0370 270 6000

Search

Search Mobile

collapse

already registered?

Please sign in with your existing account details.

Email address

Password

Sign in with LinkedIn

need to register?

Register to access exclusive content, sign up to receive our updates and personalise your experience on brownejacobson.com.

Privacy statement - Terms and conditions

Register with LinkedIn

Forgotten your password?

collapseSign

Browne Jacobson home

Education home

Insights

Blogs

Teachers' mental health - should we be worried?

teachers' mental health – should we be worried?

15 April 2014

A recent poll has shown that over half (55%) of school staff feel that their job has a negative impact on their mental health - causing symptoms of stress, exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Large amounts of unpaid overtime, intense pressure to cope with Ofsted requirements and the perceived stigma attached to mental health issues all are highlighted as contributory factors.

These reports are at odds with recent DfE statements claiming “teaching has never been more attractive, more popular, or more rewarding”.

The spotlight is undoubtedly on teacher performance now more than ever and head teachers and governors do need to be mindful of the potential health risks. Creating a supportive culture, questioning the necessity of new initiatives and open dialogue can help.

Many modern roles bring with them an element of pressure; however prudent senior leadership teams (SLT) should consider whether sufficient safeguards are in place. Any necessary additional support can then be introduced before it is too late.

related opinions

School uniform under media spotlight

The new academic year has started with controversy over school uniform. Last week, a government inquiry heard evidence that costs for parents are being exacerbated by compulsory branded uniform, including clothing with school logos, and operating contractual arrangements for the supply of these items with single retailers.

Education Secretary confirms DfE 'backing' for exclusions

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, has confirmed that head teachers who take “the decision to either suspend or expel a pupil because they need to do it in order to be able to enforce proper and full discipline in their school, and making sure that they're protecting the whole interests of the school, will always have my backing".

Welcome news for sixth form colleges looking to academise

The Government has accepted calls from sixth form colleges to reopen the option to become academies.

RSE guidance issued - but do teachers feel ready?

In our previous blog we updated you on the new requirements to teach relationships, health and sex education (elements of which are phase specific) which will become mandatory in September 2020.

View all blogs

Dominic Buckley

Partner

mailing list sign up

Select which mailings you would like to receive from us.

Sign up