Robert Gould, Partner, Barker
Creating staff-friendly schools
In the world of education, there has long been a focus on optimising learning environments for pupils and enhancing the "student experience.” However, as highlighted in the recent CST blog by Dr Sam Sims of Ambition Institute, there is an increasing recognition of the critical importance of staff well-being in achieving these goals. Schools that prioritise the working conditions of their staff not only improve morale but also directly influence the quality of teaching, which is the primary factor in driving improved pupil outcomes. This article explores how school design can incorporate healthy learning environments for staff, and how such considerations can play a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of top teaching talent.
The connection between staff well-being and pupil success
In his blog, Dr Sims underscores the significant role that working conditions play in the effectiveness of teachers. It is clear that a supportive and well-designed work environment not only enhances staff morale but also enables teachers to deliver high-quality education. The teaching environment, social dynamics, quality of working time, and prospects for earnings and career growth are all factors that influence a person’s decision to enter the profession or their decision to remain in their role.
Schools that aim to retain and attract high-calibre staff must therefore take a holistic view, addressing not only the physical environment but also the less tangible aspects of the working experience.
Designing schools with staff in mind
When designing schools for the future, it’s important to move beyond the traditional focus on pupil-centred learning spaces and consider elements that support the well-being of teachers and staff. This approach requires a balance between the needs of both pupils and staff while fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
Intangible qualities of staff-friendly schools
Creating a staff-friendly school environment involves addressing both intangible and tangible qualities that contribute to a positive working experience. The Sixth European Working Conditions Survey and others highlight several key areas such as purpose, mission, flexibility in time-management and culture where schools can make improvements that will have a lasting impact on staff well-being.
Tangible qualities of staff-friendly schools
In addition to fostering a positive school culture and optimising learning outcomes, the physical environment plays a crucial role in creating staff-friendly schools. Our experience, as well as studies by Dr Pamela Woolner of Newcastle University, Dr David Baker of University of Cambridge and others have identified the following key aspects of staff-friendly schools.
- Staff sanctuary areas
Creating dedicated sanctuary areas for staff provides a calm oasis where teachers can relax and recharge during the school day. These spaces should be designed to offer comfort and tranquillity, allowing staff to decompress and maintain their well-being. They can also add value by facilitating team teaching, mentoring and problem solving.
- Food and drink facilities
Providing or encouraging healthy eating options and ensuring suitable spaces for staff to eat and drink is another important aspect of a staff-friendly school. These facilities not only support physical health but also create opportunities for social interaction and community building among staff.
- Toilets
One of the most common causes of complaint about the school working environment is toilet provision. The quality and availability of staff toilets are critical to the fundamental needs of privacy, hygiene, and dignity. The impact of poor provision is often overlooked but plays a significant role in staff morale.
- Personal workspaces
Providing personal workspaces where teachers can prepare lessons, mark work, and store materials is essential for maintaining an organised and efficient working environment.
Becoming an employer of choice
The term "becoming the employer of choice” is used routinely in commercial settings but many of the lessons are transferable to the education sector. In the competitive landscape of education, becoming an employer of choice requires schools to prioritise both the tangible and intangible qualities that make a workplace appealing. Schools that invest in their staff’s well-being, offer opportunities for professional growth, and create a supportive and inclusive culture will not only retain their best teachers but also attract new talent.
It is clear that the primary factor in driving improved pupil outcomes is the quality of staff and teaching. Therefore, encouraging the best people to join the profession, become part of a specific organisation, and stay there for the long term should be a focus for the government, the sector, and individual schools.
There can sometimes be a reluctance to divert funding from pupil-focussed spending but this can be counter-productive. In the current challenging recruitment environment, recognising the positive impact that environment can have on attracting and retaining the best staff can also help support the business case for investing capital in creating staff-friendly schools.
By creating staff-friendly schools that prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of teachers, educational institutions can build a strong foundation for success, ensuring that both pupils and staff thrive in a positive and supportive environment.
The CST Blog welcomes perspectives from a diverse range of guest contributors. The opinions expressed in blogs are the views of the author(s), and should not be read as CST guidance or CST’s position.
