Education professionals feel too guilty to take sick days and it’s affecting their mental health
CV-Library offers advice to those who are feeling overworked or struggling with mental health Research from leading job site, CV-Library, has found that the majority of education professionals (65.1%) actually only take one or two sick days a year. What’s more, only 14.3% said they have ‘pulled a sickie’ in the last 12 months. The study sought to uncover just how many sick days the average worker takes each year, and the affect this has on their physical and mental health. Worryingly, two thirds (66.2%) of professionals in the sector said they feel too guilty to take time off when they’re genuinely ill. When asked why they feel too guilty to call in sick, the main reason was because they didn’t want to leave their team in the lurch (39.2%). Other key findings include: Over one in four (29.4%) don’t like taking sick days as they believe it reflects badly on them A further 15.8% say their boss is not very understanding if they are ill And over one in 10 (15%) say calling in sick is frowned upon in their workplace Additional research from CV-Library explored the impact that working overtime can have on people’s physical and mental health. According to the study, two thirds of education professionals (65%) confess to working more than their contracted hours, with 15.4% working an extra 15 hours each week. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the finding: “We’re all guilty of overworking ourselves, especially if we’re trying to make a great impression. But the truth is, going into work when you’re not feeling well is counterproductive. When we’re unwell we find it hard to be as alert and it can be difficult to focus. “What’s more, depending on the nature of your illness, you could pass this on to other members of the team or to the pupils, causing it to spread. Therefore, it’s best to take time out to look after your mental and physical health when you need to, so you can return to work feeling fresh and productive.” CV-Library offers its advice to professionals in the education industry who feel guilty about taking sick days, or have an employer who makes them feel bad for doing so: Speak to your manager: If you feel your manager is being unfair, try speaking to them about your situation, whether it’s problems with your physical or mental health. Together you might be able to come to an arrangement to suit both parties. Create work-life balance: If being overworked is affecting your health, try to create a better work-life balance. Be careful not to take too much work home with you in the evenings. Practise self-care: Take time for yourself before/after work and on your weekends. Do something you enjoy or that helps you unwind. Exercise can be a great way to de-stress and boost your mood. Find a new company: If your boss isn’t able to help or your existing company is not very supportive, it might be time to search for jobs elsewhere! Look for an employer who offers flexible working or mental health days and a culture that promotes work-life balance. If it’s time to find yourself a new role, in a company that encourages you to look after your health, browse over 195,000 live vacancies today!
The Mutual Revolution: New Insurance To Cover Staff Shortages
Shock figures reveal a staggering 57% of teachers have considered leaving the education sector within the past two years because of health pressures. The latest studies from the Teacher Wellbeing Index expose the problems facing the sector with the recruitment and retention of teachers being a key issue. Now one company, based in the North East, is trying to change the way school finances are run so that profits are fed back into the system rather than being sucked into the private sector. Education Mutual has been set up by schools, for schools and looks to give educators the flexibility to design their own staff absence cover to match each school’s exact needs. This can include existing and ongoing absences, planned surgeries and ongoing maternity leaves, all supported by our fast-track health cover services. With schools struggling to deal with teacher absences and seeing their budgets being squeezed across the country the idea of a mutual, where members all have a democratic say on how money is spent and refunded, is becoming increasingly attractive. The mutual was established in 2018 by education professionals disillusioned with the insurance policies in the sector charging a premium for a decreasing service. Company chairman Nick Hurn OBE said: “Education Mutual provides a new innovative way to manage staff absence and healthcare. Our continuous focus on clinical governance ensures the highest level of service provision and quality outcomes for our members.” Unlike traditional insurance companies, a mutual does not have to make money for investors or shareholders. Instead Education Mutual is owned by its members – schools, colleges and nurseries, all education providers, with the purpose of keeping more of the budget within education. Education Mutual is operated solely for the benefit of the members with all members paying a contribution to the mutual which is used to pay claims. Members can attend Annual General Meetings and vote on important issues such as; who is elected to the board, cover improvements and contribution levels. The board makes key decisions such as what to do with any surplus after payment of claims and administration costs. While a mutual isn’t a new concept (in fact it’s an idea that’s been around for centuries), it has had a resurgence in popularity in recent times because it offers a stable and trusted alternative to traditional insurance. Find out more
Woodhouse Grove School receives donation of 3D Printer and Safety Cabinet from Kora
