Wellbeing

According to a survey by the Teacher Wellbeing Index, in 2021 an alarming 72% of education staff reported experiencing symptoms of poor mental health due to their work, and 54% had considered leaving the sector in the past two years.

These statistics are sobering and sad. Teacher wellbeing needs investment at the highest level in order to affect significant and lasting change. Until then, it is down to us to look after ourselves in order to look after others, however hard or self-indulgent it may seem. The resources below are designed to support you in finding ways to make your wellbeing a priority and, as the saying goes, 'Put your own oxygen mask on first'. 

Ruth Simmonds, Education project manager at the Mental Health Foundation, explores the importance of bringing nature into schools.

Safeguarding consultant, Sue Wheeler, shares her observations about the effects of social media on young people’s mental health.

Renowned Education Consultant and author, Jenny Mosley, outlines five key ways you can actively promote wellbeing in your school. Jenny's ideas would also be suitable for KS3 students.

Victoria Hewett is an education blogger and creator of the #Teacher5adayBuddyBox wellbeing scheme. She is a passionate advocate for improving teacher wellbeing and reducing workload. Here she shares her ideas for strategies you can use to support your own wellbeing.

Adrian Bethune is a writer, teacher and Healthy Body and Mind leader at a primary school in Hertfordshire. In 2012, he was awarded a ‘Happy Hero’ medal at the House of Lords for his work on developing wellbeing in schools. He discusses how strength spotting can benefit both wellbeing and attainment.