Cultures of Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools: Reflecting on Positive Case Studies

The book "Cultures of Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health" explores how schools have addressed the staff wellbeing and mental health crisis by prioritizing relationships over results. It provides 32 case-study accounts of headteachers and mental wellbeing leads implementing strategies and ideas to improve staff and pupil wellbeing. The book also highlights the importance of recognizing and tackling staff burnout, the connection between teacher wellbeing and pupil emotional response, and the role of "buffer leadership" in headteachers' mental health.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Open University Press

The pressure on staff in schools has never been greater, with high stakes accountability driving many teachers to reconsider their profession. A significant proportion of Early Career Teachers are leaving within five years of training, while Headteachers are less confident than ever in their ability to lead their schools. The education sector is facing a severe staff wellbeing and mental health crisis.

In response to this crisis, schools in Cultures of Staff Wellbeing and Mental Health have taken a proactive approach. They have implemented a whole-school culture that prioritizes staff wellbeing and mental health. This has required courage, determination, and authenticity, as it has been essential to prioritize relationships over results, not only between children and teachers but also among staff members.

This book aims to support schools in addressing the staff wellbeing and mental health crisis. It provides 32 individual chapter case-study accounts by headteachers and mental wellbeing leads, showcasing how they are implementing staff and pupil wellbeing in their schools. The book offers a rich resource of strategies and ideas that can be adapted to different contexts. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and tackling staff burnout, identifying the Maslach factors that contribute to it.

Furthermore, the book presents groundbreaking research by Jonathan Glazzard, which establishes a connection between teacher wellbeing, pupil emotional response, and attainment. It emphasizes the need for effective strategies to support teacher wellbeing, such as recognizing and addressing buffer leadership, which is crucial for headteachers' mental health.

This book belongs to the staff of the case-study schools that have experienced the transformative impact of focusing on wellbeing and mental health. Their accounts convey the positive outcomes and good practices that have emerged from these efforts. The book serves as an outstanding reference guide for all schools, providing valuable insights and inspiration for others to follow in their pursuit of a healthier and more supportive work environment.

David Gumbrell, the founder of The Resilience Project, has contributed to the writing of this book, emphasizing its significance and potential for positive change in the education sector.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780335248896