Aspiring engineers at Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge will be enjoying interactive Design and Technology lessons thanks to the generous donation of a 3D printer and accredited Safety Cabinet by the Leeds-based manufacturer of desktop 3D printers, Kora. The top-of-the-range Kora Pro PC 3D Printer and SC-01 Safety Cabinet will enable Senior School pupils to produce intricate designs from filament and enrich the teaching of STEM and design subjects. The donation of Kora’s newly designed SC-01 Safety Cabinet, which removes the risks to users from heat, entrapment and particle emissions from the 3D printing process, will also make Woodhouse Grove the first school in the UK to be compliant with new regulations surrounding the safe use of 3D printers that have been recently announced by CLEAPSS/Health and Safety Executive (HSE). James Allison, Woodhouse Grove Head of Design Technology, said: “We are extremely grateful to Kora for giving Grove pupils the opportunity to experience and understand the potential of of 3D Printing in a safe environment. Although we have only had the Kora 3D printer and cabinet for a short time, and still have much to learn, it has been a great hit with staff and students alike. “With changes to D&T specifications at both GCSE and A Level it gives our students yet another way in which they can communicate/model ideas and a superb resource to manufacture industrial standard components and prototypes. At The Grove, we aim to fully prepare our pupils for whatever they go on to do once they leave our doors. Grovians can now be equipped for a world in which 3D printing and similar technologies are increasingly commonplace across a range of industries.” Steve Burrows, Managing Director of Kora, said: “Additive manufacturing is an exciting new development and one with huge potential. However, we believe that until recently, not enough was understood about the safe use of 3D printers and the impact on air quality. We are delighted that our donation will allow teaching staff at Woodhouse Grove to provide a safe learning environment in which students can try their hand at 3D printing.” https://www.kora3d.com/
Bowhill kits out Selkirk hockey team
The S1 girls’ hockey team at Selkirk High School will be playing in style this year after receiving new training tops funded by Bowhill House and Grounds. Earlier this year Bowhill launched a community bursary initiative with a focus on supporting local youth groups and clubs to celebrate VisitScotland’s Year of Young People. The scheme will see more than £1,000 shared between community groups based in or around Selkirk which are in need of a financial boost. The first beneficiary was Rowlands Youth Club in Selkirk who received £500 towards the organisation of its fireworks display in the town. The second beneficiary of the fund has been announced as the first year hockey team at Selkirk High School with the money being used towards their new season kit. Alan Aiken, Principal Teacher of PE, Health and Wellbeing at Selkirk High School, said: “Selkirk High School is delighted that Bowhill has agreed to help sponsor hockey kits for pupils in the school. As a school we are committed to ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activity, and the money from Bowhill House will significantly help reduce any financial barriers for pupils and parents when they purchase their playing kit. “This will make it much easier for all pupils to take part in extracurricular Hockey at Selkirk High School. Thank you very much to Bowhill for your support and help.” Helen Currie, House and Events Manager at Bowhill House and Grounds, said: “Community engagement is really important to us so we’re delighted to see our bursary fund benefiting the pupils at Selkirk High School.” For more information on Bowhill, visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk, Facebook @BowhillHouse and Instagram @bowhillhouse.
Researchers appointed to gather data about school libraries
The Great School Libraries campaign announced in late October that the Foyle Foundation had awarded a grant to appoint a researcher to gather data about school libraries – specifically to try and find out how many there are. After a tender and interview process we are delighted to announce that the research group tasked with gathering this data is BMG Research. They have carried out a number of education based research projects, including working for the Welsh Government and the Department for Education. The research will be comprised of an online survey and follow up phone calls to make sure we get a range of respondents from all types of scenarios – the purpose is to build a true picture of the reality of school libraries and their situation. This is necessary because school libraries are not included in the school census which the Department for Education issue every year, meaning that no statistics exist on how many schools have libraries, or whether they are staffed or funded. Elizabeth Davies, Research Director, BMG Research, stated: “BMG Research are delighted to be working with the Great School Libraries campaign on this important survey.School libraries play an integral part in supporting pupil’s educational and personal development, we hope this research will provide a greater understanding of how many are currently operating to inform future policy and resourcing decisions. Barbara Band, Chair of the School Library Data group (part of the Great School Libraries campaign) commented: “I’m delighted that we have awarded the contract to BMG Research and look forward to working with them. Hard data on school libraries is desperately needed and will support the Campaign as well as providing a benchmark for future reference.” Alison Tarrant, Chair of the Great School Libraries campaign working group said: “This data collection is an important pillar of the campaign – allowing us not only to see how many school libraries there are across the nation, but also look at differences between certain characteristics. This will allow us to develop our campaign strategy for the next two years and make sure support is getting to where it is most needed.” We all have a role to play in ensuring every child receives the benefits a Great School Library can offer. You can explore the resources currently available here:http://greatschoollibraries.edublogs.org/resources/
