Understanding the Importance of Professional Development 

Let’s get real—your ESS team is a powerhouse of talent, handling diverse roles that demand a wide range of skills. Professional development isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of their jobs. 

Common Objections Faced by Your Education Support Staff 

Before we dive into the fantastic benefits of professional development, let’s address the obstacles that often stand in the way of your ESS team when they think about growth. We can help them break through these barriers by tackling these concerns head-on. 

The Value of Continuous Learning 

Expanding Knowledge and Skills  

Professional development isn’t about sitting in a meeting room watching a PowerPoint presentation all day. It’s about expanding knowledge and fine-tuning skills that apply directly to your ESS team’s unique roles in your school ecosystem. 

Enhancing Career Opportunities 

Committing to ongoing learning can open doors to exciting career opportunities within your educational community. Those who invest in their professional growth are better equipped to advance their careers. 

Identifying Objections 

Lack of Time: Addressing Busy Schedules 

Let’s face it; your ESS team is often stretched thin with their busy schedules. Finding time for extra commitments can be a puzzle. Here are some quick, nifty time management strategies. 

• Implement the Pomodoro Technique 
• Prioritise tasks  
• Effective goal setting 

Budget Constraints: Exploring Affordable Solutions 

Money matters! Budget constraints can be a significant challenge. But we’ve got good news—free and low-cost development resources are available.   

• Explore free online learning platforms 
• Leverage employer assistance programs 

• Source scholarships and grants 

Resistance to Change: Embracing a Growth Mindset 

Change can be daunting, and sometimes, your team might resist it. But here’s the scoop: by embracing a growth mindset, they can shift their perspective on learning. It’s all about understanding that abilities and knowledge can grow with dedication and hard work.  

• cultivating a growth mindset culture 

• Overcome fear of change 
• Encourage a culture of adaptability 

Overcoming Objections 

Tailoring Professional Development Plans 

Your ESS team should customise their plans to make professional development work for them. Personalised learning paths and setting achievable goals will be their trusty guides on their growth journey.  

• Create personalised learning roadmaps 
• Set goals for professional growth 
• Track progress and adjust plans 

Demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI) 

Your ESS team needs to showcase their newfound skills and contributions. By doing so, they can demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of their professional development endeavours. 

• Showcase skills and contributions 

• Build a professional portfolio 
• Connect development to improved outcomes 

Cultivating a Supportive Learning Environment 

Let’s foster a nurturing learning environment together. Collaboration with peers, mentoring, and coaching programs will create a space of mutual encouragement and shared growth. 

• Establish peer learning networks 
• Be involved in mentoring and coaching programs 
• Create a culture of support 

Conclusion 

In closing, professional development is more than just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for your ESS team. By addressing objections and embracing continuous learning, they can empower themselves to provide even better support to your students, teachers, and the entire educational community. The journey starts with a commitment to lifelong learning and a belief in the power of growth. It’s time to cheer on your ESS team as they embark on this professional and personal development path, making your school community even stronger. 

Ready to Raise the B.A.R for Professional Development for Your Education Support Staff? 

We’re here to help you make it happen in three simple steps: 

Book – You no longer need to take a stab in the dark and hope for the best when looking for suitable PD for your team. Engage with us to book the right professional development, saving you time and removing frustration. 

Attend – Our Trainers and Facilitators have a minimum of 10 years of training experience and are experts in the topics they deliver. Meaning your ESS team will leave feeling valued and with enhanced teamwork and service skills, lifting your confidence and reputation as a Business Manager.  

Review – We’ll never love you and leave you after a session with us. Instead, we’ll provide recommendations to maintain that post-training momentum and motivation, leaving you feeling confident and supported. Let’s embark on this journey together! 

The post Overcoming Objections: Boosting Your Education Support Staff Through Professional Development appeared first on Just For Schools.

The Evolving Role of Educational Support Staff 

Educational support staff have transitioned from performing predominantly clerical tasks to becoming key players in student support and school success. Their responsibilities have diversified to meet the ever-changing needs of the educational landscape. 

Traditional Roles vs. Modern Expectations 

In the past, the role of educational support staff was often limited to administrative and clerical duties. However, in today’s schools, their functions have expanded significantly. 

From Clerical Tasks to Student Support 

Educational support staff now play a pivotal role in providing direct assistance to students. This shift has brought them into closer contact with diverse student populations. 

The Increasing Diversity of Responsibilities 

The responsibilities of educational support staff have grown to encompass a wide range of tasks, including academic support, emotional guidance, and fostering inclusivity. 

