Health and wellbeing for teachers: takeaways from the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Posted on 17th December 2024 at 11:17
The recent publication of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill has brought renewed attention to the state of health and wellbeing in the education sector. While the bill aims to improve support for students, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by teaching staff across England. As we delve into the current landscape, it's clear that teachers' wellbeing remains a critical issue that requires urgent attention.
The state of teacher wellbeing
Recent surveys paint a concerning picture of teacher wellbeing in England. The NASUWT Wellbeing at Work Survey 2024 reveals that 84% of teachers have experienced increased work-related stress in the past year. Although this figure represents a slight improvement from 2022, it still indicates a pervasive problem within the profession.
Sinéad Mc Brearty, CEO of Education Support, emphasises the gravity of the situation: "Disturbingly high rates of stress, anxiety, and burnout continue to affect education staff, exacerbated by pupil and parent behaviour, and a lack of support for students from public services. The impact on teachers' mental health is profound, and this must change."
The survey also found that 86% of teachers report their job has adversely impacted their mental health in the last 12 months. Physical health is not spared either, with 54% of teachers stating that their job has negatively affected their physical wellbeing.
Factors contributing to poor wellbeing
Workload remains the primary culprit behind increased work-related stress, with 68% of teachers citing it as the main factor. However, other issues are gaining prominence:
1. Pupil behaviour (36%, up from 12% in 2022)
2. Monitoring and accountability measures (26%)
3. Pupil academic performance (19%)
4. Financial worries (19%, up from 8% in 2022)
The impact of these stressors on teachers' lives is significant. The NASUWT survey reports that 87% of teachers have suffered loss of sleep, 84% have experienced low energy levels, and 84% have faced increased anxiousness.
Proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill measures and their potential impact
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduces several measures aimed at improving the overall wellbeing within schools. These include:
1. Providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school
2. Establishing 'young futures hubs' in communities
3. Introducing free breakfast clubs in primary schools
4. Implementing a community-wide approach to improving SEND inclusivity
While these initiatives primarily target student wellbeing, they may indirectly benefit teachers by creating a more supportive school environment. However, the process of implementing these changes could potentially add to teachers' workloads in the short term, exacerbating existing wellbeing issues.
The Labour government has also proposed several initiatives specifically targeting teacher wellbeing:
1. Recruiting 6,500 more teachers to alleviate workload pressures
2. Introducing a Teacher Training Entitlement for ongoing professional development
3. Creating a new national voice for school support staff
4. Replacing single-word Ofsted judgments with a new report card system
These measures aim to address some of the key factors affecting teacher wellbeing, such as workload and professional development. However, their effectiveness will depend on careful implementation that doesn't create additional burdens for already stretched teaching staff.
The need for a holistic approach
Education experts argue that a more comprehensive approach is needed to truly address teacher wellbeing.
Caroline Amos, Chair of the Scottish Government's Mental Health in Schools Working Group, says: "The mental health and wellbeing of all staff, as well as children and young people, is key to the whole school approach."
This sentiment is echoed by many in the field who believe that schools should be viewed as complex, interconnected systems rather than collections of isolated interventions.
Priorities for discussion
Reading through the Bill, results of surveys and articles, we have identified several key areas teachers would like to see addressed:
1. Workload reduction strategies that don't compromise educational quality
2. Improved support systems for dealing with challenging pupil behaviour
3. Mental health resources specifically tailored for teaching staff
4. Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
5. Strategies for managing demands of parental expectations
6. Professional development opportunities that don't add to existing time pressures
Our takeaways
Addressing the health and wellbeing of teachers in England requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the complex nature of the education system. While the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill and proposed government measures are steps in the right direction, they must be implemented thoughtfully to avoid unintended negative consequences for teacher wellbeing.
As we move forward, it's crucial to keep the dialogue open between policymakers, school leaders, and teachers themselves. By working together to create a supportive, health-focused environment in schools, we can ensure that both students and teachers thrive.
At Verve Healthcare, we believe that a healthy, happy and productive workforce is the foundation of a successful education system. With our 30 years of NHS experience, we're committed to supporting schools in developing proactive workplace healthcare strategies that can reduce sickness absence and improve overall wellbeing.
Are you an education leader looking to enhance the health and wellbeing of your teaching staff? Get in touch with Verve Healthcare today to learn how we can help you create a tailored wellbeing programme for your school.
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