Headteacher Well-Being

The Local Authority has a duty of care to all its Headteachers and makes regular enquiries to Headteachers about their feelings of well-being. Whilst many Heads feel serious consideration is given to this issue by their Governing Body, concerns still remain. Although it is the Primary Headteachers' Forum who have asked us to raise the following issues with each Governing Body we feel it is in the interests of all Headteachers that the following information is brought to the attention of the Chair in order that the appropriate action may be taken.

Dedicated Headship Time
You may be aware that phase three of the National Agreement states that Headteachers must have dedicated time in which to lead, not just manage, their schools. From September 2005, Governing Bodies were expected to ensure that Headteachers have dedicated headship time to enable them to focus on school improvement, raising standards, school development, monitoring and evaluation and well-being of staff and pupils.

This time can be agreed to be taken on or off the school site and can be allocated weekly or in regular blocks of time over the school year. Each Governing Body should ensure that this time is determined and secured at the start of each year and reported back to the Local Authority.

Times of Meetings
We are all aware of the considerable demands on members of the Governing Body in terms of meetings and time given. Clearly, Headteachers - and indeed the Local Authority - want to acknowledge the tremendous service that Governing Bodies provide in ensuring a high standard of education provision for our pupils through the time they give.

Whilst Headteachers wish to be fully involved in all decisions made, it would seem that the demands are increasing on Headteachers in terms of the number and timing of meetings over the year. Again, in our duty of care to all Headteachers we would ask Governing Bodies to review the expectations placed upon their Headteacher when meetings and committees are arranged.

Sabbatical Opportunities
You may be familiar with the issues around the recruitment and retention of Headteachers, especially when in 2009, 40% reach retirement age and the number of senior teachers wishing to be Headteachers is far lower than the number needed to fill those posts which will become vacant.

When surveyed, Headteachers identified opportunities such as shadowing other leaders, both within and beyond education and also taking sabbatical opportunities.

Page Last Modified: 07/10/2008 12:45:34

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