This is my third school in 12 years. I've been here 4 years.
The only one I remember from the other schools was a broken ankle where someone was off for several months with
complications.
Here there seems to be a never ending stream of people off with anxiety. Some have had up to six months or so off. Most take their full sick pay entitlement and leave through a negotiated settlement. Currently on the 7th in 4 years.
I'm trying to work out why we have such a problem. Teaching is hard and stressful, we all know that, but we didn't have this problem at my other schools.
On the face of it, this is a more kind and caring school. More likely to be granted a term time leave of absence for example, we employ a school counsellor that staff all have access to, numerous wellbeing initiatives. It's almost as if all this focus on wellbeing is counterproductive, as if it gives "permission" for people to take extended sick leave. Obviously if they need it they need it, but why didn't staff at my other schools?
My only other thought is that the head, whilst kind, caring and fair is inconsistent and sometimes you're not entirely sure what it is you're supposed to deliver. She also doesn't take a firm line with staff who need it (regular short term absence for example) which again is part of being decent, but which does frustrate and increase the work load for the rest.
That's it, isnt it?