Flexible working support: a programme for Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools

How to get flexible working right in schools

Flexible working is key to inclusive workplaces and tackling systemic recruitment and retention issues

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Ready for your next teaching adventure?

Check #TeachingVacancies to find your ideal role.

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Interested in flexible working?

The DfE toolkit is an excellent resource to get you started:

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How we’ve made teacher days off in term time possible

Our ‘trading-to-flex’ system allows staff to take a single day off during term time without impacting student learning, writes one headteacher.

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Flexible working across a special school setting

A special school at the forefront of implementing flexible working practices within the sector, read more to find out how this was implemented.

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Enhancing Teacher Recruitment Through Flexible Working

One of our FWAMS supported a nearby secondary school which faced challenges in attracting teachers due to salary disparity issues

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About the programme

Capita, funded by the Department for Education, is leading a programme to provide flexible working in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools. Delivered in collaboration with Flexible Teacher Talent and the Flexible Working Ambassador MATs and Schools (FWAMS), it includes free training/ webinars and bespoke peer support. The programme helps school leaders design flexible roles, proactively address challenges and embrace the benefits of flexible working. It highlights practices such as part-time work, job sharing, remote work, phased retirement, and personal or family days to increase flexibility. The FWAMS, who have successfully implemented flexible working in their own schools provide guidance and peer support to help navigate these challenges effectively.

Key resources for Employers Key resources for Employees
Contact our helpdesk at flexibleworkingineducation@capita.com

Future courses and recordings

The benefits of flexible working in alternative provision
Join us for this session where we will be exploring the benefits of flexible working for staff recruitment, retention and well-being especially when working in challenging environments.

This webinar will be particularly useful for school leaders, business/HR leaders and governors/trustees in alternative provision contexts, however anyone with an interest in this session is welcome to attend.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governers/Trustees in AP co
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Setting boundaries for effective flexible working
This session will focus on identifying areas of our flexible working lives where there may be a need to establish or strengthen boundaries. We will discuss strategies on setting and holding boundaries effectively. Our aim is to help you understand how effective boundary setting can support flexible working practices, wellbeing, workload and a sense of fulfilment in both personal and professional lives.
Colleagues planning to or currently working flexibly.
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Flexible working in conjunction with diversity, equity and inclusion
This webinar focuses on how flexible working can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within schools. During the webinar we demonstrate how flexible working can help to recruit, retain, and develop teachers and leaders. We explore and challenge existing barriers to accessing flexible working arrangements and how different groups may be impacted by this e.g., those with a disability, carers, and parents, those reaching retirement age. There will be practical advice provided, including case studies, on how schools can use flexible working effectively and model inclusive workplace practices. Responsibilities under the Equality Act including PSED is also discussed.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (East of England)
This workshop is dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools in the East of England region. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices.


School/Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees - East of England
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers
During this panel discussion we aim to help schools address timetabling barriers to flexible working. We will discuss when and how to factor flexible working in to timetabling processes. You will also hear about challenges that have been overcome and receive top tips for resolving timetabling issues you may encounter. This session will be helpful for school leaders and timetablers. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
School leaders and timetablers
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
Co-Headship
In this session we explore different models for co-headship and how co-heads make their case at interview for flexible working. We discuss how co-headship provides a collaborative partnership model which can help to make headship more desirable and sustainable for great leaders who we need to retain and promote. Case-studies are presented to examine the opportunities and potential challenges of this model of school leadership.
Teachers, School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustee
Recorded sessions accessible at any time
View recording
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Key resources for Employers

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in education

PDF
Thought piece - flexible working at all stages of career
11/12/24
Dr Suzanne Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at the Sheffield Institute of Education. Her research interests and publications are around flexible working in the teaching profession as part of improving teacher recruitment and retention. In this article she explores the importance of teachers being able to work flexibly at all stages of their careers.
PDF
Flexible working self-assessment tool
09/07/24
This tool will support leaders to assess their current flexible working arrangements and provide ideas for next steps to further develop their practice. It shows steps to take for those starting out on their journey and more advanced steps to help leaders embed a culture of flexible working. All of these things are important in helping a school work towards a strong flexible working culture. This tool is voluntary and can be used internally to develop your flexible working practices.
PDF
Flexible job design: how to make flexible working the default - ppt presentation
30/04/24
Powerpoint presentation from the flexible job design: how to make flexible working the default webinar.
URL
Flexible working in schools - guidance
04/06/23
This non-statutory guidance has been produced to: help employers develop and implement flexible working policies and support employees who want to request flexible working. It draws on the latest evidence on flexible working, as well as good practice from education settings. Schools and multi-academy trusts are encouraged to adopt a flexible working policy which responds to the needs of the staff, and the employer, to address the challenges to flexible working in their school. Employers could consider embedding strategic, whole-school approaches to flexible working, with contribution from all parties. This guidance includes: an updated definition of flexible working and a broader range of arrangements, information on the process for requesting flexible working, key considerations for leaders and potential challenges to implementing, and requesting, flexible working. This guidance is intended to be read alongside the Department for Education's other resources on flexible working, including case studies.

See all resources

Key resources for Employees

If you’re new here, use these recommended resources to learn more about flexible working in education

PDF
Case study - Balancing act: the success of flexible working for a head of geography
17/07/24
Case study - Fiona Sheriff, the Head of Geography at Kingsthorpe College in Northampton, is a strong advocate for flexible working.
MP4
Flexible working from ECT to retirement (recording)
17/07/24
Flexible working from ECT to retirement webinar recording 10th July 2024 This webinar focuses on how flexible working can support school staff from the start to the end of their career. As well as illustrating how staff in all roles (at all ages and stages) can benefit from flexible working, we will also explore how schools and trusts benefit from supporting them. During the session case studies will be used to provide examples of the different support available. We will also discuss the importance of developing a culture where it is always okay to talk about flexible working.
MP4
Making a flexible working request - 2nd webinar recording
24/04/24
Making a flexible working request webinar recording on 23rd April 2024
URL
Flexible working in schools - guidance
04/06/23
This non-statutory guidance has been produced to: help employers develop and implement flexible working policies and support employees who want to request flexible working. It draws on the latest evidence on flexible working, as well as good practice from education settings. Schools and multi-academy trusts are encouraged to adopt a flexible working policy which responds to the needs of the staff, and the employer, to address the challenges to flexible working in their school. Employers could consider embedding strategic, whole-school approaches to flexible working, with contribution from all parties. This guidance includes: an updated definition of flexible working and a broader range of arrangements, information on the process for requesting flexible working, key considerations for leaders and potential challenges to implementing, and requesting, flexible working. This guidance is intended to be read alongside the Department for Education's other resources on flexible working, including case studies.

See all resources

Register for free access to live webinars, workshops, on demand training, resources and to send questions directly to our flexible working experts.

Register

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

This programme is funded by the Department for Education but this website should not be interpreted as Governmental policy. Please see here for Department for Education Policy.