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

 

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