EP : 87 Why Most Wellbeing Strategies Fail (And What This Trust Did Instead)

EP : 87 Why Most Wellbeing Strategies Fail (And What This Trust Did Instead)

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we explore what it truly looks like to create a school culture where not only children, but staff, leaders, and families are all able to thrive. Leaders from the Stour Academy Trust share the intentional changes they’ve made over time to build environments where people feel supported, trusted, and able to do their jobs well without becoming overwhelmed. What stands out throughout the conversation is that this culture wasn’t created overnight. It has been shaped through years of listening, reflection, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge “the way things have always been done.” A major theme running through the episode is belonging. Not as a buzzword or a one-off initiative, but as something embedded into the everyday experience of staff, children, and families. The conversation also explores the importance of psychological safety and the impact it has on both wellbeing and performance. Another key focus is workload. Rather than relying on surface-level wellbeing gestures, the trust has looked closely at systems, policies, and routines to remove unnecessary pressure wherever possible. We also discuss the power of collaboration without competition. Schools across the trust work together, sharing expertise, resources, and responsibilities so that staff feel supported rather than stretched. One standout idea is the “9 to 3 approach” prioritising being fully present for children and staff during the school day, while streamlining behind-the-scenes tasks to reduce cognitive overload. Overall, this conversation offers a practical and hopeful look at what’s possible when schools prioritise trust, belonging, collaboration, and sustainable ways of working. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Why belonging is central to a thriving school culture * How psychological safety improves wellbeing and performance * The difference between token wellbeing and real structural change * How reducing small tasks can significantly lower workload * Why collaboration across schools creates stronger support systems * How technology and AI can help reduce cognitive load and pressure Key Message Thriving schools don’t happen by chance. They are built through intentional culture, honest conversations, and the courage to rethink what isn’t working. When leaders truly listen, reduce unnecessary pressure, and create space for people to feel safe and valued, something shifts…Not just in staff wellbeing, but in the experience of every child in the school. Connect with The Stour Academy Trust : Website: https://thestouracademytrust.org.uk/ [https://thestouracademytrust.org.uk/] Facebook- www.facebook.com/thestouracademytrust/ [https://www.facebook.com/thestouracademytrust/] Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestouracademytrust [https://www.instagram.com/thestouracademytrust] Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheStourAcademyTrust [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9J3I_ki7FEkjJw8FhudmuA] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-stour-academy-trust/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-stour-academy-trust/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/ [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 86 How Burnout Silently Creeps Up On School Leadership

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Paul Collin, a former head teacher with over 25 years in education, for a really honest conversation about something many of us experience but don’t always name…running on adrenaline. We explore what it means to show up every day in schools, even when we’re carrying stress behind the scenes. As teachers and leaders,we often feel we have to keep going, keep performing, and keep supporting everyone else, no matter how we’re actually feeling. One idea that really stands out in this episode is what we describe as quiet erosion. We talk about the image of the White Cliffs of Dover, slowly wearing away over time. And in many ways, that’s what burnout can look like. It doesn’t always happen all at once. It builds gradually, through constant pressure, unspoken stress, and the expectation to always be “on.” We also reflect on how different school cultures shape our experience. We’ve both seen environments where pressure feels relentless, where expectations are compressed and people feel constantly stretched. But we’ve also seen what happens when trust builds, when people feel heard, and when the culture begins to shift in a more supportive direction. Paul shares what leadership really feels like behind the scenes: the unpredictability, the constant decision-making, and those moments where adrenaline takes over just to get through the day. And while that can help us cope in the moment, we also recognise the longer-term impact it can have. We spend time talking about something many of us wrestle with: are we good enough? When our days are filled with challenges, complaints, and things going wrong, it’s easy to measure ourselves against those moments rather than the difference we’re actually making. Importantly, we also talk about how we begin to step back before things reach a breaking point. For us, that starts with noticing. It’s about grounding ourselves, creating moments of pause, and finding people we trust to talk things through with. At its core, this episode is about recognising that burnout isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s quiet, gradual and easy to ignore…until it catches up with us. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Why we often rely on adrenaline to get through the school day * How different school cultures shape our experience of stress * What “quiet erosion” of burnout looks like over time * The hidden emotional load we carry as teachers and leaders * Why so many of us question whether we’re “good enough” * How constant pressure and unpredictability impact us Key Message Burnout doesn’t always come from not caring.Often, it comes from caring deeply, for a long time, without enough space to pause. When we give ourselves permission to step back, to talk and to reflect, we begin to protect not just our wellbeing, but our ability to keep doing the work that matters to us. Connect with Paul Collin Website : develop2teach.com/insights-with-paul [https://develop2teach.com/insights-with-paul/] Instagram : @develop2teach [https://www.instagram.com/develop2teach/] LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-collin Paul Collin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-collin/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks/] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 85 When Passion Meets Burnout: Finding Your Way Back with Becky Dawson

