Boundary Setting for School Leaders

Finally - A Boundary-Setting Guide That Actually Works for Real School Life

As a headteacher, you're accountable to hundreds (if not thousands) of people. Parents expecting instant email responses. Staff texting about non-urgent matters at 9pm. Last-minute meeting requests during your 'protected' planning time. Sound familiar? I get. I've been there as a headteacher.

You know you need boundaries, but every time you try to set them, that familiar guilt creeps in. "But they need me." "Everyone else seems to manage." "It's easier to just do it myself." You also recognise your struggle to be strategic and those creeping signs of burnout showing up.

This practical guide gives you:

✓ The "Boundary Sandwich" Technique - a simple three-part framework that makes saying "no" feel natural while maintaining positive relationships

✓ Ready-to-use scripts for those energy-draining scenarios:

-Email boundaries when parents expect 24/7 availability

-Time protection for last-minute requests during strategic work

-Committee overload when you're already at capacity

-Inappropriate parent interactions at social events

-Workload negotiations that don't compromise quality

✓ Guilt-busting reality checks that reframe those nagging thoughts with evidence-based perspectives

The truth? Setting boundaries isn't selfish - it's essential leadership. When you protect your time and energy, you're better able to serve your school community. You cannot be effective if you're just surviving rather than thriving.

The bottom line: This guide helps you shift from constant firefighting to strategic leadership. Because the children and young people you serve deserve a headteacher who is thriving, not just surviving.

Perfect for headteachers who refuse to burn out.