Thank you to everyone that was able to find time in your incredibly busy days to share your thoughts around wellbeing with us. We have analysed the responses and work has already begun to resolve/work on many of the issues highlighted. I will report back on this more after half term, for now I want to focus on what you can do during half term to improve your wellbeing.

Whilst you may feel you can't take time for yourself this half term it is vital that you do. You are important too, put yourself on your to do list as a priority.

Practical: 

Nuffield Health - Barack Street Norwich - 7 day free pass over half term. Ring direct to organise and have school ID to hand. 01603 760600

Headspace app - free to all school staff with a school email address. 

Provides guided meditations, support with sleep, exercise and more. Proven to help reduce burn out and stress levels. Find out more and sign up to the educators package either in your app store or via www.headspace.com/educators

YouTube - 1000's of videos of guided meditation, yoga, pilates and fitness for all levels and a variety of times from 10 mins to an hour

Libraries - Reading is a popular way to reduce stress levels and boost wellbeing, most Norfolk libraries have now reopened, albeit on reduced hours. Spending 10 minutes in the quiet of the library thinking of little but the titles and blurbs of the books can be very helpful in quietening the constant to do list running round your head. 

Art - Painting, colouring, drawing, doodling are all proven ways of helping to reduce stress. Adult activities are readily available in supermarkets and online, similar to reading, the focus required to complete these activities quietens the mind, helping you to relax.

Walking/nature - We live in a beautiful county with lots of places you have yet to explore, grab your wellies, a coat and a flask and head off to a new spot. Our National Trust properties have reopened their gardens and wider outdoor spaces, you need to book a carpark slot. All the beach car parks seem to be open and of course we have lots of walks and trails across the county. Check out Norfolk trails on social media or here: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails for some ideas. 

Things to look at/listen to:

Headteacher chat - A list of resources they have pulled together regarding wellbeing of leaders. https://www.headteacherchat.com/post/must-read-websites-to-support-well-being-of-staff

Viv Grant - Integrity coaching have put together this podcast  https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/podcasts/well-being-school-leaders

The podcast covers: Strategies in achieving a work-life balance, How to recognise the importance of looking after your own wellbeing, as well as your team, Leading without sacrificing yourself, The importance of the relationship with the governing body in offering support, Reducing stress. 

This week Teresa Doggett, Headteacher at Blofield Primary School has represented Norfolk headteachers on the NASMA board. 

Please see the notes from the meeting here.

Teresa has also represented Norfolk headteachers at Norfolk SLCN Stakeholder Group meeting

Please see the notes from the meeting here. 

Face covering amendment for secondary schools

The guidance has now been amend to reflect the new tiered system of ‘local lockdowns’

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education/face-coverings-in-education

From the document:

Consistent with WHO’s new advice, schools and colleges should take additional precautionary measures in areas where the transmission of the virus is defined as either high or very high under the local COVID alert level framework. Information on the local COVID alert level can be found in the full list of local COVID alert levels by area guidance.

When an area moves to the local COVID alert level ‘high’ or ‘very high’, in education settings where year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults (staff and visitors) and pupils when moving around indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain. As in the general approach, it will not usually be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom, where protective measures already mean the risks are lower, and they may inhibit teaching and learning.

When an area moves to the local COVID alert level ‘high’ or ‘very high’, schools and colleges will need to communicate quickly and clearly to staff, parents, pupils and learners that the new arrangements require the use of face coverings in certain circumstances.

The Key for School Leaders have put together this article with helpful tips to get EVERY family engaged in remote learning. It is free to all this week only. 

https://schoolleaders.thekeysupport.com/uid/38153a56-4c75-40ef-8c8b-1e230fa06f79/