The Impact of Changing Student Needs 

Modern educational institutions recognise the importance of inclusivity and addressing diverse student needs. Educational support staff are at the forefront of creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. 

Recognising the Importance of Inclusivity 

Inclusivity is more than a buzzword; it’s a core principle of modern education. Educational support staff are instrumental in recognising and addressing the unique needs of all students. 

Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Student Body 

The student body in today’s schools is more diverse than ever. Educational support staff must be equipped to provide assistance that caters to various backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. 

The Significance of Service Skills 

Service skills have emerged as the linchpin that holds together the diverse responsibilities of educational support staff in contemporary educational settings. 

Service Skills as the Bridge Between Support and Success 

Service skills enable educational support staff to go beyond traditional roles and offer comprehensive support to students. They bridge the gap between support services and the achievement of educational goals. 

The Role of Service Skills in Creating a Positive School Culture 

Service skills play a crucial role in shaping the culture of a school. They foster an atmosphere of care, respect, and collaboration, contributing to a positive and inclusive educational environment. 

The Connection Between Service Skills and Student Outcomes 

The quality of service provided by educational support staff directly impacts student outcomes. When service skills are honed and employed effectively, students are more likely to succeed academically and socially. 

Key Service Skills for Educational Support Staff 

To excel in their roles, educational support staff should possess and continuously develop key service skills that enable them to connect with students, colleagues, and the broader school community. 

Effective Communication 

Effective communication is the cornerstone of service skills for educational support staff. It involves building rapport, active listening, and responding empathetically to the needs of students, parents, and colleagues. 

Building Rapport with Students, Parents, and Colleagues 

Establishing positive relationships is essential for effective support. Educational support staff should be skilled in building rapport with diverse stakeholders. 

Active Listening and Responding Empathetically 

Listening actively and responding with empathy are critical skills for understanding and addressing the concerns and emotions of students and their families. 

Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness 

In the dynamic world of education, challenges are inevitable. Educational support staff must possess problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to address issues and maximise available resources. 

Addressing Challenges in a Dynamic Educational Environment 

Educational support staff encounter various challenges daily, from adapting to new technologies to addressing unexpected issues in the school environment. 

Making the Most of Available Resources 

Resourcefulness involves optimising existing resources to provide the best possible support to students and colleagues. 

Adaptability and Flexibility 

Adaptability and flexibility are indispensable service skills for educational support staff. They enable individuals to navigate changes in education, embrace new technologies, and adjust to evolving pedagogical approaches. 

Navigating Changes in Education with Agility 

Education continually evolves, and educational support staff must adapt to changes with agility and enthusiasm. 

Embracing New Technologies and Pedagogical Approaches 

Staying current with technological advancements and pedagogical trends is crucial for providing relevant support to students and educators. 

Professional Development for Enhancing Service Skills 

Educational support staff can enhance their service skills through various avenues, including training, mentorship, self-assessment, and continuous improvement. 

The Role of Training and Workshops 

Training programs and workshops equip educational support staff with insights, strategies, and best practices for improving their service skills. 

Gaining Insights and Strategies for Improvement 

Training programs offer valuable insights into effective support strategies that can be applied in real-world educational settings. 

Staying Updated with Best Practices 

Workshops and training sessions provide opportunities to stay updated with the latest best practices in educational support. 

Peer Learning and Mentorship 

Collaborative learning and mentorship programs enable educational support staff to learn from experienced colleagues, fostering skill development and collaborative problem-solving. 

Learning from Experienced Colleagues 

Experienced colleagues can provide invaluable guidance and share their knowledge, helping others develop their service skills. 

Collaborative Problem-Solving and Skill Development 

Peer learning encourages collaborative problem-solving, allowing educational support staff to address challenges collectively. 

Self-Assessment and Continuous Improvement 

Self-awareness and self-assessment are essential components of service skills development. Educational support staff should regularly evaluate their performance, identify strengths, and set personal development goals. 

Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth 

Self-assessment helps individuals recognise their strengths and areas in need of improvement. 

Setting Personal Development Goals 

Educational support staff can work toward enhancing specific service skills by setting personal development goals. 

Benefits of Nurturing Service Skills 

Investing in developing service skills yields numerous benefits for educational support staff, students, and the entire school community. 

The Positive Impact on Student Support 

Well-developed service skills create an environment of care and understanding, positively influencing students’ experiences and outcomes. 

