February 2011

The know zone

  • Crashing the system
    The difficulties that can ensue when a member of staff will not accept the authority of managers are highlighted in a startling case involving a school and an IT technician, says Richard Bird. More
  • Hotline
    The ASCL hotline is a completely confidential service available to answer members’ questions on issues that arise in school/college. More
  • Shedding pounds
    With the forthcoming pay freeze and funding constraints, there are challenging times ahead for school budgets. Ministers must base their decisions on more than just a diet of anecdotal evidence, says Sam Ellis. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Babe Ruth, Anthony J D'Angelo, Harold Wilson, Samuel Johnson, Albert Einstein. More
  • An eminent role?
    A former geography teacher and a head for nigh on 20 years, Lindsay Roy is MP for Glenrothes and Central Fife, a seat he originally won for Labour in a by-election in 2008. He’s a former president of Schools Leaders Scotland (previously Headteachers Association of Scotland) and an executive member of the International Confederation of Principals. More
  • Adding value
    The UK workforce took 180 million sick days in 2009, according to the latest CBI/Pfizer Absence and Workplace Health Survey. That’s the equivalent of 6.4 days per person. More
  • Teach the world
    Education charity Think Global helps schools to examine world poverty, climate change, sustainability and other matters of universal importance. More
  • No such thing as a free lunch?
    The pupil premium is intended to help disadvantaged children but is it the best strategy for raising a achievement and helping to level the funding playing field? School leaders share their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    The antidote to common leadership conundrums... More
  • Curriculum focus
    Anyone who expects 2011 to be any less packed with changes to the education system than 2010 is living under an illusion, says Brian Lightman. Where the curriculum is concerned an increasingly polarised debate could have dire consequences for young people. More
  • United we stand...
    EM Forster once urged us to 'only connect' – make connections between experience of life’s emotions and how those around you are suffering too. Rupert Tillyard has devised a quiz to test just how ‘connected’ you are. More
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Adding value

Having a healthy outloook on life

The UK workforce took 180 million sick days in 2009, according to the latest CBI/Pfizer Absence and Workplace Health Survey. That’s the equivalent of 6.4 days per person.

It’s the ‘duvet day’ which causes employers a major headache. Human resource departments estimate that one in six sick days aren’t actually genuine, while costing the UK economy approximately £2.5bn a year.

If you’re tempted to stay under the duvet, the Mental Health Foundation has the following advice for looking after your mental wellbeing:

  • stay active
  • eat properly
  • keep in touch with friends and family
  • do something you are good at
  • ask for help
  • accept who you are
  • talk about your feelings
  • take a break
  • drink sensibly

Benenden Healthcare’s corporate scheme can help to reduce the cost of sickness absence by providing prompt access to consultations, selected treatment and surgery and physiotherapy as well as access to a 24/7 stress counselling helpline and GP consultation advice line.

Membership costs just £78 per employee per year regardless or age or pre-existing medical conditions.

To find out more please visit www.benenden.org.uk/corporate-healthcare or call us on 0845 052 5730.

One of the benefits of ASCL membership is discounts and special rates on a range of personal and educational products and services. There are healthcare products, online staff well-being systems financial advice and self-evaluation surveys. Check out the full list at www.ascl.org.uk

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