Further to Ofsted Chief Michael Wilshaw's comments on teacher "burnout", Julian Stanley, Teacher Support Network's Chief Executive commented:

"We welcome Michael Wilshaw's focus on the importance of maintaining a contented school workforce.

We know from the increasing number of teachers who contact us through our telephone and online support services that workload is a major cause of concern. 96 per cent of teachers, school leaders and lecturers who responded to a Teacher Support Network poll say their workload has had a negative effect on their health and wellbeing. Symptoms described include increased alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, relationship problems, overeating, under eating, stress, anxiety, exhaustion, low self-esteem and in some cases thoughts of suicide.

As well as considering interventions like sabbaticals, it is imperative that Ofsted, teachers, parents and indeed all stakeholders work together with us to address the root causes of teacher stress, low wellbeing and related issues such as low teacher retention.

It should also be remembered that reducing teacher stress does not just benefit the staff. Research shows that there is a direct link between improving teacher wellbeing and pupils attainment."

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