It's August. Schools are closed, yet many headteachers across the UK remain tethered to their phones. WhatsApp messages arrive throughout the day. Safeguarding emails demand quiet attention. The pressure to stay switched on, even during the holidays, is real.
Recently, a headteacher shared a heartfelt concern in the HeadteacherChat Facebook group:
“I don’t feel I can have even a day without something needing my attention. My SLT don’t take it in turns with me to be on call over the holidays and wouldn’t agree to this if I suggested it. I need to be able to switch off, even if it is just for a few days.”
The post sparked a wave of responses. Over 45 comments poured in, filled with practical advice, lived experience, and solidarity. It's clear this is not an isolated experience. So how can headteachers—particularly in small schools with limited support—carve out genuine rest?
Below, we explore key insights and strategies shared by the community.
1. Boundaries Are Not Optional
One of the clearest messages from the discussion was the importance of setting expectations before the holidays begin.
“Did you set boundaries before you broke up for the summer?”
Setting an automatic out-of-office email response, informing your team that you're taking a break, and specifying what constitutes an emergency all contribute to manageable communication expectations. The work will always be there, but your energy and wellbeing need protecting.
2. Reclaim Control Over Messaging
WhatsApp came up frequently as a source of unwanted interruptions. Several headteachers recommended disabling blue ticks and online status features—or even removing the app entirely during holiday periods.
“It felt really naughty to start with, but I love it now.”
Many schools are now updating staff communication policies to state clearly that work-related messages must go through email, not personal messaging apps. One school’s code of conduct even restricts WhatsApp use to social conversations only. This not only protects the headteacher, but also models healthy professional boundaries for all staff.
3. Leadership Pay Brings Leadership Responsibility
When school leaders are paid on the leadership pay scale, they are not bound by directed time in the same way as teaching staff. This includes taking responsibility for holiday cover.
“If SLT are paid on the leadership scale, they need to step up and share the load.”
Many headteachers reported introducing summer holiday cover rotas—often planned in January—so responsibilities are shared fairly. This can include dividing up weeks for safeguarding checks, site visits, or being on-call. It also encourages staff to coordinate annual leave well in advance.
4. Safeguarding: Manage It Without Burnout
Safeguarding responsibilities don’t stop for school holidays. But there are ways to handle this without being on call 24/7.
- Share the DSL/DDSL responsibility across the leadership team.
- Set up email filters or designate days for checking safeguarding inboxes.
- Use your out-of-office to direct emergencies to the appropriate person.
- Consider external providers for security, site management or alarm responses.
Where DDSL support is limited, some heads suggest contracted support (e.g. SBM or admin staff) to be available for urgent matters.
5. Protecting Wellbeing is a Leadership Act
The strongest reminder from the group was this: taking a break is not selfish—it’s necessary.
“Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
Good leadership includes modelling sustainable working practices. Some leaders designate specific ‘work days’ and ‘non-work days’ during the holidays. Others remove email from their phones altogether. One head summed it up powerfully:
“You’re the boss. You dictate what is and isn’t tolerated.”
Creating and maintaining boundaries is not a sign of weakness. It’s an essential part of leading by example.
Practical Strategies Shared by the Community
- Set a clear out-of-office email response with safeguarding instructions
- Plan and publish a summer holiday cover rota by the spring term
- Turn off WhatsApp read receipts and status indicators
- Communicate expectations around emergency contact only
- Remove email accounts from mobile devices
- Use external services for site-related issues or alarm call-outs
- Review SLT job descriptions to formalise shared responsibilities
Final Thought
You are not alone. If you feel like you're carrying your school on your shoulders, particularly during the holidays, know that many other leaders share your experience.
The role of headteacher is demanding, and in smaller schools the load can be overwhelming. But it is possible to take control, establish boundaries, and prioritise rest without compromising leadership.
Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re letting your school down. It means you’re protecting your ability to lead it well.
For more support, conversations and strategies from peers, visit the HeadteacherChat Community:
https://headteacher-chat.link/htc-comm
Further Resources for School Leaders
Updated: March 2025
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