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Looking After Your Wellbeing While Working in Education

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:03:00 +0100

Working in education can be immensely rewarding, but it can also be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.

Whether you are a teacher, teaching assistant, higher-level teaching assistant, cover supervisor, learning support assistant or another education professional, your working day may involve responding to changing needs, building relationships, managing competing priorities and helping children and young people feel safe and supported.

This is true across both SEND and mainstream education. It can be particularly noticeable for supply staff who regularly move between settings, learn new routines and adapt to different teams and expectations.

Looking after your wellbeing is not a luxury or a sign that you are less committed to your role. It is an important part of building a sustainable career in education and recognising when you may need additional support.

Why wellbeing matters when you work in education

Education professionals are often focused on the wellbeing of the children and young people they support. However, constantly concentrating on the needs of others can make it easy to overlook your own.

Looking after your wellbeing can help you:

recognise stress before it becomes overwhelming
recover after challenging or emotionally demanding days
maintain healthy and realistic boundaries
manage change with greater confidence
ask for help when you need it
continue working in education in a sustainable way

Wellbeing is individual. What helps one person may not be right for another, and your needs may change depending on your role, setting and circumstances.

Notice what affects your wellbeing

Regularly checking in with yourself can help you recognise changes in how you are feeling. This does not mean analysing every difficult day. It means paying attention to patterns that may suggest you need rest, practical adjustments or additional support.

You might notice:

difficulty switching off after work
changes to your sleep, appetite or energy
feeling unusually anxious, irritable or overwhelmed
dreading work for an extended period
regularly missing breaks or working beyond reasonable limits
finding it more difficult to concentrate or make decisions
feeling emotionally affected by particular situations or incidents

These experiences do not necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong, but persistent or worsening changes should not be ignored. Speaking to someone early can make it easier to identify what support may help.

Practical ways to support your wellbeing during the school day

There is no single wellbeing routine that will suit every person or every education setting. Small, realistic actions can nevertheless make a meaningful difference.

Where your role and the school day allow, try to:

take your agreed breaks rather than routinely working through them
drink water and eat regularly throughout the day
ask questions when responsibilities, routines or expectations are unclear
identify who you should speak to if you need practical or emotional support
pause briefly after a demanding interaction before moving to the next task
focus on realistic priorities rather than expecting yourself to complete everything at once
use the support and supervision arrangements available within the setting

If you are involved in a safeguarding concern, serious incident or situation that leaves you feeling unsettled, follow the setting’s reporting procedures and speak to the appropriate member of staff. You should not be expected to carry concerns alone.

Create a transition between work and home

Moving directly from a busy working day into home responsibilities can make it difficult to mentally leave work behind. A simple transition routine can help signal that the working day has ended.

This might include:

taking a short walk after work
listening to music or a podcast during your journey home
changing clothes when you arrive home
turning off work-related notifications at an agreed time
writing down non-confidential reminders for the next day
making time for an activity that helps you relax or reconnect with other parts of your life

Remember that confidential information about pupils, colleagues or settings should never be included in personal notes or discussed outside appropriate professional channels.

Protect your professional boundaries

Healthy boundaries are not about being unhelpful. They allow you to work safely, professionally and within the responsibilities of your role.

This may mean:

asking for clarification if you are unsure what is expected of you
speaking up if you are asked to complete a task for which you have not been trained
taking the breaks to which you are entitled
being realistic about your availability and travel distance
not accepting placements that you know are unsuitable for your experience or circumstances
contacting your teaching agency if a placement differs significantly from the information you were given

Clear communication allows schools, education settings and consultants to understand what support you need and which opportunities are likely to be suitable for you.

Find approaches that work for you

Wellbeing advice can sometimes feel like another list of things to complete. You do not need to adopt every recommendation or create a perfect routine.

Instead, consider one or two manageable approaches that fit your circumstances, such as:

spending time outdoors
building regular movement into your week
maintaining a consistent sleep routine where possible
making time for hobbies and relationships outside work
talking to someone you trust
using breathing, mindfulness or grounding exercises if you find them helpful
reflecting on positive moments as well as difficult ones
seeking professional support when self-help strategies are not enough

The aim is not to remove every source of pressure. It is to understand what helps you recover, maintain perspective and respond when something is affecting you.

