Menopause Working Group

Welcome to the Menopause Working Group

The purpose of the Menopause sub group is to:

  • Raise awareness of the menopause and its impact for all education leaders and providers including the impact on recruitment, retention, performance and wellbeing of staff
  • Develop Kent based menopause support and signpost to local and national resources
  • Provide a supportive network for those working in education across Kent who are experiencing the menopause

Key Achievements 

The group was established in 2022/23 and they have made an excellent start in raising awareness and providing support. Over the year they have:

  • Commissioned menopause ambassadors training to raise awareness and implement menopause friendly practises in schools
  • Developed a model menopause policy and provided resources to schools
  • Organised an ‘Eat, Sleep, Menopause’ webinar
  • Launched a menopause telegram network
  • Initiated a pilot programme in 2 schools to support staff with general wellbeing including menopause symptoms

Focus for 2024/25

In the coming year the group are keen to make the business case for all Kent schools and education providers to introduce menopause friendly practises.  They are planning to:

  • Provide a third round of menopause ambassadors training in October 2024 as part of national Menopause Awareness month
  • Review and extend the wellbeing menopause pilot programme
  • Provide a second menopause webinar to raise awareness
  • Update the model menopause policy and provide further resources to schools

Membership

Julia Head (Chair) | Primary
Claire Lewer | Infant
Karen Dhanecha | Primary
Jenny Chiverton | Primary
Nicky McMullen | Primary
Claire Vincett | Primary
Maddie Arnold-Jones | Special

Supporting Menopause in the School Workplace: KALE’s Free Resources for Staff Education and Wellbeing

As schools strive to create inclusive and supportive environments for all staff, addressing the impact of menopause in the workplace is an essential step. Menopause can affect women in various ways, including physical symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue, as well as emotional challenges such as mood swings and anxiety. These changes can affect productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction, making it crucial for employers to offer support and understanding.

KALE are dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace and are pleased to offer a range of free resources to help schools support staff members navigating menopause
By providing tools that educate and raise awareness, KALE aims to foster an empathetic and informed school environment where staff can thrive despite the challenges menopause might bring.

Key Resources Offered by KALE

  • Menopause Policy – A comprehensive policy that helps schools establish clear guidelines on how to support staff experiencing menopause. It outlines best practices for creating an inclusive workplace, ensuring employees feel comfortable and understood.
  • Menopause Fact Sheet – This easy-to-read resource provides essential information about menopause, including common symptoms, potential impacts on work life, and suggestions for managing symptoms. It’s an ideal tool for educators and managers looking to better understand the condition.
  • PowerPoint Slides for Staff Education – These slides serve as an effective training tool for schools, providing a clear overview of menopause and its effects on the workplace. The slides can be used during staff meetings or workshops to raise awareness and create an open dialogue.
  • KALE Talking Menopause Telegram Group – This group is open to anyone working in a school setting who is currently experiencing the peri-menopause / menopause and is looking for support or advice, or for those looking for support for their school, whether that be Education Leaders or Menopause/Wellbeing Champions. Please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk for the invitation link.

Julia Walker
Egerton Church of England Primary School
KALE Menopause Sub-Group Chair

Model KALE Menopause Policy
KALE Perimenopause and Menopause Resource Sheet
Supporting Staff Through Perimenopause and Menopause Fact Sheet - February 2025
KALE PowerPoint Slides for Staff Education

Vacancies

The Menopause Sub Group welcome any headteacher or education leader to join. To express your interest or to learn more, please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk