Health and well-being

Age discrimination in teaching

Age discrimination in teaching is a growing issue with more reports of experienced teachers feeling like they are being excluded and forced out of the workplace. Younger teachers can also be affected by age discrimination through recruitment and promotion opportunities to redundancy practices. 

Can teachers refuse to be vaccinated?

Can teachers refuse to be vaccinated? As a teacher, you might refuse to be vaccinated for Covid-19 due to medical concerns, personal or religious beliefs.

Can teachers work from home?

Can teachers work from home when not teaching in the classroom or do they always need to be physically based in school? Are there any legal restrictions which prevent teachers from taking PPA time outside school? 

Disability Leave

Disability leave is planned or unplanned time off from work for a reason related to someone’s disability. It is a type of ‘reasonable adjustment’ which disabled workers may be entitled to under the Equality Act 2010.

Do teachers have to set cover work when ill?

Do teachers have to set cover work when ill? The STPCD and the Burgundy Book does not include specific information on whether schools can request teachers to submit cover work when sick.

Early retirement for ill health

If during your time as a teacher, you become ill and are unable to work, you can apply for early retirement for ill health. In this article, we summarise information from Teachers’ Pensions and the DfE.

Feeling overwhelmed in school

Feeling overwhelmed in school is a feeling which all teachers will have encountered at some point in their careers. If you are an Edapt subscriber, you can contact us for support and advice if you are feeling constantly overwhelmed.

How can I achieve an effective work-life balance?

Schools are now one of the most demanding places to work. The pressures of increased accountability, constant reform, and tightening budgets, has created a workplace culture in most schools where long hours and few breaks are the norm.

Is there a maximum classroom temperature?

Maximum classroom temperatures can be a hot topic for discussion during the summer months. GOV.UK explains that during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable.

Long covid: what do teachers need to be aware of?

Long covid will impact teachers with a number of school staff suffering long-term effects. In this article, we look at the symptoms of long covid, what type of support you should receive from your school and link to further information.

Managing working relationships effectively at school

Education staff have to deal with a number of different types of relationships with all types of people. The difficulty is in knowing how to manage the differing needs, expectations and requirements of each one.

Minimum classroom temperature

You might be teaching in a classroom which gets too cold during the winter time. You could be concerned about your own and pupils’ health and safety, impact on learning and potential complaints from parents.

Racial discrimination in school

You might feel like you have been the victim of racial discrimination at your school. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) explains that racial discrimination is when you are treated differently because of your race in one of the situations covered by the Equality Act.

Senior mental health leads in schools

Senior mental health leads in schools might be a role you are unaware of. Between September 2021 and March 2022, about a third of all state schools and colleges will be able to apply and access the grant.

Sex discrimination in school

Sex discrimination in school might be an issue which you have encountered as a teacher. If you’re treated unfairly because you’re a man or a woman, this is sex discrimination.

Sick notes for teachers

The majority of teachers will have to request a sick note during some time in their careers.

Staff dress code for teachers

You may have a staff dress code policy at your school. Your employment contract may not refer to what you can explicitly wear, although, it will probably mention that all teachers are expected to adhere to the school’s policies and procedures.

Supporting mental health for teachers

Mental health support for teachers is an important issue. You might need support from your school because of the impact that mental health is having on your wellbeing and performance. 

Teacher stress: what should I do?

Teacher stress can be one of the leading factors for school staff to leave the profession. The following article has been produced by Education Support.

Teacher time management

We all have the same amount of time in each day, but how is that some people seem to have more than others? And how does it just slip by so easily, just when you need it most? Whether you are preparing pupils, organising logistics or tackling paperwork, managing time as a teacher can be incredibly challenging.

Teacher wellbeing: a guide for school leaders

In the current education climate where schools are trying to increase student attainment with a diminishing budget, teacher wellbeing can often overlooked as a ‘nice to have’ rather than as an essential.

Teaching and menopause

The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.

Vaping in schools

Are teachers and school staff allowed to vape on school premises? GOV.UK explains that smoking isn’t allowed in any enclosed workplace, public building or on public transport in the UK. 

What are reasonable adjustments in schools?

You may have heard of the term ‘reasonable adjustments’ but might be unsure how to request an adjustment at your school. In this article, we look at how to request reasonable adjustments and examples of them.

What do I need to know about sick leave?

Every teacher will come down with an illness during some time in their careers and will take time off school to recover. It’s important to know what your employment rights are and the correct procedures to follow to ensure you can return to work in a healthy condition.

What is a phased return to work?

As a member of school staff you might have a phased return to work after a period of sustained absence from school. It might feel daunting to return to school after a long absence and the purpose of a phased return is to ease you back into the work environment gradually.

What is a return to work interview?

A return to work interview will be held with your line manager in school after a short period of absence. Return to work interviews will be informal meetings and can cover the reason for your absence and how your school can support your return. 

What is occupational health?

Occupational health can be an unfamiliar concept. Many workers are made ill each year because of the impact their occupation has on their health. Teaching is an occupation where you will be subject to high amounts of stress, mental health issues and risk of physical injury. Your school will most likely be partnered with an occupational health service to help assist you.  The NHS explains that occupational health will give impartial, objective advice supporting both yourself and your school.

What should I do if I am being bullied by SLT?

You may feel like you are being bullied or harassed by another teacher, your head of department or headteacher. All teachers have the right to work in a safe and secure environment free from intimidation, harassment and fear and where they feel valued and respected.