The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Anxiety

Sarah Hopp

Overcoming unconscious bias at staff meetings

Dr Sarah Hopp explores the importance of understanding and accommodating the needs of neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. What may seem like unusual behaviours or preferences can be some colleagues' coping mechanisms for managing anxiety. She emphasises the significance of creating an...
Read more...
Sarah Grant

Tackling bullying, extremism and radicalisation in schools

Bullying, extremism and radicalisation should have no place in the educational landscape, yet unfortunately, these issues pervade schools. Optimus is launching a new self-study course to equip school staff to proactively address these problems and create safer and more inclusive learning...
Read more...
Dr Alistair Bailie

Seven tips to beat exam stress

How can you best support students who are stressed out at the prospect of exams? Clinical psychologist Dr Alistair Bailie suggests seven strategies to share. For students of any age, there can be considerable stress when it comes to exams. Their implications for study, jobs, and life progress can...
Read more...
Nicola Harvey

Strategies to support anxiety

Nicola Harvey shares four practical strategies to use in supporting children or young people who are experiencing anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion and we all experience it from time to time. It only becomes a problem when anxiety persistently gets in the way of a child or young person living...
Read more...
Nicola Harvey

Understanding anxiety in children and young people

Anxiety is a normal feeling and can help protect us from danger. But when and why does it become a problem? Nicola Harvey explores some common forms of anxiety. The pandemic has impacted everyone. The new norm means unexpected school closures, social distancing in public spaces, children being away...
Read more...
Elizabeth Holmes

Managing anxiety in challenging times

The changing and challenging circumstances we find ourselves in are creating a wave of anxiety, particularly for those working in schools. Elizabeth Holmes looks at what to do and where to go for help. This is unquestionably an anxiety-inducing time. As I write, there have been challenging words...
Read more...
Elizabeth Holmes

Reassuring children in an uncertain world

What can we do in schools to help children manage anxieties that may arise with the autumn return to 'normal' schooling? Elizabeth Holmes suggests practical ways to cope. For some children who are facing the full return to school following a prolonged period at home as a result of SARS-CoV-2,...
Read more...
Caroline Hounsell

Anxiety in schools: 8 tips for teachers

Understanding the causes and symptoms of anxiety is essential when learning how to best support pupils in school. Caroline Hounsell from Mental Health First Aid England explains what schools need to know. What is leading to the growing epidemic of anxiety amongst children and young people? This is...
Read more...