What should supply staff do when a placement affects their wellbeing?

Supply work can offer valuable flexibility and experience, but unfamiliar routines, unclear expectations or unsuitable placements can sometimes affect your wellbeing.

If you experience a problem during a placement:

Speak to the appropriate school contact where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Report safeguarding concerns immediately through the setting’s safeguarding procedures.
Make a factual note of relevant information without retaining confidential pupil information.
Contact your consultant if the role differs from what was agreed, your responsibilities are unclear or you feel that you do not have the support required to work safely.

Your consultant needs accurate information to understand the situation, communicate with the setting where appropriate and help identify suitable next steps.

Wellbeing support for registered Axcis candidates

Axcis is a specialist SEND teaching agency that also supports a growing number of mainstream education roles across England and South Wales. Our candidate support extends beyond helping education professionals find their next placement.

Registered Axcis candidates have access to the Still Human wellbeing app. Designed for people working in education, the app includes:

daily wellbeing check-ins
guided mindfulness exercises
expert articles
podcasts and videos
practical wellbeing resources

These resources can be used throughout the year, whether you are working in one long-term setting, completing short-term supply placements or preparing for your next role.

Already registered with Axcis?

Contact your Axcis consultant to ask for help accessing the Still Human wellbeing app.

If you cannot remember who your consultant is, email info@axcis.co.uk and the team will help put you in touch with the right person.

Registered candidates can also access professional development through The Axcis Academy, including training provided in partnership with The National College.

When should you seek additional help?

Wellbeing resources and everyday habits can be useful, but they are not a replacement for professional mental health care.

Consider speaking to your GP or another qualified health professional if stress, anxiety, low mood or other changes are persistent, worsening or affecting your sleep, relationships, work or daily life.

You can also find confidential support through Education Support’s helpline for education staff.

If you or someone else needs urgent mental health help, use the NHS guidance on getting urgent mental health support. Call 999 or go to A&E if there is an immediate danger to life.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to feel tired after working in a school?

Education work can be physically and emotionally demanding, so some tiredness after a busy day is understandable. If exhaustion is persistent, worsening or affecting your daily life, consider speaking to your GP or another qualified health professional.

How can I switch off after a difficult school day?

A consistent end-of-day routine may help. This could include a short walk, changing clothes, limiting work notifications or talking through a concern using the appropriate professional support channels. Avoid taking confidential information home or discussing identifiable pupils outside work.

Should I tell my teaching agency if a placement is affecting my wellbeing?

Yes. Contact your consultant if the placement differs from what was agreed, you do not feel adequately supported, your responsibilities are unclear or you have concerns about your ability to work safely. Safeguarding concerns must also be reported immediately through the setting’s procedures.

Who can access the Still Human wellbeing app?

The Still Human wellbeing app is available as a benefit for registered Axcis candidates. Contact your consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk for help accessing it.

Can a wellbeing app replace professional mental health support?

No. A wellbeing app may provide useful resources and everyday support, but it is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.

Looking after yourself supports a sustainable education career

Caring about your wellbeing does not make you less dedicated to the children and young people you support. Recognising your limits, using available resources and asking for help are important parts of working safely and sustainably in education.

Your wellbeing needs will not always remain the same. Continue checking in with yourself, communicate when something is not working and seek appropriate support when you need it.

Looking for your next role in education?

Axcis supports teachers, teaching assistants and education support professionals seeking SEND and mainstream opportunities across England and South Wales.

When you register with Axcis, you can access support from a dedicated consultant, free CPD opportunities through The Axcis Academy and the Still Human wellbeing app.

This article provides general wellbeing information and is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your mental health or wellbeing, speak to a qualified health professional.

The Axcis App: A Practical Guide for Candidates

Wed, 11 May 2022 12:00:00 +0100

The Axcis App gives registered candidates a convenient way to manage important parts of their education work from a mobile phone or tablet.

Whether you are searching for SEND or mainstream education opportunities, preparing for your next placement or already completing bookings through Axcis, the app can help you keep your information current and stay connected with your consultant.