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Becky Dawson, National Wellbeing Lead at Twinkl, for an honest conversation about how a passion for teaching can slowly turn into overwhelm. Becky shares her journey from classroom teaching into the demanding role of SENCO, a position that is both deeply meaningful and incredibly heavy. Supporting students, staff and families all at once, often without time to reflect, can quietly build into burnout. What stands out is a tension many educators feel: loving the work and seeing the impact, yet carrying pressure that becomes unsustainable. Becky describes this period as both the best and the hardest of her career, a time of growth, but also where burnout became unavoidable. Together, we explore why this happens. Not just because the job is demanding, but because of the culture around it, constant doing, high expectations, and little space to pause. Becky highlights the importance of reflection, not as an extra task, but as part of everyday practice. Even small moments to acknowledge what’s been hard can make a real difference. We also discuss how burnout affects confidence, and how the things that go wrong often linger more than the wins. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more, but recognising that the system itself asks too much. Becky shares simple, realistic ways to protect your wellbeing, building connections, creating space to reflect, setting boundaries, and even keeping a “to-da list” to recognise what you’ve already achieved. At its core, this episode is about reclaiming balance. Passion doesn’t have to lead to burnout, but without support, boundaries and reflection, it often does. And the most important reminder: you’re not failing, you’re navigating a system that often asks too much. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Why roles like SENCO can feel both rewarding and overwhelming * How burnout builds slowly, even when you love your job * The impact of constant pressure on confidence and self-belief * Why reflection is missing in many school cultures * How connection and shared experiences reduce isolation * The importance of recognising what you’ve done, not just what’s left * Why boundaries are essential (and what happens without them) * How to spot when passion is starting to fade Key Message Burnout doesn’t happen because you don’t care.It often happens because you care too much, for too long, without the support you need. When we create space to reflect, connect with others,and set clear boundaries around our time and energy,we give ourselves a chance to keep doing the work we love,without losing ourselves in the process. Connect with Becky Dawson: Website : www.beckydawsonccf.com [https://www.beckydawsonccf.com/] Instagram : www.instagram.com/becsdawson [https://www.instagram.com/becsdawson/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks/] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 84 How to Prevent Teacher Burnout | Simple Daily Habits for Better Wellbeing

