Time to Talk: Why Teacher Wellbeing Deserves Attention

Hello everyone, and a big welcome to our newsletter!

Today, we're diving into an issue that touches the heart of our education system—teacher wellbeing. According to the latest Teacher Wellbeing Index by Education Support, a staggering 78% of education staff report feeling stressed, with numbers climbing to 89% among senior leaders and a shocking 95% for headteachers. This is not just a UK problem; it's a global concern, with many teachers considering leaving the profession due to overwhelming pressures.

Teachers juggle numerous responsibilities, from managing administrative tasks and navigating curriculum changes to addressing student mental health and dealing with disruptive behaviour. The ongoing pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, making the teaching environment even more demanding.

In our latest blog post, we delve deeper into why teacher wellbeing is crucial for both educators and students. We'll explore effective stress management strategies and share practical tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The Happy Confident Company Update

Our CEO and Founder Nadim Saad was delighted to have been invited to meet Richard Branson and the Virgin team at Necker Island, the home of visionary leadership and groundbreaking innovation. Read more about his experience here

In Abu Dhabi, Danielle Fanton successfully expanded our network at the prestigious BSME - British Schools in the Middle East Middle Leaders Conference, strengthening our presence in this vital region.

Nadim Saad had the privilege of chairing a panel at the COBIS - Council of British International Schools annual conference. He was joined by the fantastic John Maguire , Glenn Moodie , and Francis Retter , who shared excellent insights on Best Practices in Wellbeing and Pastoral Care. John's point about the often-overlooked 'middle students' resonated deeply, reminding Nadim of why he created our programs, inspired by his own child's struggles. Discover more about the conference highlights and our special offer for COBIS schools

And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Steph Reynolds for organising the incredible Optimus Education Inclusion and Wellbeing Conference. It was a true pleasure to attend and meet so many individuals who either were recommended or already familiar with The Happy Confident Company . We are immensely proud to be emerging as leaders in this sector.

The conference emphasised the importance of improving children's behaviour and reducing anxiety through better relationships—aligning perfectly with our program's goals. It was encouraging to see a strong focus on fostering positive interactions and emotional support for students.

Additionally, there was a significant emphasis on staff wellbeing, highlighting the often-overlooked need for teachers and staff to care for themselves. Supporting staff wellbeing helps create a more nurturing and effective educational environment.

UK Educational News

??BBC News: Mental health cited for pupils missing school

Panic attacks, anxiety, and problems with mental health are among the reasons given by children who avoid going to school, amid a rise in absenteeism in Wales. Read more

??Schools Week: Scrap primary tests for 'digital SAT's at 14, says think tank

EDSK also renews calls for GCSEs and A-levels to be replaced by a four-year 'baccalaureate' Read More

??Schools Week: MP criticises DfE engagement with outdoor space enquiry

But top civil servant says department 'does not hold formal joint responsibility for the policy areas in the inquiry' Read More

??Tes Magazine: Schools face sex education age limit and gender theory ban Schools told not to teach pupils any form of sex education until Year 5 and prevented from teaching the ‘concept of gender identity’ to all students. Read More

??The Guardian: Free school meal allowances too low for healthy lunches study finds

Researchers also find lack of fresh fruit and vegetables in schools and say portion sizes sometimes not enough Read More

??Independent: Children unable to get free school meals are so hungry they are 'eating rubbers'

At least 900,000 children living in poverty in England are missing out on Free School Meals due to the threshold set by government Read More

GCC Educational News

??Which School Advisor: Reigate Grammar School Opening in the UAE

UAE school operator Bright Capital has partnered with Reigate Grammar School International to bring the prestigious UK independent school brand to the UAE. Read More

??Gulf News: New UAE rules for tuition classes: How to apply for a permit, free of cost

Who can hold tuition classes, and does the permit apply for online classes? Find out. Read More

US Educational News

??Education Week: One School Leader Banned Cellphones, the Other Embraced Them. What worked?

Developing a workable school cellphone policy is no easy task as major constituents are often at odds. Read More

??Education Week: Want to Boost Students’ Focus During Tests? Check the Time of Day

“In the case of low-stakes assessments, I would recommend testing in the morning,” said Megan Kuhfeld, a senior research scientist for the Collaborative for Student Growth. Read More

??Education Week: Teachers Aren’t Burnt Out. They Are Being Set Up to Fail (Opinion)

Instead of scapegoating teachers, focus on the lousy school systems, ignorant officials, or out-of-touch administrators. Read More

??Edutopia: 6 Productivity Tools Every Teacher Should Know About

Educators say these tools can drastically reduce administrative and planning burdens, freeing up time for engaging with students. Read More

??Education Next: It’s a Crisis! It’s Nonsense! How Political Are K–12 Classrooms?

Right-wingers insist schools are rife with politicking, left-wingers that this is nonsense. Who’s correct? We don’t know. Read More

What to know more about The Happy Confident Schools Program?

Our Schools' Program is transforming wellbeing in education: reducing anxiety, behavioural issues, and disruptions and minimising the need for interventions. This creates a more conducive learning environment, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best—teaching! Tell me more

Meet The Happy Confident Team