Staff Wellbeing

How We Support the Team at St Joseph's

At St Joseph’s, the wellbeing of our staff is a central priority. We know that a happy, supported team creates the best possible environment for our children to learn, grow and flourish. Every member of staff plays a vital role in the day‑to‑day life of our school, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, listened to and cared for.

Senior leaders maintain an open‑door approach and regularly check in with staff, offering support in the moment and ensuring that concerns are addressed quickly and sensitively. We work hard to foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable to speak openly and where wellbeing is seen as a shared responsibility.

Our Wellbeing Governor, Julie Grogan, is also available to staff. Her email and telephone number are shared internally so colleagues can raise concerns confidentially whenever needed.

We continually review our systems and policies to ensure they support staff wellbeing and reduce unnecessary workload. Key examples include:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  All staff have access to confidential support through our EAP. Details can be found in the downloads section below.
  

• Marking & Feedback Policy
  Our governors have approved a streamlined policy that includes a marking code and a strong emphasis on verbal feedback, enabling teachers to provide high‑quality responses to pupils without excessive written marking.
  

• Curriculum & Planning Support
  Teachers have access to ready‑to‑use curriculum documents and lesson plans, which can be downloaded and adapted to meet the needs of their class. This reduces planning pressure and ensures consistency across school.

We believe that recognition and gratitude are powerful. At St Joseph’s, we make time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our team:

• Weekly Celebration Assembly
  Staff achievements and contributions are recognised alongside pupils’ successes.

• ‘Thanks a Brunch’
  At the end of each term, we gather in the staffroom for a relaxed brunch to enjoy time together and celebrate the term’s achievements.

• Staffroom Shout‑Out Board
  A space where colleagues can acknowledge the moments—big or small—when someone has gone above and beyond for the school community.

These traditions help us nurture a positive, joyful and connected staff culture.

Staff wellbeing is an ongoing commitment. We welcome feedback, ideas and suggestions from all colleagues about how we can continue to improve. Together, we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels supported, appreciated and able to thrive.