From Behaviour to Burnout: Why Relationships Matter in Schools

Host Liz Worthen explores how investing in relationships can reduce conflict and stress in schools, improve wellbeing for staff and pupils, and build sustainable support beyond the school gates. 

Listen to consider:

• How does a relational approach to behaviour make for calmness and consistency?
• Can the same approach work with adults?
• What makes for positive relationships with parents?
• How does strong leadership support link to staff retention?
• Why do relationships matter when you’re seeking external support?
• Why are relationships vital to our wellbeing?

“Relationships are key; we are human beings. We are connected to other individuals in every sense. We are not here to live alone.” (Nicola Harvey, wellbeing consultant.)

Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities.

Featured episodes and resources

• Episode 28: Getting curious about behaviour: a relational approach, with Dee Higgins
• Episode 31: Win-Win: Fundraising relationships for lasting impact, with Justin Smith, Vicki Newsome, Richard Manville and Matthew Smith MBE
• Episode 14: Avoiding and addressing staff burnout in schools, with Nicola Harvey
• More about Nicola’s mindfulness work: https://www.harveyheals.com/meetnicola
• Behaviour strategies from Dee: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/five-things-every-member-of-staff-can-do-to-support-pupil-behaviour/
• Parent partnerships: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/building-positive-parent-partnerships/
• Positive behaviour approach: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/how-to-maintain-a-positive-behaviour-culture/
• NFER retention report: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/why-leadership-matters-staff-retention/
• The PERMA model: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/the-perma-wellbeing-framework
• Fundraising tips: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/five-steps-to-effective-school-fundraising/
• Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/

00:00 Why relationships matter

01:17 Relational behaviour support

03:09 Consistency and scripting

03:25 Multi-agency common ground

04:43 Parents and the school gate

05:18 Staff support and retention

06:02 Fundraising through relationships

06:50 Motivation and saying thanks

08:12 Community volunteering win win

09:03 PERMA and human connection

09:55 Final takeaways and goodbye

#Schools #Education #Leadership #Behaviour

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