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Sue Lee and Tessa Hawes to explore what it really means to look after ourselves in high pressure environments. This conversation goes beyond stress. It’s about the responsibility we often overlook, caring for ourselves in the middle of busy, demanding lives. When we constantly give without refilling our energy, it takes its toll. Sue shares honest reflections from years in leadership, balancing career, family and constant pressure. Her story shows how easy it is to slip into urgency, where you keep going but slowly lose connection with yourself. Managing yourself isn’t an extra, it’s essential to leading and supporting others well. Tessa shares a powerful turning point that made her rethink how she was living and working. After years of juggling a fast paced career and motherhood, she realised something needed to change. She began building simple daily practices that helped her regain calm, clarity and control. Her message is clear, wellbeing starts with small, consistent actions. We explore how habits like journaling, gratitude and mindful mornings create meaningful, long term change. It’s not about perfect routines, but simple practices that fit real lives. A key theme is culture and connection. Having people who notice when you’re not okay, who encourage you to slow down and stay on track, makes a difference. We also reflect on how difficult it can be to recognise our own strengths. Without that awareness, it’s harder to sustain motivation, confidence and purpose. At its heart, this episode reminds us that wellbeing isn’t separate from our work, it’s what allows us to do it well. You cannot pour from an empty cup. But when you refill it, even in small ways, the impact goes far beyond you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * How personal wellbeing influences leadership, performance and team culture * Why constant busyness disconnects us from ourselves * How small, consistent habits create lasting change * What it means to prioritise yourself without guilt * The importance of a supportive network * Why many professionals struggle to recognise their strengths * How mindset, language and reflection shape daily experience * Why simple practices like journaling and gratitude are powerful Key Message Wellbeing is not something we add in when we have time. It is something we build into the way we live and work every day. Through small, intentional actions, honest reflection and supportive relationships, we can create a way of working that feels sustainable, not exhausting. Because when we take care of ourselves, we show up better for everyone else. Connect with Morton Michel: Website : www.mortonmichel.com [https://www.mortonmichel.com/] Instagram : www.instagram.com/mortonmichelinsurance [https://www.instagram.com/mortonmichelinsurance/] Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/company/morton-michel-insurance [https://www.linkedin.com/company/morton-michel-insurance/?originalSubdomain=uk] Connect with minime mindfulness: Website : minimemindfulness.co.uk [https://minimemindfulness.co.uk/] Facebook : www.facebook.com/minimemindfulness [https://www.facebook.com/minimemindfulness/] Instagram : www.instagram.com/minimemindfulness [https://www.instagram.com/minimemindfulness/] Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/company/minimemindfulness [http://www.linkedin.com/company/minimemindfulness/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks/] Website:www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 83 Creating a school Culture Where Staff Truly Belong, Thrive and Stay

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by four members of the central team from Manor Hall Academy Trust to explore what it takes to build a thriving school culture. I speak with Philip Harrison (CEO), alongside Kate, Kelly and Laura, as they share honest reflections and practical examples of how their trust has created an environment where staff feel valued, heard and supported. At the heart of the conversation is a simple belief: when people feel they belong, they can learn, grow and flourish. We challenge the idea that positive school cultures happen by chance, highlighting that connection, trust and psychological safety require deliberate, consistent leadership. Their shared values that everyone belongs, learns and grows are not just words, but lived experiences shaping decisions, relationships and everyday practice. A clear theme is putting people before processes. From welcoming others warmly to encouraging openness and peer support, the focus stays on treating staff as human beings first. We also explore how leaders who model balance, vulnerability and authenticity help shift away from cultures of overwork and silent pressure. While recognising accountability pressures and workload, we discuss how leadership choices and systems can actively protect wellbeing. A strong focus is placed on prevention, investing in relationships and creating safe spaces for honest conversations. Ultimately, this episode shows that culture is built in everyday moments and reinforces a simple truth: when staff thrive, pupils thrive too. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * How clear, shared values can shape decisions and build a genuine sense of belonging * Ways to intentionally develop psychological safety through consistent leadership and open dialogue * Why small human moments such as warmth, humour and connection transform the workplace * How leaders can model healthy work life balance and challenge cultures that glorify overwork * The importance of a proactive approach to wellbeing, focusing on prevention over crisis * How cross-team networks create safe spaces for conversation, shared experience and support * What trust-led leadership looks like when autonomy and outcomes are prioritised * How to navigate external pressures by reframing accountability and reducing stress * The role of storytelling and recognising individuality in strengthening connection Key Message Thriving school cultures do not happen by accident. They are built through deliberate choices, consistent actions and a deep commitment to seeing people as human beings. When we create environments rooted in trust, belonging and psychological safety, staff are more likely to stay and flourish. And when staff flourish, the impact on pupils is profound. Because sustainable education systems are built on people. Connect with Manor Hall Trust: Website : https://manorhall.academy [https://manorhall.academy/] Facebook : www.facebook.com/people/Manor-Hall-Academy-Trust/61553427158973/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Manor-Hall-Academy-Trust/61553427158973/] Instagram : www.instagram.com/manorhall.academy.trust [https://www.instagram.com/manorhall.academy.trust] Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/company/manor-hall-academy-trust/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/manor-hall-academy-trust/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks/] Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com/www.rowenahicks.com [http://www.rowenahicks.com] Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here: 👉 www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]