This practical guide explains who can use the Axcis App, what you can do in it, where to download it and when you should contact your consultant directly.

Quick answer: The Axcis App is for registered Axcis candidates. It can be used to manage availability, view bookings, upload requested documents, search for education jobs and communicate with Axcis. Registered candidates can also use it to manage important placement administration, including timesheets.

What is the Axcis App?

The Axcis App is a mobile resource for candidates who are already registered with Axcis Education.

It brings several useful candidate services together in one place, helping you manage routine information and administration without having to return to the main Axcis website each time.

Axcis is primarily a specialist SEND teaching agency while also supporting a growing range of mainstream education roles across England and South Wales. The app is designed to support registered teachers, teaching assistants, higher higher-level teaching assistants, cover supervisors, learning support assistants and other education professionals working with Axcis.

Not registered with Axcis yet?

You cannot register with Axcis through the app. Complete our candidate enquiry form first, and the Axcis team will contact you about the next steps.

What can registered candidates do in the Axcis App?

The features available to you may depend on your registration status, compliance progress and whether you are currently completing placements through Axcis.

Review and update your details

Registered candidates can use the app to review and update important contact information attached to their Axcis candidate profile.

Keeping your details current helps your consultant contact you and understand which opportunities may be suitable.

Remember to update Axcis if you change your:

telephone number
email address
home address
availability
preferred roles or education settings
realistic travel distance

If an important change cannot be made through the app, contact your consultant directly.

Upload requested documents

You can upload certain documents requested by Axcis through the app. Depending on the document required, you may be able to photograph it using your device or upload an existing file.

Make sure every document is complete, clear and readable before submitting it. Uploading a document does not automatically mean that it has been accepted or that your compliance checks are complete. The Axcis compliance team may still need to review it or request further information.

Important: Never upload confidential information belonging to a pupil, school or education setting. The document-upload feature should only be used for information requested as part of your Axcis candidate record or compliance process.

Update your availability

Keeping your availability current helps your consultant understand when you are free to work.

Update your availability whenever:

your available working days change
you become available for additional work
you accept work outside Axcis
you have an appointment, holiday or other commitment
a long-term placement ends
your circumstances change

Your availability is only one part of finding a suitable placement. It is also important to tell your consultant about changes to your preferred roles, age groups, education settings or realistic travel distance.

If you become available at short notice or need to discuss a confirmed booking, contact your consultant directly rather than relying only on an app update.

View upcoming bookings

The app allows registered candidates to view upcoming booking information. Checking these details in advance can help you prepare for your placement and confirm where you need to go.

Before travelling, check the information you have been given, including:

the name and address of the school or education setting
the date of the booking
your expected arrival time
the role or support you have been booked to provide
any instructions supplied by your consultant

If any information is missing or does not match what you discussed, contact your consultant before the placement begins.

Manage your timesheets

Registered candidates can use the app to manage and submit timesheet information for completed work.

Enter your days or hours accurately and submit them according to the timesheet process and deadlines provided by Axcis. The school or setting may need to approve your submission before payment can be processed.

Check your entry carefully before submitting it, particularly if you:

worked a half day
completed additional agreed hours
worked across more than one booking
did not work all the hours originally scheduled

If you are unsure how to complete a timesheet or believe that information is missing, contact your consultant or the appropriate Axcis team before the submission deadline.

Search and apply for education jobs

Registered candidates can search the Axcis vacancy database and express an interest in suitable opportunities through the app.

When considering a role, look carefully at:

the location
the age group or education phase
whether the role is SEND, mainstream or a combination of both
the experience or training requested
the expected working pattern
whether the opportunity is short-term, long-term or permanent

If a role interests you but you are unsure whether your experience is suitable, speak to your Axcis consultant. They can help you understand the setting and decide whether the opportunity may be appropriate.

Receive vacancy and booking notifications

The app can send notifications about new vacancies, shifts and other relevant updates.

Allowing notifications can help you see opportunities promptly, but a notification does not automatically mean that a booking has been confirmed. Always check the details and wait for confirmation from Axcis before travelling to a school or setting.

Communicate with Axcis

The app provides another way to receive messages and communicate with Axcis. You can also locate Axcis contact information when you need it.

