headteacher-secondary

teachwire.net W E L L B E I N G They may wish to have some time to sit quietly with a cup of tea and a tissue. It is important that leaders don’t allow the colleague to leave the conversation feeling distressed, and that they check in with them before they leave the building at the end of the day. They may feel embarrassed, but knowing that they can return to school WARNING SIGNS All leaders (and ideally staff) need to be trained in identifying the signs and symptoms that can be indicators of mental ill health. These might include physical signs, such as: • Stomach problems • Frequent minor illnesses, such as colds • Headaches • Weight loss or gain • Extreme tiredness • Frequent tearfulness • Increased consumption of caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes However, a range of behavioural changes may also occur, including: • Failure to meet deadlines • Complaints about workload • Irritability with colleagues • Inability to concentrate • Difficulty with memory • Taking on extra projects • Withdrawal • Loss of confidence ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amy Sayer is a head of religious studies, mental health first aider and writer regards to mental health within a given school will take time to be embedded by all members of staff. Members of SLT will themselves need to feel comfortable talking about how they are looking after their own mental health, and be ready to show that they have a life outside of school. Senior leaders are role models for other staff members, and it should be acceptable for them to have hobbies, attend exercise classes, join choir practices or whatever else makes them smile at the end of a busy day. No one aspires to be the kind of school leader who behaves like an automaton, handing out insincere ‘wellbeing’ ideas just to tick a box. All staff need to be given training to make sure they know how to look after their own mental health, and they need to feel that they will always have someone in school they can talk to if they are struggling. the next day feeling heard, valued and understood will make a huge difference. A cultural change with 11