Fostering an Environment of Care and Understanding 

Service skills contribute to a culture where students feel valued, supported, and understood. 

Supporting Students in Their Educational Journey 

Educational support staff with strong service skills are better equipped to assist students in their educational journey, providing guidance and encouragement. 

Strengthening Relationships Within the School Community 

Service skills strengthen relationships among stakeholders within the school community, including students, parents, educators, and administrators. 

Building Trust and Collaboration Among Stakeholders 

Trust and collaboration thrive in an environment where service skills are evident, creating a cohesive school community. 

Enhancing the School’s Reputation and Community Engagement 

A positive school culture, fostered by service skills, enhances the school’s reputation and encourages community engagement. 

Personal and Professional Fulfillment 

Developing service skills brings personal and professional fulfilment to educational support staff, instilling a sense of purpose and satisfaction. 

Finding Purpose and Satisfaction in Supporting Education 

Service skills enable educational support staff to see the impact of their work and find meaning in supporting education. 

Contributing to a Brighter Future for All 

Educational support staff play a vital role in shaping students’ educational experiences, contributing to a brighter future for individuals and communities. 

Conclusion 

Educational support staff occupy a crucial position in today’s schools, and cultivating service skills is essential for their success. These skills enable them to provide comprehensive support to students, colleagues, and the broader school community, fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment. By embracing ongoing training, mentorship, self-assessment, and feedback, educational support staff contribute to a brighter educational future for all. 

The post The Evolving Role of Educational Support Staff: Nurturing Service Skills for Success appeared first on Just For Schools.

Understanding Service Skills 

Service skills encompass various interpersonal and problem-solving abilities that facilitate positive interactions and outcomes. These skills are crucial for educational support staff who regularly engage with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Understanding the core elements of service skills is the first step toward harnessing their power to create a more harmonious and effective educational environment. 

Effective Communication 

Effective communication lies at the heart of service skills. It involves not only expressing oneself clearly but also listening actively to others. Educational support staff must use clear and concise language while being attentive to the needs and concerns of those they interact with. 

Empathy and Understanding 

Empathy is the ability to recognise and understand the emotions and perspectives of others. It plays a vital role in building positive relationships and addressing the diverse needs of students, parents, and colleagues. Educational support staff who demonstrate empathy create an inclusive and supportive environment. 

Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness 

Challenges and unexpected situations are part of the daily routine for educational support staff. Service skills equip them with problem-solving abilities to tackle issues efficiently and effectively. Being resourceful means making the most of available tools and solutions to overcome obstacles. 

Adaptability and Flexibility 

The educational landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methods emerging. Educational support staff must be adaptable and open to change, responding effectively to shifting circumstances and embracing innovations that enhance service delivery. 

Teamwork and Collaboration 

Collaboration is a cornerstone of service excellence. Educational support staff work closely with colleagues to provide comprehensive support to the school community. Effective teamwork promotes a culture of cooperation and mutual support. 

Benefits of Enhancing Service Skills 

Enhancing service skills brings a wealth of benefits not only to the educational support staff themselves but also to the entire school community. 

Improved Support for Students 

Educational support staff with solid service skills contribute to a positive learning environment. They can address individual student needs effectively, offering guidance and assistance that fosters academic and personal growth. 

Enhanced Relationships with Teachers and Parents 

Strong service skills help build trust and rapport with teachers and parents. Effective communication and empathy facilitate collaboration, leading to more productive partnerships supporting students. 

Greater Job Satisfaction 

Educational support staff who excel in service skills often find greater job satisfaction. Feeling valued and making a tangible difference in students’ lives contributes to personal and professional growth. 

Positive Impact on the School’s Reputation 

A school’s reputation is closely tied to the quality of support it provides to students and their families. Educational support staff with exceptional service skills help attract and retain students and staff while engaging the broader community. 

Developing and Enhancing Service Skills 

The journey to developing and enhancing service skills is ongoing, reflecting the dynamic nature of education and human interaction. Educational support staff can take several steps to continually improve their service skills. 

Training and Professional Development 

Participating in workshops, seminars, and training programs tailored to service skills can provide valuable insights and techniques. Ongoing learning opportunities help staff stay updated with best practices. 

Mentoring and Peer Support 

Learning from experienced colleagues and sharing best practices through mentoring and peer support programs can accelerate skill development. Peer collaboration provides a platform for sharing ideas and refining service skills. 

Self-Assessment and Reflection 

Self-awareness is a foundational element of service skills. Educational support staff should regularly assess their strengths and areas for improvement, setting personal development goals to enhance their skills. 

