At Foxfield Primary School, staff wellbeing isn't about token gestures - it's about giving people what they actually need: time. Co-head teachers Megan Minnett and Tatum Sharp have built a culture where flexibility, clear communication, and practical support create genuinely sustainable working conditions.

The leadership team recognized that superficial wellbeing initiatives don't address the root cause of staff stress.

"The most important thing is you can do all the fancy cakes or lunch, but we do it because people like it. But that doesn't really change it for us. What do people want? They want time."

Every new initiative is communicated with explicit explanation of how it will save time overall.

"We make it very clear when we are doing something and how it's going to give them time back or support their workload."

Subject leaders receive immediate leadership time when they request it, and the school provides systematic time benefits.

The school takes a life-first approach to flexibility, accommodating personal needs without creating additional barriers. This extends to significant life events, recognising that supporting staff builds long-term commitment.

" People remember those moments and they give it back."

Leadership provides genuine listening support while maintaining clear boundaries about professional responsibilities.

"We are quite good leaders at listening and supporting. We're empathetic. But also holding the boundary - there are 600 children here and if it's your class, your class needs you."

The school maintains regular temperature checks through informal "Chai and chat" sessions where staff can raise concerns.

"We get biscuits, we get tea, everyone's in a good mood because it's Friday and we just have a little chat. That's our temperature check."

Staff have seen tangible improvements following feedback, particularly early Friday finishes at the end of term which generated significant appreciation. Foxfield’s TEP scores for the Wellbeing and Workload driver reflect this feeling. The driver scored 8.2/10 in Summer 2025, +1.1 points above national benchmark. Within the driver, ‘I feel happy about my work-life balance.’ Scored 8.3/10, putting it +1.2 above benchmark.  

Key strategies:

• Time-focused approach to wellbeing rather than superficial gestures

• Clear communication about how new initiatives will save time overall

• Life-first flexibility for appointments and family events without penalties

• Regular informal check-ins ("tea and chat") that lead to visible changes