INFORMATION FOR STAFF
This is an unprecedented time for people working in education. Our task is to try to create a sense of predictability in an unpredictable time, but this is easier to say than do. Business as usual is unrealistic and as the situation continues to change, we need to reset our baseline.
During this period we are being asked to follow up and support our families while they spend prolonged periods of time at home. This can feel like a daunting task but it is important to realise that many of the same approaches we use in our establishments can also guide us in supporting families while they are at home. This includes our approach to supporting positive relationships and Nurturing North Ayrshire. It is important to have realistic expectations of ourselves and of the families we work with and help them to understand the need to have a balance between offering warmth and support alongside setting up structure and expectations. We don’t want our families to feel that they have to recreate a school environment at home but to be guided by their child in their approach to learning. Families should try and have fun with learning and school staff can help to guide them in this. Safety and reassurance is important in these changing times and so we also want the families and children and young people we are working with to hear the key messages of a nurturing approach.
- You belong
- You are loved
- You are safe here
- You can explore and learn
- Your feelings are Ok with me
- We can work together on this problem that is getting in the way right now
- We (the school staff) are thinking about them and keeping them in mind
Helping staff to keep in touch with and support others at a time where they may also have their own worries and concerns is a big ask and it is therefore important that we all look after ourselves and others
We have compiled some resources around maintaining our own wellbeing in challenging times, as well as supporting the wellbeing of others. All of these resources can be found under the staff tab above. We hope you find them useful. Keep well, we can do this!
For the latest staff update from NAC please see the links below:
Keeping well during the COVID-19 outbreak
During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to look after our physical, mental and social wellbeing. Our Health Improvement Team have information which can help individuals, as well as our communities and partners who are supporting people to keep well during this time. In particular, there is information on mental health, including 10 ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Please click this link to find out more: https://www.nhsaaa.net/better-health/keeping-well-during-covid19/
Think about colleagues, friends of family who may not have access to the internet, and share any useful information. Our Health Improvement Resources Service can provide a free print and post service for information. Call 01292 885924 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm to request this service, or alternatively email Jennifer.McKenzie@aapct.scot.nhs.uk.
GTCS have updated their website to include wellbeing ideas and resources to support teacher health and wellbeing. https://www.gtcs.org.uk/News/news/health-wellbeing.aspx
