At Willowbrook Mead we:

  • see the best in each other
  • are kind and compassionate to each other
  • take an interest in each other, ask and listen
  • come together in the morning/lunchtime/after school
  • are positive whenever we can be
  • appreciate the privileged position that we hold
  • encourage each other to have a work/life balance
  • join in with whole school events
  • Mental health and character education sit at the heart of much of what we do with the children. Staff and children are encouraged to discuss mental health and well-being.
  • Collaboration and teamwork are a strong feature of our school. Staff work together well, support each other and respect each other.
  • There is a culture of honesty and openness. Staff are encouraged to discuss, debate, challenge and suggest.
  • In addition to questionnaires from the Trust, we send our own personalised school-level questionnaires. We will respond to feedback wherever possible.
  • Phase meetings have a standing agenda item to discuss well-being, support colleagues and well-being suggestions are encouraged.
  • Distributed leadership ensures that roles and responsibilities and shared and personal preferences and expertise are considered.
  • We want our staff to be physically and mentally well so that they can enjoy their job and perform to the best of their ability.
  • We value CPD and meeting time, but will not meet unnecessarily.
  • We have a clear line management structure that supports professional development, well-being and gives opportunities for regular dialogue.
  • We are mindful of workload and will not add tasks, procedures or policies that do improve teaching and learning or professional development. Discussion around introducing new initiatives or policies is welcomed and listened to.
  • We carefully plan the 1265 directed hours so that time is given to all necessary tasks and duties.
  • Verbal feedback, rather than written marking is actively encouraged.
  • Staff are welcome to take PPA at home or in our dedicated PPA room.
  • All staff are encouraged to ask for additional release time if their workload becomes too high.
  • Reports to parents minimise extended comments from teachers.
  • Email is strongly discouraged outside of working hours. Replies to emails outside working hours are not expected.
  • Class Dojo only to be used during working hours.
  • There is a commitment to constantly reviewing and listening to ideas about reducing bureaucracy and workload.
  • We have an admin team that is able to support staff with photocopying and admin duties.
  • Our recently refurbished staffroom has a clear code of conduct and is kept clean, tidy and well stocked with tea, coffee and drinks without charge to staff.
  • A staff wellbeing board in the staffroom celebrates successes, shares ‘thank yous’ and give an opportunity for feedback.
  • Regular treats are provided in the staffroom and bring and share lunches.
  • We have ‘Wellbeing weeks’ when we cancel all meetings.
  • Our staff wellbeing board shares details of counselling and support services that staff are encouraged to use if need. The school will fund additional face-to-face counselling through Amica.
  • We have adult mental health first aiders on site. Details on the staff well-being board.

DfE Wellbeing Charter

DfE Education Workforce Wellbeing Charter

  • Sue, one of our mental health first aiders, sends regular ‘mental health awareness’ emails and updates our well-being board with information and support.
  • We look for ways to connect and come together
  • Supervision and mentoring available for all our staff. DSLs, and those working with vulnerable children are given additional ‘time to talk’.
  • Mindfulness sessions continue this year with Jo at Learnful. We have selected Learnful as all the resources go live each week on the website and no teacher preparation is required.
  • All staff are invited to take an additional ‘off site day’ each year at a time when suits them.
  • Our staff well-being committee meet every month.
  • Our school dog, Dottie, gives us all a lift!
  • The trust has a commitment to staff wellbeing and have signed up to the Dfe Education Wellbeing Charter.
  • TMET send out an annual stress and well-being survey to all employees.
  • The trust’s HR team provide advice and support on health and wellbeing.
  • The Dfe Wellbeing charter aims to: