Staff Wellbeing and School Community
The people who make education happen are a school's most important resource. GLS supports teachers, school leaders and support staff by helping schools reduce workload pressures, improve organisation and create positive working environments. From practical classroom resources and reading records to staff recognition initiatives and wellbeing-focused support, this hub brings together guidance and ideas that help schools support the people behind pupil success.
Staff Wellbeing & Community Hub Sections
Why is staff wellbeing becoming a greater priority for schools?
Staff wellbeing has become one of the most important challenges facing schools. The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025 reported that 76% of education staff experienced stress and 71% reported unmanageable workloads. These pressures affect retention, morale and the overall effectiveness of school communities.
→ Related Guide: Identifying SBM Burnout and 8 Effective Tips for Avoiding It
Featured articles
How to Improve Your School with Student Voice

World Baking Day: 7 Quick and Easy Baking Recipes for School Staff
School Business Managers (SBMs) play a vital role in keeping schools running smoothly, but managing finances, staff, resources and competing priorities can be challenging. Working smarter involves effective time management, building professional networks, setting boundaries and thinking strategically. These practical tips will help SBMs manage their workload, develop confidence and make a positive difference to their school communities.
Natalie McMunn
How to plan a staff Christmas party: a practical guide for school business
Planning a staff Christmas party means balancing celebration with budgets, inclusivity, practical arrangements and school policies. Starting early, agreeing costs, choosing an accessible venue, checking dietary requirements, planning safe travel and communicating clearly can make the event easier to manage. A simple checklist also helps school business managers avoid last-minute problems and keep everyone informed.
Natalie McMunn
5 After-School Club Activities for All Ages: Practical Ideas for Schools
After-school clubs give pupils structured opportunities to explore interests, build confidence and spend time with others beyond the normal school day. The most effective clubs are inclusive, age-appropriate, well supervised and simple to resource. Schools should balance pupil enjoyment with safeguarding, staffing, accessibility, practical planning and activities that can be adapted for different ages and abilities.
Jack Clarke
Every Man for Himself? Why School Business Leaders Are Stronger Together
School business leadership works best when expertise is shared rather than guarded. Collaboration between schools, trusts and professional networks can help leaders solve problems faster, strengthen procurement decisions and learn from each other’s experience. For busy school business professionals, the challenge is creating time and confidence to connect while still managing the day-to-day demands of school operations.
Natalie McMunn
Overcoming perfectionism in schools: A guide to being kinder to yourself
Perfectionism can look like high standards, but in a busy school environment it can also lead to overthinking, procrastination, unrealistic expectations and difficulty switching off. Recognising perfectionist habits early can help school staff protect their wellbeing, work more sustainably and accept that doing a good, effective job does not always mean doing a perfect one.
Natalie McMunn
How to promote equality in your school: practical steps for an inclusive school community
Promoting equality in school means removing barriers so every pupil can access learning, participate in school life and feel that they belong. It requires more than celebrating difference: schools need inclusive policies, accessible environments, representative resources, thoughtful budgeting and meaningful pupil and parent voice. The strongest approach is planned, practical and reviewed regularly.
Natalie McMunn
How to train a positive mindset: 6 practical tips for school business managers
A positive mindset can help school business managers approach busy days with greater perspective, focus and resilience. It does not mean ignoring pressure or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it is about recognising challenges, choosing constructive responses and building everyday habits that support wellbeing, from starting the day calmly to staying active and connected with others.

Do Not Disturb? How School Business Managers Can Manage Interruptions at Work
School business managers are often expected to be approachable while also completing complex, time-sensitive work that needs concentration. A sensible ‘do not disturb’ approach is not about closing yourself off; it is about setting clear boundaries, protecting focused working time and helping colleagues understand when an interruption is urgent and when it can reasonably wait.
Jack Clarke
7 Tips for Effective Social Media Management in Schools
Effective social media management helps schools communicate clearly with parents and carers, celebrate school life and strengthen community relationships. The most successful approach is not to post everywhere, but to choose the right channels, protect pupils’ privacy, keep content accessible and useful, set clear responsibilities and respond consistently when people engage.
Natalie McMunn
Dealing with isolation in the School Business Manager and School Business Leader role
School Business Managers (SBMs) and School Business Leaders (SBLs) can feel isolated because their roles sit across leadership, teaching and support functions without always fitting neatly into any one team. Building trusted relationships, professional networks and regular peer support can reduce that isolation, strengthen resilience and give school business professionals somewhere to turn when pressures or difficult situations arise.
Rachel Pangburn
13 of the Best Leadership Podcasts for School Leaders in 2026
Leadership podcasts give school leaders a flexible way to develop their skills, hear different perspectives and reflect on how they lead. From managing difficult conversations and supporting staff wellbeing to improving communication, culture and decision-making, the best leadership podcasts provide practical ideas that headteachers, senior leaders and School Business Managers can apply in their own settings.
Jack Clarke
10 Vital Skills for Effective School Leaders
Effective school leaders combine strong communication, emotional intelligence, organisation and strategic thinking with the ability to build relationships and develop others. Whether you are new to leadership or preparing for your next role, these skills can help you lead staff confidently, manage competing priorities, create a positive school culture and keep pupils at the centre of decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is staff wellbeing a priority for schools?
Staff wellbeing directly impacts staff retention, morale, and the overall effectiveness of school communities.
How can schools reduce staff workload?
Schools can reduce workload by streamlining administrative processes, standardising core resources, reviewing marking policies, and improving meeting discipline.
What are reading records used for?
Reading records support communication between school and home, helping teachers and parents track reading progress and encourage regular reading habits.
How can school leaders support wellbeing?
Leaders can foster supportive cultures by addressing unnecessary tasks, providing professional development, promoting flexible working, and offering clear support routes.
How should schools recognise staff contributions?
Recognition should be genuine, inclusive, and specific, celebrating team achievements and regular contributions without replacing proper workload management.
How often should workload be reviewed?
Schools should conduct regular termly reviews to assess workload pressures, gather staff feedback, and measure the impact of implemented actions.
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