A member of our community recently asked a question about planning an INSET Day for promoting staff well-being and mental health. We thought we would help by writing a plan for you.
Before the Day:
- Set the Stage: Clearly communicate the rationale behind focusing on well-being. Explain how this aligns with your school's ethos and its positive impact on teaching and learning.
- Survey Your Staff: Understand their needs—whether they're dealing with excessive paperwork or other pressures. Use an anonymous survey to shape the day’s agenda.
INSET Day Structure:
- The Power of Purpose:
- Start by reaffirming your commitment to staff well-being.
- Share the survey results and emphasise that the day's activities are derived directly from staff feedback.
- Practical Solutions:
- Allocate substantial time to address and reduce workloads.
- Consider eliminating redundant paperwork and unnecessary meetings.
- Demonstrate tools for effective time management and stress reduction.
- Skill Building & Support:
- Offer workshops or sessions on:
- Managing stress and difficult emotions
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Enhancing positive communication within teams
- Open Communication:
- Facilitate a safe environment for staff to share challenges and potential solutions.
- Appoint or elect "Well-being Champions" among the staff to maintain ongoing dialogue.
- External Input:
- Invite a mental health expert or well-being coach to provide new insights and strategies tailored to educators.
- Actionable Takeaways:
- End the day by having staff identify 2-3 specific well-being practices to implement immediately.
- Provide time for reflection and written commitments.
Beyond the INSET Day:
- Embed Well-being: Offer follow-up sessions, regular well-being check-ins, or establish a dedicated resource library.
- Track and Adapt: Use brief, regular surveys to monitor staff well-being over time and adjust your strategies as necessary.
- Celebrate Together: Recognise and reward both individual and team-wide well-being efforts. Small gestures can make a significant impact.
Additional Considerations:
- Leadership Buy-In: Ensure that school leaders are visibly committed and modelling healthy work habits.
- Stakeholder Involvement: Explore how parents or the broader community can contribute resources or support.
Conclusion:
Remember, effective well-being initiatives are not one-size-fits-all, nor are they confined to single events. By listening to your staff, providing practical support, and fostering continuous improvement, you empower your staff and cultivate a school where everyone can thrive.
Further Resources for School Leaders
- Webinar Series on Leadership and Wellbeing
- School Leaders’ Work and Wellbeing Blog
- Join the Headteacher Chat Community – Access expert resources, checklists, and support from other school leaders
Updated: March 2025
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