Q. A member of staff has confided in me that she is on antidepressants. I'm unsure how to best support her professionally. Also, should I let Ofsted know in case it affects her ability to look after children?
Subothini Kuganesan, manager, Kingfishers Nurseries, Surrey
‘As a manager it is very important to have knowledge and understanding about mental health. Even though I cannot offer medical advice, it's my responsibility to make sure my team is effective, professional and supportive. Staff should feel it is easy to approach leaders if they have problems.
‘If a member of staff reaches out for help, communication is paramount. You have to be positive about what you can do for them, rather than focusing on what they may not be able to do for you. I recommend you work together to find a solution. For example, maybe you can review their workload – it might need to be reduced. You could give them different tasks that might be easier or calmer. If they need, you can offer them some leave.
‘If you feel their situation will affect the children, then you do have to report to Ofsted. You have to follow the guidelines. But I would not call Ofsted straight away. I would do my best to support the employee first. But you have to be careful – if there was an incident, questions would be asked about why the nursery did not report the issue. Make a decision based on the severity of the problem.’
Gemma Fletcher, area and nursery manager, KidzRus, Salford
‘First of all, I would sit down and discuss if there is anything the nursery can do to support their wellbeing. A long time ago, antidepressants were a bit of a taboo subject. But I don't think they are any more.
‘At our nurseries we have four mental health first-aiders – members of staff who have completed training in how to support mental health in the workplace. Along with managers, they are available for workers to talk to, and they can signpost employees to any additional help they might need.
‘I would not say you have to go to Ofsted. You have to judge cases individually. Ofsted guidance published in January, Childcare: reporting significant events and changes to health, says early years providers must “report any significant events that might affect you, or another person's suitability to look after or be in regular contact with children”. This includes “notifiable changes to health” including changes to mental health, such as developing depression.
‘I would recommend querying what medication the member of staff is on, and asking if there are any side effects. It might be worth considering for the time being they will not do lone working. Any medications on the premises also need to be stored appropriately.
‘We would probably follow up the conversation in a couple of months. But it might be worth having a few extra chats to see how they are getting on. The most important thing is the relationship you have with your staff, so they feel they can open up to you.’
Sharon Birch, owner and manager, Footprints Learning for Life, Hartlepool
‘Being on antidepressants is very common. It is not a reason in itself not to work with children. But you need to discuss with the practitioner how they are feeling. If there is anything you can do to support them, such as reduce their hours, or a change of hours, you should consider that. Ask them if any aspects of their condition are making their job a struggle.
‘Try and have a frank conversation. The support you can offer them will depend upon the dynamics of the setting and how you operate.
‘If people take time off due to sick leave, through stress and anxiety, we try and support them and set a return-to-work plan together. I would not dismiss anybody for having sickness, stress or anxiety – we would do a support package around their specific needs. We have had staff off for this reason in the past – one member of staff has recurring bouts of short-term sickness due to anxiety and stress. Others have needed time off to cope with bereavement, relationship or personal issues.
‘As far as I see, it is my duty to make sure the staff I employ are in the right positions and places, and are able to look after children. I would not necessarily refer this case to Ofsted, unless there was any worrying concern that the member of staff was unfit to work with children. If the member of staff had been off sick and had received in-patient treatment for their condition, then I would refer that.’
