Early years staff love their work, but it can be emotionally demanding & stressful. The well-being of our staff team is important to us. At our setting, we emphasise the importance of positive relationships. This begins with the relationship between staff. We promote a mutually welcoming atmosphere amongst staff so that all staff are made to feel welcome and included as a whole staff team and within specific teams.

 

All members of staff will be made aware of the warning signs that can indicate whether a person is having trouble managing stress. All members of staff will be vigilant for these signs in their colleagues, as well as themselves. Any issues raised will be thoroughly investigated in a professional, courteous and confidential manner.

 

Some of the behavioural indicators that are caused by stress include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Changes in eating habits

• Increased smoking or drinking

• Isolation from friends and family

• Poor attendance at work

 

Some of the physical indicators caused by stress include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tiredness

• Indigestion and nausea

• Headaches Based on The School Bus Model Policy and NAHT Guidance 2

• Aching muscles

• Heart palpitations e. Some of the mental indicators caused by stress include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Indecisiveness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory loss

• Feelings of inadequacy

• Low self-esteem

• Poor organisation

 

Some of emotional indicators caused by stress include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Anger or irritability

• Anxiety

• Hypersensitivity

• Feeling drained and listless

• Becoming withdrawn

 

 In order to support staff well-being we will;

• Create a positive and supportive atmosphere throughout the setting and be responsible for communicating this ethos

• Recognise mental health issues and seek to manage staff mental health through risk assessments, surveys and early intervention.

• Provide a working environment which enables staff to work in an environment in which staff wellbeing is supported and which enables staff to carry out their duties effectively.

• Recognise the key role of the Manager/Senior Leader for their responsibilities by enabling access to guidance, training and support.

• Be responsible for implementing CPD which equips staff with the tools to effectively manage stress.

• Encourage staff as individuals to accept responsibility for their own mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

• Comply with all statutory requirements.

• Develop and maintain a positive health and safety culture through regular communication and consultation with staff on health and safety matters.

• Develop an open culture in which mental, physical and emotional wellbeing is taken seriously and in which staff are supported in order that they may seek any help and support they need.

• Ensure that all staff are aware of the policy through regular promotion on staff notice boards and electronic systems.

• Identify the hazards that could lead to poor staff health and wellbeing and reduce these where possible. 

• Encourage all staff to attend events and training opportunities that promote wellbeing and health.

• Provide information that helps staff to manage stress effectively.

• Ensure new members of staff have received all the relevant information they require. This includes the procedures for raising concerns about wellbeing

 

We are committed to ensuring that all staff have regular Supervision and 1:1 support from the management team to support their mental health and well-being.

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