Looking After Yourself in Education

You probably notice straight away when a pupil isn't themselves. Seeing it in yourself is harder, especially in a job where saying yes to everything tends to get praised.

The window of tolerance gives you a way to spot it sooner. You'll work out what your own warning signs look like, whether that's poor sleep, snapping at people or avoiding the staffroom, and put together a coping toolbox that suits you. There's a to-don't list for the jobs you can let go of, and some plain ways to say no without a long apology.

It also covers what to say to a colleague who seems to be struggling, and where help sits outside school, from your Employee Assistance Programme to the free Education Support helpline. You don't need to be in crisis to call it.