What does your school do about supervision?

[RunBackwards]

We had directly employed a PT counsellor but she's just resigned. She was appreciated by the staff who used her but probably not fully occupied.

We have a lot of deprivation and some very traumatic situations that some staff are dealing with so we do need to do "something". What do other schools do?

What does "supervision" mean? I've never heard the word used how you describe in a school setting.

I expect there's a technical definition but it's basically recognising that working with young people can be emotionally tough and giving staff the opportunity to off load when the emotional pressures of their work are getting to them, probably also an opportunity to discuss ways to deal with situations involving colleagues, students or parents. We've been using a counsellor but it doesn't need to be that.

Never heard of such a thing. I've never worked in a school with a staff counsellor! We have well-being meetings...once a half term...other than that it's a case of just speak to your colleagues and get through it.

Supervision is a recognised term. I tried to Google a defn but couldn't find a succinct one, there are however dozens of books about it on the search.

Ahh right. We have access to a phone line and an Ed psych. Never used either. Taken the chat to a colleague, have a cuppa and end the week on a gin approach myself.

Is this in a state or private school?

Well, last year I ran supervision for TAs, but teachers don't get anything. The SENCO has external supervision, as I did when I was a SENCO in my previous school. We get an option to call an EP if we need to, but ours left in January and we haven't had one reallocated since. Super.

Supervision is included in the guidance for EYFS but generally doesn’t happen in schools.

I think it should be available for staff working in stressful situations, and just a cuppa and get on with it isn’t enough for some people or situations. Nothing in any of the schools I’ve worked in though - I pay for private counselling and get what I need that way.

Technically we have a member of non teaching staff responsible for student and staff wellbeing.
In reality, she is always busy with students and no one cares if we're on our knees - but it ticks a box.

When I worked in a special needs school, we were looking after a boy whose condition was life limiting - he deteriorated gradually and sadly passed away last year.
The team who were involved in his care/education had a "clinical supervision" session once every 6 weeks or so. It was an external specially trained counsellor who got us to open up and talk about the reality of caring for a very ill child.
He was the same age as one of my children and it was heartbreaking.
I work in mainstream now, the same job title but completely different work. Do not think the school I work in now would fund such a thing, but the situation outlined above is thankfully not something you experience day to day working in a school.

I’ve never worked in a school where teachers got clinical supervision. I know you’re supposed to get it in EYFS and our head has had it sporadically-via the EP service but other than that, nope.

I suspect that even if it could magically somehow be funded, teachers wouldn’t be released for it and it would have to be done after school at the end of an already long day. Teachers would probably feel it just added to the already large workload.

Our line manager does it. which is great if the issue is with him.

The only place I've taught where there was a formal supervision expectation was a children's centre.

I've worked in about 7 schools and not one of them has provided supervision. It's just not the norm in schools.

The (state) school where I work offers monthly supervision with a trained counsellor for certain members of staff (safeguarding team etc). Pupils disclose issues that can be quite distressing for the listener, and a safe, confidential place to open up about that can help to prevent burnout.

For those who have not heard of the practice, this is from the safeguarding network website:

"Supervision ensures work with young people is effective, safe and follows procedures. It helps staff manage the complicated feelings that arise and sometimes distort the way in which we respond to incidents and concerns."

In an educational setting, it's good practice for at least the DSPs to be receiving supervision.

According to Working Together to Safeguard Children, supervision arrangements should be in place for all staff working directly and regularly with children whose safety and welfare are at risk.