Feedback and Evaluation 

Seeking feedback from colleagues and supervisors is essential for growth. Constructive input and performance evaluations help individuals identify areas to further refine their service skills. 

Conclusion 

Service skills are a cornerstone of success for educational support staff, enabling them to make a positive impact on students, teachers, and the entire school community. As they continue to develop and refine these skills, educational support staff contribute to a more inclusive, supportive, and thriving educational environment. By embracing ongoing training, mentorship, self-assessment, and feedback, they can cultivate service excellence that resonates throughout the school community, creating a brighter future for all. 

The post Service Skills in Education: Unlocking Success for Support Staff appeared first on Just For Schools.

The Impact of Attitude on Interactions 

Your Education Support Staff understand firsthand that their attitudes directly affect their behaviours. Negative attitudes can lead to undesirable behaviours, impacting not only their interactions but also the experiences of everyone they engage with. Authentic positivity trumps mere surface-level attempts to fake a positive demeanor, as the latter is not sustainable in the long run. 

The Frontline Visibility 

Being on the frontline means being visible to everyone around. Yet, it’s common for frontline staff to momentarily forget that they are constantly observed. Rude people, unexpected challenges, and disruptions can test even the most seasoned professionals. However, customers and co-workers alike can discern insincerity from genuineness. 

Positivity in the Face of Challenges 

Certain days demand a greater effort to maintain a positive attitude. Education Support Staff must choose the right attitude consciously, especially during tough times. This conscious shift in attitude not only reduces stress but also garners positive feedback from both customers and co-workers. A positive attitude becomes a powerful tool for navigating challenges. 

The Toolbox of Attitude Adjusters 

Education Support Staff wield a toolbox filled with attitude adjusters, enabling them to navigate even the most challenging situations: 

1. Active Listening and Empathy: Handling Angry or Confused Customers
2. Prioritisation: Balancing Day-to-Day Demands
3. Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation: Components of Emotional Intelligence
4. The “Yes, I Can Help” Belief: A Positive Mindset

The Struggle for Daily Positivity 

While choosing positivity at the start of the day is ideal, it’s not always easy to maintain that attitude throughout. Personal situations, mental health, and physical well-being can all affect emotions and hinder concentration. It’s important to acknowledge that tough times may impact work performance. 

The Importance of Disclosure 

In instances where personal challenges hinder performance, disclosing these challenges to Managers becomes essential. Managers have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all. Education Support Staff who are unable to function safely or maintain professionalism due to personal challenges can affect the entire workplace’s productivity and safety. 

Caring for Yourself and Seeking Support 

When challenging times arise, practicing self-kindness is crucial. Being honest with your Manager about personal challenges allows for appropriate support and steps to be taken. Taking breaks, seeking guidance, and engaging in open discussions can help recharge your customer service batteries and promote an attitude of service excellence. 

Explore “The A-Z of Service Excellence” 

If you aspire to foster a team of Education Support Staff who embody Customer Service Professionals, consider diving into “The A-Z of Service Excellence,” a resource by Cate Schreck, Director of Just For Schools. This book is available in hard copy, e-book, and audio formats, offering insights and strategies to enhance service excellence within your school community. 

The post The Power of Positivity: A Resource Guide for School Business Managers appeared first on Just For Schools.

Here are just a few examples of what I experienced:

• Verbal abuse and insults – too many to count.

• Having an empty beer bottle launched at me (it missed).

• A note from a customer advising a staff member to be careful when they left at the end of the day.

• A customer jump over the counter to punch a staff member. (Police were called, and the customer left with some nice new jewellery – handcuffs.).

• Pens thrown, chairs kicked, doors slammed and windows broken.

You will have your own opinion as to what type of behaviour is OK when you want to complain to a business. As an employee of the bank, who was expected to deal with those interactions, trust me when I say – none of the above is OK or helped the customer get what they wanted.

At some point in my career with the bank, myself and many of my co-workers, accepted that this was how it was going to be and most of us would come to work with an imaginary suit of armour on to handle those interactions.

The bank was diligent in providing the training on what to do in the event of a hold up, but when it came to the day to day difficult interactions, you learned by experience – your own and that of your co-workers.

Don’t get me wrong, most customers were friendly and genuinely nice people to interact with. But it would only take one customer with low emotional intelligence to ruin your day. Part of being emotionally intelligent is being able to control your emotions and understand the effect that our behaviour has on others.