Stronger Than Hate: USC Shoah Foundation & Discovery Education Launch Anti-Hate Video Challenge in UK Secondary Schools
Secondary schools across the UK are being encouraged to take part in a new challenge, inspired by the testimonies of Holocaust and genocide survivors, to empower pupils to make a difference in their own communities. Launched by USC Shoah Foundation in partnership with Discovery Education, the Stronger Than Hate Challenge inspires pupils to take positive local action against prejudice and to capture their work in a short film. Introduced in the US and Canada in 2013, the high-profile challenge is being launched in the UK for the first time, along with new classroom resources to help teachers and pupils recognise and counter hate and discrimination. Founded after the making of Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List, USC Shoah Foundation collects audio visual testimonies from survivors and witnesses of genocides around the world, preserving their stories for future generations. Students taking part in Stronger Than Hate Challenge will listen to these testimonies and be inspired to do something positive to effect change in their own communities, capturing their journey in a short video essay that shares their message with the world. Last year’s winning entry was a project to raise awareness of the struggles faced by immigrant families in Chicago, Illinois. The Stronger Than Hate Challengeis part of a larger educational initiative, Teaching with Testimony, which is comprised of series of resources and videos that empower students to employ empathy, build critical-thinking skills, and become inspired to create a brighter future after listening to first-hand accounts from survivors and witnesses of genocide. Program resources are available at no cost at TeachingWithTestimony.com. Discovery Education has also collaborated with USC Shoah Foundation to produce special age-appropriate resources for younger children. These are available to primary schools through Discovery Education Espresso – an award-winning, cross curricular digital learning service for teachers and pupils supporting the delivery of the National Curriculum and the successful integration of digital media into teaching and learning. Open to UK secondary school pupils age 13-18, the Stronger Than Hate Challenge runs from 14th January to 6th May 2019, with a total prize fund of up to £12,500, including school grants totalling over £6,500 and iPads. Claudia Wiedeman, USC Shoah Foundation Director of Education said: “Every year, USC Shoah Foundation continues to advance the mission of engaging students in themes around discrimination, genocide and identity to help young people build the necessary skills to counter hate. By expanding our partnership with Discovery Education and connecting students with real testimonies, we are able to inspire communities of leaders to act in positive and meaningful ways.” Hazel Carter, Discovery Education UK’s Marketing Director said: “We are proud to support USC Shoah Foundation, and to bring the Stronger Than Hate Challenge to UK schools for the very first time. We hope that it will enable students to explore challenging topics with their peers, using their voices to stand against all forms of discrimination and intolerance, while working for positive change in their own communities.” As USC Shoah Foundation founder Steven Spielberg has said, “We show the power of random acts of kindness because the best way to teach empathy is by using the power of example.” TheStronger Than Hate ChallengeUK winners will be announced in June 2019. First prize is a £5,000 grant, awarded to the winning school to help teachers implement positive change. £1,000 and £500 grants will be similarly presented to the second and third place schools. iPads are also on offer for up to four pupils on each winning team. Schools should visit teachingwithtestimony.com/challenge-uk to enter. For more information about Discovery Education’s digital content and professional development services, visit discoveryeducation.co.uk.
Medmerry Primary School Celebrates Good Ofsted Rating
Medmerry Primary School in Selsey has secured another Good rating from Ofsted, following an inspection in December 2018. The inspector praised the friendly, welcoming and well behaved pupils and recognised the work which has been done to raise both the quality of teaching and the curriculum taught in the school since the last inspection. Medmerry has been classified as a ‘Good’ school since 2010. The report noted the breadth of the curriculum taught at Medmerry, alongside the wide range of extra-curricular experiences that are included to help extend pupils’ learning. It recognised the work being done in particular areas of teaching, remarking that staff have worked hard to create a ‘buzz’ about reading throughout the school in the last few months. The Ofsted report also mentioned the strong standard of mathematics throughout the school. HM Inspector, Catherine Old, remarked that pupils’ outcomes have been raised substantially as a result of the improvements which have been made since the last inspection. Mr Michael Tidd, Head of School, comments: “Medmerry School is a welcoming and friendly community, and we pride ourselves on a broad and engaging curriculum, so it’s pleasing to see these qualities recognised in the inspection report. The outcome reflects the hard work of the whole school community – parents, staff and pupils – all of whom work together to make Medmerry such a great place to teach and learn.” Medmerry Primary School is part of Schoolsworks Multi-Academy Trust and Chris Seaton, Schoolsworks CEO adds: “”As a Trust we are proud of the team at Medmerry Primary School and are delighted that their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication have been justly rewarded with a positive Ofsted report. In Schoolsworks, we are determined to improve outcomes for all our children and there is no doubt that those who attend this school are provided with broad and interesting primary education. I would like to personally thank the Head, the staff, the children and their parents and carers – they are a strong community and a pleasure to work with.” Click here for more info
