Reading List

The resources below support this overview of stress management and relaxation techniques for children's homes staff. They include statutory guidance, inspection materials, workplace stress advice and NHS resources on CBT, mindfulness, breathing, relaxation and physical activity.

Children's Homes and Workplace Stress Guidance

• Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the Quality Standards: Statutory guidance for England covering the Quality Standards, leadership, protection, positive relationships, staff support and the purpose of children's homes.
• Ofsted SCCIF: children's homes: Inspection guidance for children's homes in England, useful for linking staff wellbeing and supervision to safeguarding and outcomes for children.
• NICE guideline NG212: looked-after children and young people: Guidance on supporting looked-after children and young people, including emotional wellbeing, participation and joined-up services.
• HSE: work-related stress: Employer and worker guidance on common workplace stressors and practical prevention and management steps.
• NHS: stress: Plain-language information on recognising stress, simple coping measures and when to seek further help.

Technique-Specific Resources

• NHS: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Explains how thoughts, feelings, bodily responses and behaviour interact and how CBT addresses these links.
• NHS: mindfulness: Practical guidance on present-moment awareness and establishing a regular mindfulness practice.
• NHS Inform: breathing and relaxation exercises: NHS Scotland guidance on simple breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce tension.
• UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines: National recommendations on levels of physical activity for adults.
• NHS Better Health: get active: Practical suggestions for increasing activity in everyday routines.

Four-Nations Workforce and Standards Resources

• SSSC: workforce wellbeing: Wellbeing resources for social service staff in Scotland.
• Social Care Wales: health and well-being resources: Wellbeing materials for social care workers and employers in Wales.
• Wales: National Minimum Standards for children's homes: Standards for children's homes in Wales, helpful when adapting practice to Welsh services.
• Northern Ireland: children's homes standards: RQIA standards for children's homes in Northern Ireland.
• nidirect: workplace stress: Northern Ireland public guidance on workplace stress, its causes and available support.