The 2024 Teacher Wellbeing Index, published by Education Support, has once again highlighted the pressing issue of mental health within the education sector. As school leaders, it’s crucial to address this challenge head-on and create a supportive environment for our staff.

Key findings from the report include:

• A small overall improvement: The report suggests an overall, slight improvement in the wellbeing of staff in education. However, key areas still show concern from the data shared.
• Worsening Mental Health: A concerning 77% of staff (79% senior leaders) experience symptoms of poor mental health due to work, a 3% increase from 2023.
• Impact of Challenging Behaviour: A staggering 82% of staff report that increased challenging behaviour from pupils negatively affects their mental health and wellbeing.
• Workload and Stress: Workload remains a significant contributor to work-related stress, with 84% of staff experiencing increased anxiousness.

Key Takeaways from the Report:

• Challenging Behaviour and Interactions: A significant proportion of staff reported that increased challenging behaviour from pupils and parents negatively impacted their mental health.
• Lack of Support for Pupils: Many staff feel frustrated by the inability to provide adequate support for pupils with mental health needs due to insufficient resources and services.
• Workload and Stress: Workload remains a major contributor to work-related stress and its impact on mental health. Senior leaders in particular are seen to be experiencing higher levels of chronic stress. 

Strategies for Supporting Staff Mental Health:

• Open Communication:
  • Create a culture where staff feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns.
  • Hold regular check-ins with staff to monitor their wellbeing.
• Workload Management:
  • Prioritise tasks and set realistic deadlines to reduce stress.Encourage staff to delegate tasks and avoid taking on excessive workloads.
  • Review workload policies and practices regularly to identify areas for improvement.
• Professional Development:
  • Offer training on mental health awareness and stress management techniques.
  • Provide opportunities for staff to develop their skills and knowledge.
  • Encourage staff to take breaks and time off to recharge.
• Positive School Culture:
  • Promote a positive and supportive school culture where everyone feels valued and respected.Celebrate achievements and recognise staff contributions.
  • Encourage teamwork and collaboration among staff.
• Collaboration with External Services:
  • Build strong relationships with local mental health services to ensure timely access to support for staff and pupils.
  • Advocate for increased funding for mental health services in education.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for our staff, ultimately leading to improved mental health and wellbeing for everyone in the school community.

TT Education can support schools and Trusts in developing workforce strategies and provide training to support schools build a mentally healthy culture. We have a mental health series as part of our CPD library to support staff and leaders, alongside sessions such as Challenging Pupil Behaviour and Improving Wellbeing for Teachers and Leaders.