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Woodard Wellbeing
Woodard Wellbeing
At Woodard Academies Trust, we recognise that the foundation of success lies not only in our students but also in the dedicated individuals who comprise our staff.
We seek to foster a positive organisational culture that supports the physical, mental, and emotional health of our employees and acknowledges the role this plays in attracting, retaining, and empowering the talented professionals who contribute to our organisation's mission and vision.
See below for information about our trust-wide staff benefits.
Health
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EAP
A confidential 24/7 helpline provided through Schools UK/Sonder, offering staff and their immediate families access to professional counseling, legal advice, and medical information.
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Mental health support
Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders across our academies and digital resources via the Sonder app to help manage stress, anxiety, and burnout.
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Occupational health
Proactive support through our occupational health partners to assist staff returning to work after illness or managing long-term health conditions with reasonable adjustments.
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Flu jabs
Annual vouchers or on-site clinics provided every autumn to help keep our workforce healthy and protected during the winter months.
Lifestyle
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Cycle to Work
A tax-efficient salary sacrifice scheme allowing staff to save on the cost of a new bike and safety equipment for their commute.
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Gym/fitness access
Discounted memberships at local leisure centers or access to on-site fitness suites (where available) at our secondary academies.
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Staff wellbeing activities
A calendar of academy-specific events such as Couch to 5K groups, yoga sessions, or mindfulness workshops held after the school day.
Everyday Support
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Free refreshments
Complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits provided in staff rooms throughout the day.
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Hospitality at events
Provision of high-quality catering and refreshments during parents' evenings, open days, and inset training days.
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Staff wellbeing spaces
Dedicated, comfortable staff rooms and quiet zones where colleagues can take a break and socialise away from the classroom.
Growth
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CPD
A trust-wide Continuing Professional Development programme tailored to individual needs, including subject-specific training and pedagogical research.
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Coaching
Access to peer-to-peer coaching and mentoring frameworks to help staff reflect on their practice and achieve their professional goals.
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Leadership pathways
Structured development for Senior Leaders, Middle Leaders, and Aspiring Middle Leaders to ensure clear career progression within the Trust.
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ECT support
A comprehensive induction and mentoring package for Early Career Teachers, ensuring they have the time, guidance, and resources to thrive in their first years.
Community
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Staff voice forums
Regular opportunities for staff to share feedback ensuring everyone has a say in how we work.
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Recognition schemes
Celebrating our team through awards, thank-you cards, and mentions in briefings and other communications.
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Social events
Trust and academy-level social gatherings, from Christmas parties and summer BBQs to informal Friday treats in the staff room.
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Wellbeing champions
A network of staff volunteers who promote healthy initiatives and act as a point of contact for colleagues seeking support.
Flexibility
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Family-friendly support
Generous policies for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, alongside a commitment to considering flexible working requests where possible.
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Workload principles
A Trust-wide commitment to reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and ensuring marking and data policies are manageable and impactful.
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Compassionate leave flexibility
Empathetic support for staff during difficult personal times, including paid leave for bereavement or family emergencies.
