Creating Value In Schools
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While there’s been an improvement in organisational culture and support for mental health and wellbeing, Education Support’s Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024 reports that 78% of all staff are stressed. Challenging pupil behaviour is having a negative impact, along with a perceived lack of support from other public bodies.
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is the most commonly experienced symptom of poor mental health, followed by irritability or mood swings.
Signs of burnout and exhaustion are highest amongst senior leaders.
This then has a knock-on effect on mental health. 82% of staff who reported an increase in challenging behaviours by pupils said that their mental health and wellbeing has been negatively affected by this.
The lack of provision for pupils’ and students’ unmet emotional needs was listed as the main reason for the increase in verbal and physical abuse to staff.
69% of those who liaise with public bodies in their role feel that they receive little or no support from public bodies for their pupils and students. For those who report this lack of support, it can have a negative impact on their job satisfaction, mental health and ability to switch off.
27% of education staff feel their institution’s organisational culture has a positive effect on staff mental health and wellbeing – a 5% increase on 2023’s index.
54% feel that employees who experience problems with their mental health and wellbeing are well supported by their organisation – a 7% increase on last year.
The number of staff who feel that their institution’s organisational culture has a negative effect on staff mental health and wellbeing is now at 50%, a 5% decrease on last year’s index.
Report recommendations for schools and the government include the following.
