Stress is always a sign that there is a problem somewhere in need of resolution.

Teaching and Learning can be a highly stressful experience for all involved.

Stress in education is a major issue. 500,000 teacher days were lost due to stress related absence in 2007.

Four out of five long term teacher absences are stress related.

Between 2003 and 2006, the highest rates of occupational stress, depression and anxiety occurred in the teaching and research professions.

TSK Minerva Ltd brings an objective and positive perspective. We work with the complex systems interacting in any school or college. In addition we apply our extensive understanding of the emotional and psychological factors influencing adult and student behaviour to developing stress minimisation strategies and policies.

We seek to approach this issue from a business view that the cost of stress to many schools is too high and that more open and systematic solutions can reduce financial outlay on supply staff and contribute towards better student performance.

The financial, educational and social cost to a school of stress related illness can be huge. In a high pressure teaching environment, teachers and their managers do not always have the time to effectively address the issue of stress, which can be a complex and highly emotive issue.

Every educational environment is a unique and complex system. Absence due to stress or anxiety will impact on all elements within it. Teachers, students, managers, parents and support staff can all be affected. There are no simple, general answers.

In order to provide a specific needs led service to all our clients, we undertake an extensive consultation process where the views and perceptions of all stakeholders are sought.

The information gathered informs an Interim Report and Recommendations. This will outline our understanding of the current situation and suggest ways forward. If TSK Minerva Ltd is not in a position to provide appropriate support or training, we will indicate the best alternatives.

While the Solutions will be different, the Approach to all Challenges is the same:

• Initial Consultation with Senior Managers to identify the issues and set the parameters of our work

• Observation and interview to ascertain the views of all stakeholders.

• Review of Policies and Procedures.

• Interim Report and Recommendations

• Specific, targeted training for identified significant figures within the organisation.

• Ongoing periodic support for a period of up to two years.

All costs, access and training requirements will be agreed on an individual basis with each school. We believe that remuneration should reflect the extent of the challenge.