meeting because you were worried it might sound silly? Or hesitated before asking for help because you didn’t want to look like you weren’t coping? That feeling—the one that makes you second-guess yourself—is exactly what psychological safety is designed to prevent.
The Danish practice of Hygge seems to offer some answers as to why Danes are so happy. Pronounced hyoo·guh the word originates from Norway (another country that ranks highly in happiness) meaning ‘wellbeing’.
Julie Liddell had the privilege of hosting an inspiring webinar with Helen Tomlinson, the former Government menopause champion. Together, they explored how to create more inclusive workplaces, break the stigma surrounding menopause, and raise awareness about its impact in education.
The recently published Ofsted Annual Report Dec 2024 shared some promising plans ahead. However, it was concerning to read about the serious challenges providers continue to face, including high staff turnover, incomplete inductions, and a growing reliance on unqualified staff. Many of us in the education sector have had concerns, but it is now documented in the report that the recruitment and retention crisis continues to have a negative impact on children’s learning and wellbeing.
Stress affects everyone uniquely, showing up in physical, emotional, and behavioral signs. By understanding these responses, we can identify personal stress triggers and apply strategies to mitigate its effects. The first Wednesday of November is recognised as National Stress Awareness Day serving as a reminder to prioritize mental health, develop self-care habits, and adopt a mindful approach, enhancing resilience and wellbeing in a fast-paced world.
The first week of the Autumn term is invariably filled with relaxed staff walking at a slower pace with smiling faces. Fast forward a few weeks and a busy school life catches up with staff and can became relentless. The wellbeing of staff can decline as the terms go on and we need to address this if we are to reverse the trend of alarming teacher attrition.