App messages are useful for routine communication, but urgent matters should be handled by speaking directly to your consultant or local Axcis team.

Where can you download the Axcis App?

The Axcis App is free to download for compatible Apple and Android devices.

Use the official links below or search for Axcis Education in your device’s app store.

Download the Axcis App

Download for Apple Download for Android

Only download the app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play listing. Check that the app is called Axcis Education before installing it.

How do registered candidates get started?

Download the Axcis Education App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and select the login option.
Log in using the details associated with your registered Axcis candidate account.
Review your contact information and tell your consultant if anything needs to be changed.
Enable notifications if you would like to receive relevant app alerts.
Check your availability and update it if necessary.
Explore your bookings, documents, vacancies and messages.

If you have forgotten your password, use the password-reset option provided. Check your junk or spam folder if the reset email does not appear in your inbox.

If you still cannot log in, contact your consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk.

If you have not yet registered with Axcis, complete our candidate enquiry form. The Axcis team will then contact you about your experience, preferred work and the next steps in the registration process.

When should you contact your consultant directly?

The app makes routine administration easier, but it does not replace direct communication with your consultant.

Contact your consultant or local Axcis team directly if:

you are unwell or unable to attend a confirmed booking
you are delayed on the way to a school or education setting
your booking details appear to be incorrect
the role differs significantly from what was agreed
you need immediate support during a placement
you have an urgent question about a timesheet or payment deadline
your availability has changed at short notice

Do not rely on an app message, email or availability update to report that you cannot attend a confirmed booking. Call your consultant as soon as possible so that Axcis can inform the setting and provide support.

Safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately through the school or setting’s safeguarding procedures. You should also contact Axcis where appropriate, but the app should not be used as the only method of reporting an urgent safeguarding concern.

Why should you keep the app updated?

Installing available updates can give you access to the latest version of the app and may resolve technical problems.

It is also helpful to:

use a secure password that you do not share with anyone else
keep your device’s operating system updated
review your notification permissions
log out if you access your account on a shared device
contact Axcis if information on your profile appears to be incorrect

Because the app contains personal and work-related information, protect your login details and keep your device secure.

Frequently asked questions about the Axcis App

Is the Axcis App free?

Yes. The Axcis Education App is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Can I register with Axcis through the app?

No. The app is for candidates who are already registered with Axcis. If you would like to work with Axcis, complete our candidate enquiry form. A member of the Axcis team will contact you about the next steps.

Can I update my availability in the app?

Yes. Registered candidates can update their availability through the Axcis App. Keep your calendar accurate and contact your consultant directly if your availability changes at short notice.

Can I submit my timesheet through the app?

Registered candidates can use the app to manage timesheet information. Submit your days or hours accurately and follow the timesheet instructions and deadlines provided by Axcis.

Will the app show my confirmed bookings?

The app allows registered candidates to view upcoming bookings. If booking information is missing or appears incorrect, check with your consultant before travelling.

Does expressing an interest in a job guarantee an interview or placement?

No. Expressing an interest through the app lets Axcis know that you would like to be considered. Your experience, compliance status, availability and suitability for the school or setting will still need to be considered.

What should I do if the app is not working?

First, check that you are using the latest version of the app and that your device has an internet connection. You can also close and reopen the app or restart your device.

If the problem continues, contact your Axcis consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk. Include a brief explanation of the problem, but never send your password by email.

What if I have registered but do not have app login details?

Contact your Axcis consultant and ask for help accessing your candidate account. Do not create a second registration through the website or candidate form unless an Axcis team member asks you to do so.

Keep your Axcis information current

The Axcis App gives registered candidates a simple way to manage routine information, check upcoming work and stay connected with Axcis.

Keeping your availability, contact information and requested documents current helps your consultant understand your circumstances and identify opportunities that are more likely to suit you.

Download the Axcis App

Already registered with Axcis? Download the app to manage your details, availability, bookings, documents and education opportunities.

Apple App Store Google Play

Interested in working with Axcis?

If you are not yet registered, complete our candidate enquiry form. Tell us about your experience, availability and the education roles you are looking for, and a member of the Axcis team will contact you.