Working in an inner London primary school was both a privilege and a challenge. The vibrant diversity, the unique stories of every child, and the dynamic energy of the community created an incredible environment. But beneath the surface, the challenges of working in such a setting were significant, especially for our dedicated staff. Through my journey as a headteacher, I learned that prioritising staff wellbeing was not just a tick-box exercise but the most important ingredient in making our school great.

Understanding the Real Stressors

Every morning, our school gates welcomed hundreds of children from a wide array of backgrounds, who spoke more than 35 different languages. Many of our pupils came with complex learning needs, language barriers, or turbulent home lives. For our teachers and support staff, this meant much more than delivering the national curriculum—it involved being a mentor, a counsellor, and sometimes a lifeline when they had no one to turn to.

The pressures didn’t stop at the classroom door. Difficult conversations with parents, many of whom were themselves under strain, often added to the daily stress. Juggling these interactions with lesson planning, assessment deadlines, and playground duties left our staff sometimes running on empty. It wasn’t just the volume of work but the emotional pull that took its toll. I saw passionate, talented teachers begin to lose their spark, and I knew something had to change.

The Turning Point: Prioritising Wellbeing

Initially, our focus was on strategies to improve student outcomes and to provide each child with the best education possible. As time went on and I spent more time listened closely to my colleagues, it became clear that the foundation of all these goals lay in how we supported our staff. Happy, healthy staff meant a thriving school.

Wellbeing coaching became a foundation of our approach. Unlike traditional professional development, which often focused on pedagogy or leadership skills, wellbeing coaching offered something different—a safe space for staff to explore their own needs, develop resilience, and find balance. It was about acknowledging that our team members were more than just their roles—they were individuals with their own lives, challenges, and aspirations.

We also introduced practical support: flexible working arrangements, dedicated wellbeing days, and staff feeling okay to speak up if they were not okay. When you walked into the school it was clear for all to see what a positive atmosphere, we had created both with staff and students. The staffroom was full during break times and people enjoyed connecting with each other. Absenteeism dropped, and so did the strain on those covering absent colleagues.

The Impact: More Than Just a Rating

When Ofsted visited, I wasn’t surprised by the outstanding result. Of course, we had rigorous teaching standards, a rich curriculum, and excellent student outcomes. But the real difference was in the energy of our school. Our teachers taught with passion, our support staff engaged with warmth, and our leadership team operated with clarity and understanding.

The inspectors noted it too. They highlighted our nurturing environment, the positive relationships between staff and pupils, and the strong sense of community. What they saw was the result of a deep commitment to wellbeing—not as a strategy, but as a value woven into the fabric of our school. We had built a strong, dedicated team by cultivating leadership from within, ensuring sustainability and growth. Our staff were passionate about education and making a difference, making it a joy to come to work each day.

My Takeaway: Wellbeing as a Foundation, Not an Add-On

Reflecting on this journey, my biggest lesson was that supporting staff wellbeing wasn’t a one-off initiative. It required ongoing attention, honest communication, and genuine care. It was about creating a culture where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. When you establish a strong foundation of wellbeing, everything else, such as student success, Ofsted ratings, and a thriving school culture, will naturally fall into place.

To find out how wellbeing coaching can support you and your school, contact Sam Adcock at Wellbeing for Education [email protected]