With that being said, here are my Top 3 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Customers:

1. Improve your soft skills – read books, watch videos and book in for soft skill training. The better your soft skills are, the better your ability to deal with difficult people – in the moment and after the event.

2. Go easy on yourself – if you’ve never had soft skill training, then you are missing key learnings that will make difficult interactions much easier. Pat yourself on the back for surviving but…

3. Be proactive – Give your Education Support Staff access to soft skill training. Soft skills transfer to EVERY job, and School Business Managers today want ESS with great soft skills.

Who provides the soft skill training that helps your ESS embrace complaints? Just For Schools does!

Contact us for more information.

By Cate Schreck – Director of Just For Schools

The post Top 3 tips for dealing with difficult customers appeared first on Just For Schools.

Did you know that it’s possible to give customers a feeling of respect without even speaking to them? Thanks to Professor Albert Mehrabian and his book “The Silent Message”, we know that we communicate our attitudes and feelings both verbally and non-verbally.

In a face to face situation, 55% of the messages communicated to a customer about how your ESS feel and what their attitude is comes via their body language.

What is body language? It’s the non-verbal messages you communicate to those who can see you. It covers things like the following:

• Eye Contact

• Facial Expressions

• Gestures

• Proximity

• Your Attire

Regardless of the reason customers come to see your ESS, give them the best chance of gaining trust and winning the day by considering what their body language is telling your school’s customers.

Here are 5 examples of how body language impacts customers:

1. When we walk into a school that has a reception area and reception staff don’t immediately look up, customers can feel ignored. The longer a customer feels ignored, the greater the chance of them not willingly doing business with your school or considering your school for their children.

2. When ESS are on the phone, the simple act of eye contact with a genuine smile and a nod goes a long way to giving customers a feeling of respect. It also puts them at ease that staff know they’re there and will be with them soon.

3. A uniform makes it easy for customers to identify staff, BUT uniforms that are untidy, unclean or ill-fitting can leave a customer doubting the professionalism of the staff and the school.

4. Staff who look at their watches or let their attention wander whilst a customer is speaking, gives the customer the impression that they are no-longer focused on what is being said. This alone can drive a customer to complain about bad service.

5. Standing too close to a customer can make them feel uncomfortable. If the customer takes a step back, don’t follow them – they are establishing their comfort zone.

If you’re busy, annoyed, frustrated, tired, nervous or feeling anything other than focused on the needs of your customer, keep in mind that you may be sharing your feelings and attitudes via your body language.

If your ESS need to brush up on their communication skills, consider our Onsite Training or contact us to find out more about how we can deliver training customised to your team.

The post 5 ways to communicate respect without saying a word appeared first on Just For Schools.

But this blog is not for our existing schools. It’s for schools who don’t provide their ESS with soft skill development. It might be for you and your team or your school, but don’t worry, we’re not going to ‘shame’ or belittle you for not giving your staff soft skill development.

This blog is to help you by showing how easy it can be and how it can be free.

So, what are soft skills?

The two skills sets that every employee in every workplace needs are hard skills and soft skills. 

Hard skills are often referred to as technical skills. They cover things such as operating a cash register, driving a forklift, using a computer program, following safety procedures, or ordering stock. Hard skills are the tangible skills that once learned are usually set, meaning they are retained and with repetition they are typically improved. 

The word HARD in the sense of skills means set, not difficult.

Soft skills are the intangible qualities that an employee uses when they are interacting with others. They are related to self awareness, self-regulation, empathy, internal motivation and social skills. Just like hard skills they are a set of skills and with practise, we can improve, but unlike hard skills, they are difficult to measure – ‘one size does not fit all’.

The word SOFT in the sense of skills means flexible, not weak. 

Education Support Staff are made, not born, and hard and soft skill training is how you make them remarkable. Just For Schools specialises in soft skill development. Spending money on soft skills training is investing in the most important asset in any school – staff.

Bringing soft skills to your ESS does not mean you have to spend money. Read on for some ideas of what you can do without dipping into the budget.

DIY SOLUTIONS

Search online – Use the internet to find loads of free training resources – just make sure the providers/creators are reputable and the content is relevant to your goals and the needs of the team. Google: Soft skills.

Inspect what you expect – Watch, listen and provide constructive feedback on school community interactions. Feedback should be regular and balanced with compliments and suggestions on how to improve.

Ask the team – What do they want to learn? What interactions do they find difficult? Who has best practices they can share? Involving your team in their skills development and confirming you know they have valuable soft skills, can bring a sense of confidence to the team and respect for you.

