An education setting’s caring ethos and environment will have a major impact on the wellbeing of its staff and pupils. It’s important for leaders to define that culture and vision, making it clear what behaviours, values and beliefs underpin it.
It is important too for the leadership team to build a culture of trust where staff feel valued, can be open about their health and wellbeing and know how to access support if they need it. For all of this to happen, it is essential for the head teacher and the leadership team to model good mental health and wellbeing behaviour and practice.
It is also important for head teachers to remember to look after their own mental health and wellbeing alongside that of their staff.
Changing a school’s culture may take time, but it is possible. Even in the most supportive school environments, there still may be changes that can be made to improve things.
Tools to support supportive conversations:
This is a tool designed to be completed by staff across a setting to identify the whole-setting areas for development.
What do if someone is experiencing a crisis:
Sometimes a colleague will need more urgent help. They may be having a serious panic attack, feeling suicidal or perhaps are thinking about hurting themselves or others.
Try and stay calm and:
- Really listen to them, in a non-judgemental way; try and provide reassurance.
- Ask them how you can help or what would help.
- Ask them if there is someone they would like you to contact.
- Keep the conversation going but try not to offer quick solutions.
- If they need immediate help, dial 999 or, if practical, take/send the person to your local A&E unit.
- If it isn’t an emergency, ring the NHS non-emergency number: 111.
Who to contact:
The NHS provides guidance about what to do with a mental health crisis or emergency and who to contact. The charity, Mind, also has information about how to get help in a crisis.