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TL;DR:
December is a whirlwind — productions, trips, cover spikes, last-minute sickness, assessments, and the emotional overload that comes with the end of term. This guide helps educators and school teams stay grounded, maintain professional boundaries, and focus on the “quick wins” that make December smoother. It’s festive, but it’s practical. Everything you need to finish the year well.
December in schools is joyful — but it’s also one of the most demanding months for educators.
According to the Department for Education, staff absence rises significantly in the winter months, including December, which directly increases the need for internal and external cover.
Source: DfE School Workforce Data.
Add to that:
…and you’ve got a month that needs organisation, firm boundaries, and some celebration along the way.
This blog is your guide to getting December “done right”.
The last two weeks of term are historically high for:
Humly educators often describe December as dynamic but intense — and school leaders feel exactly the same.
A few quick wins to stay ahead of the cover curve:
It saves huge time when colleagues or supply educators step in.
Helps identify days with likely staffing gaps.
Schools need reliability.
If you want support getting January ready too, you may find this guide helpful:
👉 The Essential Documents Every Supply Educator Needs.
December is when the school becomes a theatre, a concert hall, or a coach park. Brilliant — but busy.
The Health and Safety Executive emphasises clear supervision ratios and risk awareness on school trips:
Source: HSE School Trips Guidance.
A calm adult equals a calm cast.
Behaviour often shifts in December: excitement, tiredness, sugar, schedule changes — it’s predictable.
Research from the Education Endowment Foundation highlights that consistent routines and clear expectations reduce behaviour incidents, especially during high-disruption periods.
Source: EEF Behaviour Guidance.
If you haven’t explored it yet, this article pairs well:
You cannot pour from an empty cup — especially in December.
Educator wellbeing is under more pressure than ever.
The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025 reported that 77% of education staff have experienced symptoms of poor mental health related to work.
Source: Education Support – Wellbeing Index.
If wellbeing is a priority for your school or trust, this deep dive is worth sharing:
👉 Why Your Wellbeing Matters More Than Ever.
Here’s how to make the final fortnight easier:
Two minutes here and there saving tomorrow-you.
Short, structured, low-stress activities for cover days.
The last thing anyone needs in December is confusion.
Children love simple, predictable tasks.
A 10-second “thank you” can steady a whole class.
December doesn’t have to be chaotic.
With clear routines, smart planning, and healthy boundaries, you can finish the term with energy — not exhaustion.
If you’re already looking ahead to January roles, you may also like:
👉 How to Secure a Teaching Job Starting in January
Humly is here to support educators and schools through the busiest weeks of the year — and into a calmer, clearer start to 2026.
High cover needs, events, productions, assessments, and winter illness make it one of the most demanding months.
Keep expectations consistent, simplify instructions, and offer predictable transitions. The EEF emphasises the power of routine even during disrupted periods.
Have documents ready, confirm availability early, and pack a versatile supply bag.
Set limits on working hours, reduce unnecessary planning, and avoid taking on extra responsibilities without capacity.
Communicate clearly, plan ahead for cover, share responsibilities, and ensure wellbeing is prioritised.