Tell them your stories – Sharing your experiences of dealing with difficult customers and how you worked through times of stress is not a sign of your limitations, it’s permission for them to share and ask for help.

LET US HELP YOU

Remember that your time is money. For every coworker disagreement or customer complaint, consider the amount of time you have to spend addressing the issue and multiply that by your hourly rate – this is money that could be spent on the soft skills training that empowers your ESS to self-manage those situations.

By contacting us, we will learn more about what your ESS need to help them feel motivated, valued and respected. We are then able to customise content that best suits your ESS from an extensive range of training topics. View the entire list here.

“Our PD Day with Cate Shreck from Just For Schools was a huge success. ES Team at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College have a wide range of different roles and they felt that her content was extremely relevant and that she was communicating directly to them. Many of the ES staff have expressed their gratitude for providing such a supportive, informative and knowledgeable speaker. One who understood their roles within a large secondary college and was able to provide excellent information to improve their personal performance and increase their job satisfaction.”

Gay Torner, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College 

The post What Frontline Education Support Staff Need From You appeared first on Just For Schools.

It doesn’t matter where you are located, Geelong, Ballarat, Melbourne, Birchip, Hamilton or Sale, all schools need frontline ESS that has a can-do attitude.

But, a great attitude is just the start. Students, parents, and the School community want action because actions speak so much louder than thoughts or words.

Below are examples of the actions of awesome Education Support Staff:

• apologising for a delay or a mistake

• being punctual

• ceasing conversations with a co-worker when a customer needs help

• ceasing unrelated activities when interacting with a customer

• giving eye contact to a person who is talking to you

• listening without interrupting

• offering a seat to the frail or elderly

• opening the door for people

• refraining from eating or drinking in the view of customers or when talking on the phone

• remembering and acknowledging events (for example, birthdays and celebrations)

• saying please when you ask for something

• seeking and using your customer’s name

• smiling when you greet people

• thanking customers for waiting

• wearing neat and clean clothes or uniform.

This list might seem like ‘common sense’ and actions all staff should do without being reminded but sadly, it’s not something all staff do all the time.

A powerful action you can implement now is to give the above list to your ESS.

Ask them to remove or add what they think are actions of a professional ESS, and ask them to think about what their customers would deem as excellent service. Then ask, what stops them from doing these things all day every day? This can help to remove barriers you may not have been aware of and you can confirm the value of doing the ‘little things’.

Customers LOVE the ‘little things’ and speak highly of the people who do them.

Do that, and you are well on your way to creating a solid set of customer service standards that have a high chance of being adhered to because your staff identified them and agreed to them.

If you want more DIY actions that will keep your ESS motivated and your customer service standards awesome, then you need to get into The Zone.

By Cate Schreck – Author of The A – Z of Service Excellence

The post The List That Will Take Your Education Support Staff from OK to Awesome appeared first on Just For Schools.

The event was from 7am – 9am at a venue located at the end of Geelong’s pier. Picture this; I’m sipping coffee and eating a beautiful hot breakfast whilst looking out across the bay, watching yachts and the occasional bird fly casually in and out of view. What a way to start a day! Oh, and there are some 500+ other people there. I’m not one for big crowds, so you may think it was a bit too loud or overwhelming, but it wasn’t.

There’s something about a room full of people focused on creating mentally healthy workplaces that feel very, very calming.

I, too, am passionate about creating mentally healthy workplaces. VERY passionate. It’s the essence of why I started Just For Schools (JFS). JFS specialises in designing and delivering professional development programs for Education Support Staff (ESS) in schools large and small in Geelong and across Victoria.

How does professional development training help to create mentally healthy workplaces?

Excellent customer service requires ESS to understand and have skills in; body language, tone of voice, active listening, empathy, assertiveness, honesty, questioning, resilience, teamwork, behavioural styles and self awareness. We cover those topics and many more that, coincidentally, are what’s required to maintain a mentally healthy life.

Did you know? Mental Health costs Australian workplaces approximately $10.9 billion per year.

If you would like some more information regarding creating a mentally health workplace, go to beyondblue and/or Heads Up for loads of free information and resources that can help everyone in your workplace….AND

Contact Just For Schools. We can help you, help your ESS develop mentally healthy workplace habits.

Is your workplace OK? It costs nothing to talk.

By Cate Schreck – Director of Just For Schools

The post Are your ESS OK? appeared first on Just For Schools.