CEO Thoughts

Hi Everyone!

Hope the week is going well so far. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is Action.

I really like that theme, because in education we know that care, kindness and support are not just things we talk about. They are things we do. They show up in the small moments: noticing when a child is quieter than usual, checking in with a colleague, offering a word of encouragement, creating calm in a busy classroom, or taking a breath before responding to a difficult situation.

Working in education is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Every day, across Infinity, you give so much of yourselves to support children, families and each other. That matters enormously. The work you do helps children feel safe, known and valued. It helps them learn, grow and flourish. But it is also important that we remember this: you matter too.

Taking action for mental health does not always need to be big or dramatic. Sometimes it is very simple. It might be stepping outside for five minutes. It might be having lunch away from your screen. It might be asking someone, “Are you really okay?” It might be saying honestly, “I’m finding things hard at the moment.” It might be accepting help rather than feeling we have to push through alone.

As adults in schools, we often focus first on the needs of others. That is part of what makes our teams so special. But we cannot pour endlessly from an empty cup. Looking after our own wellbeing is not selfish; it helps us to be present, patient and hopeful for the children and colleagues who need us.

So, this week, I would encourage us all to think about one small action we can take:

What is one thing I can do for my own wellbeing?
What is one thing I can do to support a colleague?
What is one thing we can do as a team to make our school feel even more supportive?

Please also remember that all Infinity team members have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, provided by Education Support. This is a free and confidential service available to you if you need advice, counselling, emotional support or practical help with something affecting your wellbeing, whether that is linked to work or life outside work.

You do not need to wait until things feel overwhelming to use it. Reaching out early is a positive step, and asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.

Thank you for the care, patience and compassion you show every day. This week is a helpful reminder that action matters — and that even the smallest acts of kindness, towards ourselves and others, can make a real difference.

Best Wishes

Gavin