New feedback tool launched to identify ways to improve teacher wellbeing

A new tool has been launched to help senior leaders improve staff wellbeing and retention.

Developed by Tes Global, in partnership with schools and an educational psychologist, Staff Pulse gives school leaders the ability to gather anonymous, real-time data and insights from staff across 21 different categories, including workload, support, communication and enjoyment.

Using the feedback and insights, senior leaders can better understand the evolving views of their staff, identify key pressure points and continually refine responsive action plans tailored to their needs.

The different categories which can be tailored for staff, identify key drivers of satisfaction and allow for a granular response to building and measure the impact of an action plans and measuring the impact of the plans. This regular feedback empowers school leaders to build an inclusive and transparent culture that attracts, engages and retains the best staff, without adding to their workloads.

Carla Bennett, Headteacher of Sherford Vale School in Plymouth has been using Staff Pulse over the last few months. She said: "I send the pulse to my staff every Wednesday. I read the results as part of SLT and note down any action points. We set up an action plan for 'communication' which was rated the least effective and gave staff chance to comment upon improvements. As a result, staff feel like they are listened to and have a say and we are actioning or providing reasons why some of their suggestions are not possible. As a result, this has increased staff morale and the pulse rating for the school has increased. Staff and leaders like using the pulse and have recommended it to another MAT who are in the process of setting it up."

This new tool also supports teachers by providing a way to share honest feedback about how they feel without fear of judgement or repercussions, and senior leaders can gather and analyse insights to track success and improve areas for development. Responses and scores can also be compared to the national average, giving senior leaders their own benchmarks as well as a guide to how other schools are performing.

Caroline Wright, Director General of BESA said: “Teacher wellbeing is something that should concern us all. If teachers are anxious or stressed, this effects their ability to prepare, which severely hinders children’s education. Schools need to be supported to monitor how their teachers feel and take action quickly, in order to maintain a confident positive staffroom.”