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Staff Wellbeing

Here at the West Norfolk Academies Trust we are committed to promoting a positive, supportive and healthy working environment for all staff, in all of our schools. Well-being is central to our ethos, and we work collectively across the Trust to ensure that every colleague feels valued, listened to and equipped to carry out their role effectively.

Regular Well-Being Meetings
To ensure staff voice remains at the heart of our approach, each school elects a well-being representative who attends regular Trust-wide meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity to share feedback, identify emerging pressures, celebrate successes and work collaboratively on strategies to further improve staff well-being across all schools.
Workload Reduction Measures
The Trust has established a number of systems throughout it’s schools to reduce unnecessary workload and enable staff to focus on the elements of teaching that have the greatest impact on pupils. Full details of what each school has in place can be found on the individual schools’ websites.
Professional Support and Collaboration

Colleagues benefit from regular opportunities to collaborate and develop professionally:

  • Subject leadership support across the Trust: Subject leaders have access to Trust-wide networks, shared resources, guidance and mentoring.
  • Cross-school opportunities: Staff can visit other schools, observe best practice and contribute to shared development projects.
  • High-quality CPD: We provide a high-quality, research-informed CPD programme designed to develop and support every member of staff. This includes: self-directed study, subject CPD, peer-collaboration projects, leadership development sessions, guided coaching and opportunities in the WNAT leadership pathways, and opportunities to engage with NPQs.
  • Dept Meeting Time: One hour per fortnight is protected on the timetable for all teachers to allow collaborative work within or across departments.
Trust Well-Being Newsletter

A monthly Trust Well-Being Newsletter is shared with all staff. This provides:

  • Practical strategies for maintaining personal well-being
  • Advice on managing workload and classroom pressures
  • Signposting to relevant support services and guidance
  • Updates on well-being initiatives taking place across the Trust
Support Helpline and Resources

We want every member of staff to know that help is available when needed. Below are key support numbers:

Education Support (Education-Specific, 24/7)

A completely confidential service designed specifically for people working in education. Staff can access friendly advice, emotional support, counselling, coaching and practical guidance whenever they need it. It’s there to help you look after your wellbeing, whatever your role in school.

Shout (24/7 Text Support)

  • Text SHOUT to 85258

A free, confidential text service offering calm, supportive conversation at any time of day or night. This can be especially helpful if you’d prefer to text rather than talk, or if you want someone to listen after a busy or demanding day.