Wellbeing Programme

The Wellbeing programme, run by Work-life Support, a charity affiliated to the Teacher Support Network (formerly the Teachers Benevolent Fund) aims to improve the personal and professional well-being of school staff.

It targets a strand of the LEA Recruitment and Retention Strategy aiming to give staff a better work-life balance through improved communication, consultation and teamwork within schools. It also links closely with Remodelling and the Healthy Schools Initiative. Schools involved in the programme have found that it can be used to inform many parts of their SEF.

All staff within a school are invited to complete a detailed online survey, known as the self review measure. This covers aspects such as relationships within the workplace, demands, organisational practice, staff development, heath and safety and personal well-being. The questionnaire is completely confidential and results in a detailed written commentary which highlights strengths and areas for development.

School staff then look at the priorities which have emerged and plan how to address them i.e. identify the “next steps” and start to develop a programme of well-being. Facilitators attend training and network with each other to share and develop best practice. The following year a follow-up questionnaire is carried out.

Current wellbeing schools are:

Beckmead Schoool
Bensham Manor School
Cotelands PRU
Coningsby PRU
Cypress Juniors School
Kensington Avenue Primary School
Moving On PRU
Spring Park Primary School
Victoria House PRU
Westwood Language College
Woodside Infant and Nursery School

Schools previously involved in the programme were:

Ashburton Infant School
Atwood Primary School
Byron Primary School
Cypress Infant School
David Livingstone Primary School
Davidson Primary School
Kenley Primary School
Oval Primary School
Purley Oaks Primary School
Victoria House PRU
Addington High School
Coulsdon High School
Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls
St. Andrews High School
Moving On PRU
Bensham Manor Special School

 Employee Assistance Programme

Additional to the wellbeing programme, schools can buy into an Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their immediate family members.

It is becoming increasingly recognised that both personal and interpersonal issues can greatly affect the workplace. The EAP encourages individuals to proactively manage their professional and interpersonal effectiveness

In addition to the improved health and wellbeing of staff there are benefits to employers as well.

 “Any Employer who offers a confidential counselling service or EAP is unlikely to be in breach of their duty of care”.  (Lady Justice Hale, Appeal Court)

 Additional proven benefits of introducing an EAP include:

• Reduced absenteeism
• Greater retention of staff
• More effective working
• Reduced costs.

 Schools already participating in the EAP:

Beckmead School
Coningsby PRU
Cotelands PRU
Cypress Infant School
Cypress Junior School
Moving On PRU
Selhurst Mathematics and Computing Specialist School
Spring Park Primary School
Victoria House PRU
Westwood Language College
Woodside Infant and Nursery School

What is the Worklife Support EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)?

It is a resource used widely in the education community to help people perform at their best. At its most basic level the WLS EAP helps all staff achieve a more effective work-life balance.  Used fully, it can become a personal development resource – encouraging individuals to proactively manage their professional and interpersonal effectiveness.

The services provided by the Worklife Support EAP include:

• Work/Life Support and Information – on issues such as child and dependant care, legal rights and taxation.
• Financial Advice – trained money advisors helping people to manage their finances.
• Coaching and Support from trained professionals – helping to develop valuable personal and professional skills.
• Personal support and counselling – confidential telephone and face to face counselling.

So what would this mean to individual members of staff?

Immediate 24-hour telephone access to information, resources and support – both professional and personal.  This confidential service is available 365 days a year and can be accessed by all staff and family household members.  Included are up to 5 face to face counselling sessions.

Specialist support for the management team

Heads and senior managers additionally have access to a confidential management consultation service designed to assist managers in addressing workplace issues and maintain their own wellbeing.

Access to specialist support and advice on people management, including staff motivation and performance.

Coaching to help prepare and rehearse handling difficult situations

Support and advice on professional and personal effectiveness.

Referral service to help staff resolve problems at home or work.

Why the Worklife Support EAP?

This EAP has been specifically designed for the education community and recognises the unique issues they face.  It is a comprehensive resource that gives access to a skilled team of specialist advisors and counsellors who understand the world of education – in fact many have worked in schools themselves.

They provide independent and confidential one-to-one support, advice and counselling on the widest range of work-related and personal issues. 

Fees

The cost per member of staff is £15 per annum.  This fee includes all staff’s family household members.

More information

To discuss this further and receive a whole school sign up form please contact Kirstie Mc Neil or info@worklifesupport.com

Kirstie McNeil
Recruitment Strategy Manager
020 8760 5751

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www.worklifesupport.com