Including support staff in the wellbeing picture

Teacher wellbeing is a growing focus in many schools within the UK. Many strategies have been put forward to improve teacher wellbeing, but very little research has been directed toward support staff in schools. The research presented here aims to increase the value of support staff and encourage the implementation of strategies to improve their wellbeing. Using thematic analysis to interpret discussions held with in-service Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), it was found that there is a lack of clarity in the roles held, wellbeing is mostly affected by the additional needs of the students they work with, and that most LSAs feel undervalued by other staff in their place of work. Several recommendations have been made to improve the wellbeing of these support roles. Explicit information should be given to teachers to optimise support in their lessons and in turn improve the learning environment for all students regardless of need. In addition to this, LSAs would feel further valued if provided more time to complete other responsibilities.