Staff Wellbeing
At The Downs School we understand that the positive wellbeing of our staff is essential for retaining, motivating 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. See how we actively manage workload and promote wllbeing at The Downs School.
Teaching and learning
Developmental Walkthrus using Instructional Coaching
Monday and Wednesday morning briefings to keep you updated
Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Development time in Faculties every other Wednesdays
Clear communication through staff and student bulletins
Comprehensive support for ECTs
Time given for ECTs for training
Time given to Mentors for mentoring
Time given to undertake NPQs
Clear Downs Development ladder
Head of faculties lead their faculty assessment and feedback policy.
Behaviour
Clear and effective Therapeutic behaviour structures in place to support all staff
Senior staff on call presence around school everyday
After school and Saturday school detentions run by SLT
Clear communication through student updates every other Wednesday briefing
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
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
Well established Wellbeing and Workload working group
Time for you Tuesday – no meetings
Other initiatives and opportunities
Electric Car charging points in school
Countless opportunities to get involved with the wider life of the school-e.g. Duke of Edinburgh, Ski trips, theatre trips, overseas trips.
Free Tea/Coffee available in Staffroom and in faculties
Treats at break each half term
Flu jab available to all staff
Staff social events- Christmas, Easter, Summer
Book swap box in staffroom
Gym available to 5.30 free of charge
Swimming pool available before and after school on certain days
Yoga available to sign up
Free coffee perks during the Year from Café 6
£5 personal printing
Café 6 – available until 2pm
Loyalty card at Café 6 if you bring your own mug
Heads breakfast – opportunity to say how things are going
Free office 365 apps
Counselling available to all
Coaching available
Staff football on Fridays
Buddie system
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