Business focus heralds major changes at Shropshire prep school
Tapping into its accountant’s business acumen is enabling an independent preparatory school in Shropshire to enhance experiential learning whilst also expanding its offering to Years 7 and 8 and providing educational sessions for nursery school age children. Founded in 1944, Castle House School in Chetwyn End, Newport, currently provides a comprehensive curriculum for children up to Year 6 (age 11 years). Now, it is now expanding its offering to educate 12-13 year olds. Meanwhile, the school’s on-site nursery has been set up to provide an educational experience – as opposed to a day care service – with lessons, meals and a wide variety of facilities included as standard. Parents can find out more about these exciting new developments when the school holds an ‘open week’ from February 11 to 15. Working with Stafford-based Howards Chartered Certified Accountants to adopt more of a business approach is enabling the school to make some big improvements with any surplus monies reinvested for the benefit of all the children. Head teacher Ian Sterling says: “The school celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2019 so it was time to update the way we do things to fall in line with modern thinking. “Restructuring our approach to finance has meant adopting a more business-like model and enhancing our systems and processes to ensure regulatory compliance. Now, we can focus on showcasing what the school has to offer and instilling a sense of kindness, fair play and co-operation.” Howards amended Castle House School’s Articles of Association and introduced more cost-effective processes surrounding the submission of annual accounts to help the school fulfil its obligations to the Charities Commission. Matt Bailey, managing director at Howards, says: “The dedicated staff at Castle House School are committed to experiential and hands-on learning both inside and outside the classroom. Carrying out cost/benefit analyses puts things into perspective, enabling the teachers to channel resources into initiatives that will have the biggest impact for their pupils.” Ian adds: “The team at Howards is extremely supportive and Matt’s background in the education sector is an added bonus because it means we have access to crucial advice that helps us to adapt to changes in the economic climate.”
Former Big Issue North Vendor Inspires College Students
Students at Leeds College of Building are being motivated this new year after spending time alongside a former Big Issue North seller, Alex Old. Alex was accepted on to a Painting & Decorating course at Leeds College of Building and is now inspiring others to turn their lives around following his own time on the streets. Several years ago, Alex was begging and struggling with alcohol dependency. Now, thanks to his own perseverance and determination, Alex has transformed his life and is well on his way to becoming a qualified painter and decorator. Alex said: “Growing up, I couldn’t fit in with anything. I found out I was dyslexic when I was a teenager and, hand-in-hand with that, a big bottle of alcohol came […] And then the death of my grandparents, the split-up of a relationship – it all just came crashing down. […] It all became about alcohol.” One day, everything changed. Alex said: “I was caught on the streets begging, and I thought, right, this is the moment that I can make a change. I started selling the Big Issue magazine, and then, half past seven every morning – boom! I was out of the house. That helped me to stay sober. The changes I have made have been ground-breaking. I’m feeling so much happier and have so much confidence. Honestly, I’m unrecognisable from a few years ago!” Alex became a Big Issue North vendor and received support from their Leeds office to help make a positive change to his life. As well as providing day-to-day support, service coordinators meet with each active vendor twice a year to do a more formal review of the help they need. Alex spent time volunteering at Hollybush, his local conservation centre. Following this, the Big Issue North manager and service coordinators supported Alex to apply to Leeds College of Building and, after assisting him with paperwork and interview revision, Alex was accepted at College. Anna Manetta-Stark, Fundraising & Communications at Big Issue North, said: “While we’d love to take praise for supporting Alex, he really has taken it upon himself to change his life for the better. He is a determined and driven individual, and we are so unbelievably proud of his progress, supported by the fantastic teaching ethos at Leeds College of Building.” Martin Parr, Leeds College of Building Painting & Decorating Lecturer, said: “Alex arrived in College to complete a six-week award, progressing to a Level 1 Diploma. With the help of his good friend, Dean (who took him under his wing) and support from College tutors, Alex turned things around. Alex became more focused at College and his decorating skills vastly improved. He was even awarded student of the term. Alex is now halfway through his Level 2 Diploma and is on course to complete. Well done Alex and Dean!” The flexible nature of selling the magazine meant that Alex was able to attend classes while still having the opportunity to earn a legitimate income in his own time – alongside his trusty canine companion, Muttley! From his vendor work, Alex has even had offers of paid employment from his previous customers. If you would like to support vendors like Alex to move on in their lives, please consider making a donation: www.justgiving.com/bigissuenorth For more information about upcoming open days and courses enrolling now at Leeds College of Building, visit: www.lcb.ac.uk