Most secondary schools across England have decided that, in order to give students a full and varied curriculum and keep them safe, they will “bubble” whole year groups in different parts of the school. 

Teachers will have to move across these bubbles and so will not have their own beautifully decorated and personalised classrooms as their cocoons of safety.

For many teachers, myself included, this can create anxiety and sadness. But there are many ways to be a mobile teacher and retain some semblance of sanity in this strange new world.

A survival guide for teachers moving between classrooms

After the sharp intake of breath when you receive your new timetable with the various room locations on, try these survival tips to make things feel more manageable.

Remember the big picture

Remind yourself that, despite whatever distress you’re feeling at the idea, this decision has been made to keep children safe and enable access to the broadest curriculum possible. Putting children at the heart of all we do should reassure you that, despite any discomfort you face, this is the right thing to do.

Prepare for the practicalities

Make sure you bring enough food for the day and keep it with you so you don’t have to commute to another building to collect it, wasting valuable downtime. Also, make sure you know the locations/access codes to all toilets; you don’t need that additional stress!

In terms of student resources, see if your school can introduce a policy where students are responsible for their own books and folders. If not, make sure you have labelled a clear resource area in the classrooms you are in to ensure they are kept safely.

Embrace empathy 

Every member of the school community will be out of their comfort zone, so there is a natural feeling that everyone is in the same situation. Lean into this and allow a greater sense of understanding for other staff to grow.

Express your feelings 

Being able to talk about this new situation is hugely important. This decision will not have been made lightly and your school’s leadership team will want to help you with any concerns that need addressing. It is absolutely normal to feel nervous, and being able to reach out for support is not a sign of weakness.

Get to know your new landscape

Visiting the classrooms you will be using can help you get a feel for the layout and reassure you that there will be a safe space for your resources.

Having to step outside of your usual classroom may actually be a good way to meet new staff members and get a better sense of how the school works as a whole community on a day-to-day basis.

Find time for friends

Using your timetabling system, try to allocate times and spaces when you can see your friends for lunch or a morning cup of tea. This familiarity in these times could make a huge difference to your wellbeing.

Amy Sayer is a secondary school teacher and writer whose book on staff mental health in schools is to be released later this year