Time is one of the most pressured and limited resources in schools. With competing priorities, constant interruptions, and high accountability, even the most capable staff can feel overwhelmed, reactive, and stretched thin. Effective time management is essential not only for productivity, but also for wellbeing and job satisfaction.

​

This course provides practical, school-focused strategies to help staff work smarter, reduce stress, and regain control of their workload without extending their working hours. Participants learn how to prioritise tasks, manage diaries and emails, reduce distractions, and protect time for what truly matters—benefiting both staff and pupils.

 

The course includes video presentations, downloadable notes, practical exercises, and a completion assignment, enabling staff to apply strategies immediately in their school environment.

 

Session 1 – Understanding Time Management

• Good vs poor time management and its impact on effectiveness and wellbeing

• Identifying where time really goes through practical time-logging exercises

 

Session 2 – Planning and Prioritising

• Tools and techniques for prioritising tasks in high-pressure school environments

• Using the Urgent/Important Matrix for decision-making

• Creating effective, prioritised, and double-prioritised to-do lists

 

Session 3 – Managing Interruptions and Workload

• Identifying “time robbers” such as interruptions, emails, and inefficient meetings

• Strategies to manage paperwork, diaries, and school-specific tasks

• Learning when and how to say ‘no’, delegate, and share responsibilities

 

Session 4 – Productivity Techniques

• Applying methods such as time blocking, batching, and realistic goal-setting

• Protecting time for high-priority work

• Developing a personal, realistic action plan to embed learning

 

Outcomes - By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Work more efficiently and focus on results rather than busyness

• Plan and prioritise tasks effectively, even in high-pressure environments

• Reduce stress caused by overload and competing demands

• Manage interruptions, emails, meetings, and paperwork proactively

• Delegate, share workload, and say ‘no’ strategically

• Apply productivity techniques like time blocking and batching to school tasks

• Develop and follow a personal action plan for ongoing time management improvement

 

This course ensures staff are equipped with practical, immediately applicable tools to regain control of their time, improve productivity, and enhance both personal wellbeing and school effectiveness.