P663 Teletext 663 Jun24 16:40:41 ——————————————————————————————————————— DIAL 'S' FOR STRESS Wj are all familiar with confidential telephone help lines for victims of playground bullies, or desperate pupils at exam times. But it's rather disturbing to learn that one has just been installed for head teachers. Are senior professionals, responsible for staff and hundreds of pupils, really that stressed? ——————————————————————————————————1/4—— Give your career a boost 656 PICK UP PROPERTY PLjS pu44 Keyboard NCET Advice Write ItP663 Teletext 663 Jun24 16:48:50 ——————————————————————————————————————— DIAL 'S' FOR STRESS The National Stress Helpline for senior staff has been launched by the National Association of Head Tjachjrs (NAHT). Some statistics they produced last week may help explain why it is njedjd: In the last 12 months 68 heads and deputies have been suspended. Seventeen on grounds of competence; 31 with regard to conduct; and 20 for ill-health breakdowns. ——————————————————————————————————2/4—— Give your career a boost 656 PICK UP PROPERTY PLjS p544 Keyboard NCET Advice Write ItP663 Teletext 663 Jun24 16:44:18 ——————————————————————————————————————— DIAL 'S' FOR STRESS The NAHT which spends £1 million a year on legal advice for heads, says the level of suspensions will drop only if: A code of practice in the management of schools is established. If levels of stress and ill-health breakdowns amongst heads were reduced through proper counselling. The number of malicious complaints of sexual abuse bz pupils were reduced. ——————————————————————————————————3/4—— Give your career a boost 656 PICK UP PROPERTY PLjS p544 Keyboard NCET Advice Write ItP663 Teletext 663 Jun24 16:54:21 ——————————————————————————————————————— DIAL 'S' FOR STRESS George Varnavar, the NAHT's president, explains why a telephone help line for head teachers has been installed. "A lot of head teachers find themselves isolated, and it's very difficult for them to get immediate advice on what are often delicate matters. "The help line is there to listen, offer support and advice. Wj know from the unprecedented level of suspensions, it's going to bj very busy," he says. ——————————————————————————————————4/4—— Give your career a boost 656 PICK UP PROPERTY PLjS p544 Keyboard NCET Advice Write It