RGS Staff Health and Wellbeing

WHAT DO STAFF SOMETIMES ASK FOR HELP WITH?

REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL USEFUL CONTACTS

We all have times when life can feel a bit overwhelming.

This can be due to any one of a number of things, from a patch of poor physical or emotional health, to family pressures, to something at work feeling a challenge to manage. Teaching is a really exciting profession but term time can also feel very busy and we often find that staff appreciate just talking through how to manage their week, for example, how to balance marking and planning with extra-curricular commitments.

Staff may be emailed by prefixing @reigategrammar.org with the initials listed.

RGS STAFF HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HR Manager Dawn Holmes

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Head of Physics and Staff Social Committee Gabrielle Cooper

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School Counsellor Jette Bovingdon

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Chaplain Rev Phil Jackson Deputy Head Sarah Arthur

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Deputy Head Mary-Ann Collins

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Deputy Head Brendan Stones

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HOW CAN RGS HELP IF YOU HIT A TRICKY PATCH?

USEFUL LINKS

The most important thing is to speak to someone early on so that we can offer support. Your HoD or SLT link is always a good place to start. Or you can talk to someone from the HR Department, or our School Counsellor, Nurse or Chaplain.

Being open with us means that we can take an individual approach to looking after you. Maybe you need to leave early to see a sick relative, or need some strategies for managing marking or planning. Maybe there is a health worry and we can make a referral on your behalf to occupational health. Staff who might be experiencing a difficult time can also speak in confidence to our School Counsellor or to the Chaplain.

All it takes is that first step to talk, email or see someone...and then we can help.

http://mindapples.org/ www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/ taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/

Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS 01737 222231 info@reigategrammar.org

reigategrammar.org ď‚š facebook.com/reigategrammarschool ď‚™ @rgsheadmaster

RGS STAFF HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HAPPY STAFF HAPPY CHILDREN

We believe that looking after your own health and wellbeing is crucial in supporting the health and wellbeing of students.

We encourage a balanced approach to life, where staff are supported to enjoy their job.

Nurturing colleagues in their professional roles is central to our ethos and we have a truly open door policy, so that staff can come and speak to anyone from the Middle Leadership or Senior Leadership teams to ask questions, suggest improvements, or ask for support during the tough moments in life.

We want RGS to be a place where staff and students are inspired to learn and develop and where they feel supported and looked after to do so.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

LEADING A BALANCED LIFE

Environment RGS is a spacious campus, with well-resourced teaching spaces and small classes. This, alongside great lunches, ‘proper’ coffee, a swimming pool and gym which staff can use and a recently refurbished staff room, with newspapers lay the foundations for a positive working climate. There is also an amazing library which we encourage staff to use and new staff will be offered an induction with the library team.

Colleagues who seem pretty serene tell us that it really is all about finding a balance. How many times have we heard this? How hard is it to actually put into practice!!

Finding a genuine balance between a fulfilling professional life and a rich personal life is the holy grail. Much as we would love to be able to give you a formula for this – we can’t. But we can say, to paraphrase Jill Berry, it is important that once you remove the ‘teacher’, there is still a person left!

So, you will work hard and hopefully enjoy your work – be present in this. And when you are relaxing, spending time with family and friends, pottering – be present in this also.

Staff Voice HoD and SLT are there to offer guidance and a listening ear. Staff can ask to meet them 1:1 for advice, guidance, support. Or just an informal chat. Please raise any worries or concerns and also suggestions for improvement. We are very open to new ideas and change—so please speak up if you think we can do things differently.

Professional Development One of the features of positive wellbeing at work is having the chance to make a difference. You have already chosen a career which will have a massive impact on the future of the young people in your care and as you settle in at RGS, you may begin to ask ‘what’s next?’. There are lots of opportunities for staff to progress in their career. There is a full internal CPD programme, and staff can also undertake further training leading to qualifications. Staff who want to take on a greater strategic role in the school can put forward ideas for an invitational leadership position. Please speak to your HoD or SLT link for further information. Other staff may also want to spend time just focusing on their classroom practice and this is also greatly encouraged – it is about finding what makes you feel professionally fulfilled.

Getting Involved There is an active Staff Social Committee which organises a wide range of events from gin tasting, dog walking, climbing and comedy nights to trips to the theatre, exercise classes, mindfulness and cycling.

Mindapples Staff are encouraged to have their ‘five a day’ of things which bring a smile to their face! Mindapples can be anything which contributes to having a sense of balance and helps you to feel strong and healthy both physically and emotionally.

Examples of Mindapples from RGS staff: • Going for a run, a swim, or using the gym • Taking time to sit down and eat lunch • Going for a walk outside at break or lunchtime • Having an early night - all devices switched off • Settling down with a book or Netflix • Meeting a friend • Spending time with family • Going to a class/learning something new • Making holiday plans • Establishing an email cut-off point in the evening or weekend • Having a bath