Educator’s Corner Ep 11: Wellbeing and Flexible Working in Schools

In this episode, we explore wellbeing and flexible working in education with guest Mark Leppard MBE, Headmaster at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

• How an email protocol can support staff wellbeing
• How we receive and give feedback can promote staff well-being
• The importance of flexible work arrangements in schools
• Risks of not offering flexible options, like losing talent
• Examples of effective flexible working strategies in schools
• Balancing flexibility with maintaining educational quality

About Our Guest:

Mark Leppard MBE has nearly 20 years of experience as a headteacher of British School Al Khubiarat and, previously, at Doha College.  He is a frequent contributor to educational discussions and conferences.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Email protocols and giving and receiving feedback more skillfully are effective strategies to promote staff wellbeing
• Flexible working can improve wellbeing and work-life balance for all colleagues
• Implementing flexibility requires careful planning and consideration of school needs
• Benefits include improved staff retention, productivity, and ability to attract talent
• Challenges include timetabling, ensuring consistency, and managing workloads

Join us as we dive into this important topic and explore how schools can embrace flexible working to support their staff while maintaining educational excellence.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• 5 ways to support ‘professional wellbeing’ in your school
  https://www.tes.com/magazine/leadership/staff-management/5-ways-support-teacher-professional-wellbeing-schools
• ‘Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well’
  https://a.co/d/bUSxB06
• Department for Education (England) 2024 pay award:
  https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/07/29/teacher-pay-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2024-pay-award/
• Kai Vacher will be speaking about flexible working in schools on 13 November at GESS Dubai: GESS Dubai 12-14 November 2024: https://www.gessdubai.com/