Tens of thousands of teachers quit every year due to poor wellbeing and work/life balance. Across two episodes, we look at what schools can do practically to support the wellbeing of teaching staff and what teachers themselves can do to protect their wellbeing.

In part one, our experts discuss how to create a whole-school culture of staff wellbeing, including mentally healthy working environments, the pillars of psychological safety, how to bring wellbeing into the everyday, and emotionally literate leadership.

We consider how line managers can support colleagues and spot problems, the role of staff wellbeing leaders, how schools should respond if staff are struggling, and what teachers can do themselves, including how to say no, sleep properly, and prioritise personal time.

A webpage featuring a range of Education Support resources relating to the topics discussed in the podcast can be found here.

Part two of this episode is due out on November 9 and will feature Peter Radford, who left the profession in 2016 after a breakdown and burn-out. Peter now supports others with issues relating to staff wellbeing. We hear Peter’s story and get some powerful and practical advice for schools and colleagues alike. You can find this episode here.

In the meantime, part one of this podcast is hosted by SecEd editor Pete Henshaw and our guests are:

  • Rachel Ward, Director of Wellbeing, The Kemnal Academies Trust.
  • Gemma Williamson, Deputy Principal for Teaching and Learning, The Hazeley Academy, Milton Keynes.
  • Faye McGuinness, Director of Programmes, Education Support.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, or for help or advice on any issue facing those working in education, contact the free Education Support 24-hour helpline on 08000 562 561 or www.educationsupport.org.uk. The charity also offers free peer support groups for headteachers and deputy headteachers via https://bit.ly/3BO1Qvz

To hear other SecEd podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The SecEd Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/podcasts

For details about The SecEd Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at editor@sec-ed.co.uk