From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS PROGRAMME SHOULD SUPPORT TEACHER WELLBEING TOO

Responding to the Government’s announcement today that the Healthy Schools Programme will be extended, Teacher Support Network has called for the programme to do more for teachers.

The programme advocates a ‘whole school approach’ that addresses staff welfare too, but there are still clear signs that teacher health and wellbeing – and therefore the standard of education they provide – could be improved.

A 2008 survey by Teacher Support Network found that 87 per cent of respondents had experienced stress, and 42 per cent had experienced depression in the previous two years.

Teacher Support Network Chief Executive, Julian Stanley, said:

“There is a clear link between the health and wellbeing of teachers and the achievement of young people.

"Many schools and local authorities have already implemented initiatives that focus on staff health and wellbeing, for example, through the National Wellbeing Programme.

"However, a greater emphasis on staff health and wellbeing is needed throughout the Healthy Schools Programme if we are to see real change.

"Schools must do more to better support the health and wellbeing of their staff and ensure they know where to turn to when times get tough."