Staff Wellbeing
At The Downs School we understand that the positive wellbeing of our staff is essential for retaining and motivating them and in promoting the wellbeing of our students. Our staff balance a large number of tasks and demands on a daily basis, so it is important that they feel supported so in turn they can support our students. The list below highlights what we actively do at The Downs to manage workload and to promote wellbeing.
Teaching and learning
No grading lesson observations
CPD tailored to individual needs
Nonhierarchical approach to Pick and mix CPD - there are things we can all learn
Morning briefing every other week used to share good practice
Time for staff to put training in action
Early close every other Monday for staff training
Clear communication through staff and student bulletins
Comprehensive support for ECTs through the UCL ECF programme
Head of faculties lead assessment and feedback policy
Behaviour
Clear and effective behaviour structures in place to support all staff
Senior staff on call presence around school
After school and Saturday school detentions run by SLT
Clear communication through staff and student bulletins
Managing workload
Email protocol- no expectation to answer emails out of working hours and holidays
Remote access to allow staff to work flexibly
No detailed written reports to parents and carers
Adjustments made to training in light of parents' evenings
No direct emails from parents to teaching staff
Flexibility for individual needs for discretionary leave
Regular staff surveys to get honest feedback on what needs to improve and acting on feedback
Other opportunities and wellbeing
Countless opportunities to get involved with wider life of the school - e.g. Duke of Edinburgh, ski trips
Tea/Coffee at every break
Treats at break
Flu jab available to all staff
Staff social events- Christmas, Easter and Summer
Book swap box in staffroom
Gym and Swimming Pool available for staff use
Gym available to 5.30pm
Pilates class to sign up
Free coffee for January blues
£5 personal printing
Loyalty card at Café 6 if you bring your own mug
Heads breakfast – opportunity to say how things are going
Café 6
Free office 365 apps
Counselling available to all
Staff football
Buddie system
Wellbeing and workload group
Centralised systems – SIMS, School detentions
High level of support for trips and visits
Refreshments before parents' evenings and school events
School closes at 6pm
Birthday club for staff
Faculty Socials
Supportive friendly staff