I expected SFC to support children’s empowerment and permeate into school’s ethos and culture of positive relationships as Dr Geoff’s approach is so aligned to Meadowbank’s view of the partnership with our children. However, I did not fully appreciate the depth of impact that SFC would have on adult well-being also.
As the fear of Covid-19 eases and we learn to live with the virus I am actively observing and trying to assess how significant the impact of Covid-19 has and will continue to have on the adults that I learn alongside. As a school leader supporting our teams who are mentally exhausted, reflecting on the last 18 months and who, despite their significant efforts, are feeling a frustration that they could have done more for their children and families. They could not. Our job as leaders is to strengthen school teams’ emotional well-being through this next challenging phase of the pandemic. We know that they will provide a safe place for all in their care so we must make sure that they also feel Successful, Hopeful and Resourceful whilst doing so.
Therefore, it was a heart-warming take away during our annual Well-being peer review on Wednesday to hear through staff voice SSE that our SFC coaches feel that the approach has supported their well-being also. The solution focused conversations and quality time with children and resolution of challenges has had a positive impact upon both participants in the process. An outcome of the review is to roll out the approach wider enabling new members of our team to participate and become a true solution focused school supporting the well-being for all whilst we look back to celebrate our achievements over the past year and plan the next phase of our school and pandemic journey.
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