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

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
Teaching Vacancies blog - 'Flexible friendly' schools
07/11/24
A blog from Teaching Vacancies - 'Over half of teachers are more likely to apply for a job in a 'flexible friendly' school.'
PDF
Thought piece - Teaching, menopause and flexible working
31/07/24
In this article Dr Suzanne Brown explores how we might better support women to thrive and remain in the classroom during their menopause transition.
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
Thought piece - Overcoming the challenges of flexible working in schools
21/11/23
The urgency for schools to adopt flexible working policies has never been greater. With the upcoming employment law changes in 2024, driven by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act of July 2023, schools must adapt. The Department for Education is investing significant resources to guide schools towards flexibility, through a funded programme of support.

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 - Dual careers: the inspiring journey of a part-time science teacher
31/07/24
Kristen Chand, a dedicated part-time science teacher, exemplifies the transformative power of flexible working for career changers. Her journey began when she decided to transition from being a General Practitioner (GP) to becoming a secondary school teacher.
PDF
Case study - Leading by example: Danielle's success with work-life balance
17/07/24
Case study - As an Assistant Principal at Harris Primary Academy Shortland's, Danielle England exemplifies the power of flexible working arrangements.
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.
URL
Working lives of teachers and leaders – wave 1
30/08/23
The findings of the first wave of the working lives of teachers and leaders survey. From: Department for Education. Published 11 April 2023

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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.