Teacher Wellbeing Matters: 7 Simple Tips for Primary School Staff

World Mental Health Day – 10th October

Every day, primary school staff give so much of themselves to others. From welcoming children with a smile each morning to planning lessons, supporting individual needs, managing behaviour and celebrating those little moments of progress – working in a primary school is as rewarding as it is demanding.

But in the middle of looking after everyone else, it's all too easy to forget about looking after ourselves.

This World Mental Health Day, we're taking a moment to recognise the incredible work that teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and school leaders do every day – and to remind you that your wellbeing matters too.

The Reality of Working in a Primary School

Anyone who works in a primary school knows that no two days are ever quite the same!

One minute you're teaching fractions, the next you're finding a missing jumper, comforting an upset child or sorting out a disagreement over a football.

Add lesson planning, marking, assessments, meetings, paperwork and the ever-growing list of things to remember, and it's hardly surprising that school staff can sometimes feel overwhelmed.

And while teaching can bring enormous satisfaction, it's important to acknowledge that it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting.

Feeling tired, stressed or overwhelmed doesn't mean you're not good at your job. It means you're human.

7 Small Ways to Support Your Wellbeing During the School Day

Looking after your mental health doesn't have to mean making big lifestyle changes. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make a difference.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Take a Break

We know – easier said than done!

But even five minutes away from your desk, a proper cup of tea or a quick chat with a colleague can help you reset.

Try not to spend every break catching up on another task. You deserve a moment to yourself.

2. Remember That Good Enough Really Is Good Enough

Teachers often put enormous pressure on themselves to make every lesson brilliant, every display beautiful and every activity perfect.

But children don't need perfection. They need someone who cares, encourages them and helps them learn.

Not every lesson needs to be all-singing, all-dancing. Sometimes a simple, well-planned activity is exactly what's needed.

You don't have to do everything perfectly to make a difference.

3. Share the Load

Schools work best when staff support one another.

Whether it's sharing a useful resource, swapping lesson ideas or simply asking someone for help, working together can make the day feel much more manageable.

And if you're struggling with your workload, don't feel you have to cope alone. Speak to a trusted colleague or school leader about what can realistically be prioritised or changed.

4. Celebrate the Little Wins

It's easy to finish the day thinking about everything you didn't manage to do.

Instead, try remembering something that went well.

Perhaps a child finally understood a tricky concept. Maybe someone who rarely puts their hand up volunteered an answer. Or perhaps you helped a pupil feel happier and more confident.

These moments matter.

They might seem small, but they're often the very reason you chose to work in education.

5. Set Boundaries Where You Can

There will always be another worksheet to prepare, another email to answer or another job that could be done.

But your evenings and weekends matter too.

Where possible, try setting a reasonable finishing time, switching off work notifications and giving yourself permission to leave some tasks until tomorrow.

Of course, healthy boundaries also need to be supported by realistic expectations and manageable workloads. It's not something staff should have to achieve entirely on their own.

6. Make Time for the Things That Make You Happy

When life gets busy, hobbies and interests are often the first things to disappear.

Whether it's reading, gardening, walking, exercising, baking or simply enjoying a quiet evening, try to protect a little time for something you genuinely enjoy.

You are more than your job, however much you love it.

7. Look Out for Each Other

Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from the people working alongside us.

Check in with a colleague. Ask how they're doing – and take a moment to listen to the answer.

A kind word, a shared laugh or an offer to help can make a real difference to someone's day.

And if you notice someone is struggling, gently encourage them to seek additional support if they need it.

A Little Reminder for School Leaders

Teacher wellbeing isn't just about encouraging staff to practise self-care.

It's also about creating a school environment where people feel valued, listened to and supported.

Small gestures of appreciation are lovely, but meaningful wellbeing support also means looking carefully at workload, protecting breaks, reducing unnecessary tasks and making it safe for staff to raise concerns.

A supportive school culture benefits everyone – staff and pupils alike.

When You Need a Little Extra Support

We all have difficult days, but if stress, anxiety or low mood are becoming difficult to manage, you don't have to deal with it alone.

There are organisations offering confidential support, including:

• Education Support – a UK charity providing mental health and wellbeing support for people working in education. Visit educationsupport.org.uk.
• Mind – information, advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. Visit mind.org.uk.
• NHS Every Mind Matters – practical advice and resources to support mental wellbeing. Visit nhs.uk/every-mind-matters.

You can also speak to your GP if you're concerned about your mental health.

Asking for help is never a sign of weakness.

Finally, A Thank You From HeadStart Primary

This World Mental Health Day, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone working in our primary schools.

To the teachers who go the extra mile, the teaching assistants who offer endless patience, the support staff who keep everything running and the school leaders juggling countless responsibilities – we see you, and we appreciate you.

We know that working in education isn't always easy. But the kindness, dedication and encouragement you bring into schools every day make a lasting difference to children's lives.

So, as you head into another busy school week, remember:

You can't do everything. You don't have to be perfect. And it's absolutely OK to put your own wellbeing first sometimes.

Because the people who spend their days looking after others deserve to be looked after too.

From all of us at HeadStart Primary – thank you for everything you do. 💚