Well-Being

Following consultation on Well Being at this year's Lambeth Headteachers' Conference, Headteachers were promised a paper for their Governors on Well Being,  with the aim of developing a policy in schools, with a particular focus on Headteachers.

Well Being is an area of increasing focus within the School Teacher Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) and the National Agreement and Remodelling Agenda, in terms of benefits to both staff and the children: 

"A school that is committed to work-life balance recognises that effective practices to promote work-life balance will benefit both teachers and pupils." (STPCD 2009)

Governing bodies should have regular discussion with Headteachers to ensure they are benefiting fully from Workforce Reform and receiving their entitlements under the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, with a view to implementing a Well Being policy in the school for all staff.

This guidance provides the basis for that discussion, which should include:

• the governing body's own demands on the Headteacher
• issues around distributed leadership and succession planning
• work-life balance
• dedicated headship time
• cover, planning and administration.

The National Workforce Agreement Monitoring Group (WAMG) suggests that the formal performance management process provides an ideal opportunity for this discussion.

We hope you find the guidance helpful for making a start at looking at Well Being in schools.