"School leaders supported by their governing boards have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and the wider community.

The rising number of covid cases seen in recent weeks, has further increased the significant burden placed on school leaders by their role in implementing the national test and trace system at school level (including receiving test results, seeking public health advice, notifying those needing to self-isolate). In many cases this has resulted in them working in the evening, at weekends and during the school holidays.

ASCL, NAHT and NGA remain committed to supporting the wellbeing and welfare of our school leaders during this challenging period and beyond. We will continue to work closely together and raise concerns with the Department for Education over the sustainability of the test and trace role and the impact it has on well-being.

Governing boards also have significant, statutory responsibilities to support the well-being of those employed in their schools and trusts. We encourage them to maintain a dialogue with their senior executive leader over what can be done to limit unnecessary stress, challenge excessive working hours and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This may result in opportunities for the school leaders to receive 'time off in lieu' where they have had to spend evenings, weekends and holidays implementing the national test and trace system at school level.

The last few months have strengthened the relationships between most senior leaders and their boards: each appreciating the other's role and the effort and care with which it is carried out. We should build on this by rejecting a culture that normalises overwork and excessive working hours, but instead create one that demonstrates an overriding concern for the well-being of the school community."