Ensure support structures are clearly identified and signposted
Login or register to use the free action planning toolOn this page you can find information about:
how you can support staff who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing
how to ensure this support is effectively communicated and accessible
resources and organisations that can provide help and guidance.
Supporting the mental wellbeing of staff
As well as identifying appropriate mental wellbeing support for all staff, it is important that this support is effectively communicated and accessible.
This is crucial for:
ensuring staff know where to turn when they need help
demonstrating your setting’s commitment to staff wellbeing
promoting a culture of openness around mental wellbeing
facilitating early intervention and support.
Levels of support
A comprehensive support offer should include different levels of support to address varying needs among staff. This might include universal, targeted and specialist support.
Universal support (for all staff)
This might include:
anonymous feedback systems
drop-in sessions with senior leadership
staff wellbeing events
dedicated staff relaxation spaces
non-work-related social activities
modelling good working practices and self-care
mental health information and resources.
Mentally Healthy Schools
Free mental health educational resources, including teaching materials, guidance and tools for education staff in primary, secondary and further education settings.
Explore Mentally Healthy Schools resourcesTargeted support (for staff with mental health or safeguarding responsibilities)
This might include:
mental health and wellbeing training
supervision
regular wellbeing check-ins using a peer-support model.
Anna Freud training for schools and colleges
Our evidence-based training courses have been written by mental health professionals and education experts. Every session is delivered by one of our highly experienced qualified trainers.
We offer both shorter and more intensive training courses for staff in primary schools, secondary schools, alternative provision settings, and further education colleges. This includes training on:
reflective practice and supervision
autism and wellbeing in schools
parent and carer partnership training
self-harm: leading whole-school prevention
school attendance and mental wellbeing.
Specialist support (for staff who require further support)
This might include:
employee assistance programmes (available from Education Support)
access to crisis support
referrals to occupational health.
Communicating support to staff
Effective communication is key to ensuring staff are aware of and can easily access available support. Try to consider:
visibility: make support options clearly visible and easily accessible
variety: offer a range of support options to meet different needs
clarity: communicate support structures regularly and clearly
accessibility: ensure support is easy to access for all staff
confidentiality: provide options for anonymous or confidential support.
Support can be communicated via:
staff areas: use noticeboards or screens in staff rooms to display support information
inductions and training: include mental wellbeing support information in staff inductions and regular training
digital communication: share support options via staff bulletins and intranet pages
resource directory: create and distribute a list of external support services.
Resources
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Ten ways to support school staff wellbeing
An action-planning guide to help school and college leaders support the wellbeing of their staff.
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Supporting staff from racially minoritised groups
Information about the impact of racism on school staff, and guidance for schools on how to foster a safe and supportive environment.
Further resources
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Education Support: Signposting and resources
A simple signposting template with accompanying guidance on how to populate it effectively.
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Anna Freud: Staff signposting poster template
A template with information on organisations that offer wellbeing support, with space to add information relevant to your setting.
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The Department for Education: Education staff wellbeing charter
A declaration of support for, and a set of commitments, to the wellbeing of staff, with accompanying guidance and resources.
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Education Support: Wellbeing tips for teachers
A suite of resources to support staff to look after their own and each other’s wellbeing.
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Anna Freud: Mental health lead resource hub
A hub of resources to support senior mental health leads to develop and embed a whole-school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing.