This article was originally published on Tes News.
As schools reopen, there are still a large number of unknowns. This is a "back to school" transition unlike any other.
With reduced pupil numbers and a blended mix of remote and face-to-face teaching expected, this final part of the school year looks set to be more complex than any other. And given the year schools have had, that is really saying something.
According to a wellbeing survey conducted via Tes at the start of May, social distancing, timetabling and behaviour are all big concerns for staff as schools begin to reopen.
Some 70 per cent of UK teachers believe their job will be different when they return, which, in itself, could provide a significant cause for anxiety.
While 61 per cent of teachers worldwide feel they have learned new skills during school closures, half of the teachers surveyed believe that reopening plans have not been shared effectively between staff.
Read more: Survey shows that teachers are struggling with 'unsustainable' stress
Many questions are still unanswered, as schools face a battle to keep up with evolving government guidance. So how can school leaders ensure that their staff don’t get overwhelmed during this period?
To get some advice, Tes senior digital editor Simon Lock speaks to school wellbeing consultant Jo Steer, to try and identify the sorts of things staff will be struggling with during this time.
Coronavirus: How schools can support teacher wellbeing
For this sponsored edition of the Tes podcast, he also welcomes Sue Aspinall, headteacher at Junior School Vlaskamp at British School in the Netherlands, and Matt Seddon, a senior leader at Kellett School, a British international school in Hong Kong.
Both leaders have recently reopened their schools and have some valuable insights into the wellbeing issues that may arise.
This article was originally published on Tes News.
How can you support staff wellbeing at your school? Through short, anonymous surveys Staff Pulse enables your staff to give honest feedback to you and your senior leadership team on areas that are affecting them. Enquire about Staff Pulse and book a free demo today.
