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 / Trusts Key resources for Employees / Teachers

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
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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 / Trusts

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

PDF
Case study - Nexus Multi-Academy: Using surveys to drive evidence-based improvements in Schools
28/03/25
Nexus multi academy trust consists of 17 schools, mostly serving pupils with special educational needs. They are a flexible working ambassador who were recruited by the Department for Education and have been providing bespoke flexible working support to schools and trusts.
PDF
Case study - Charles Dickens Primary School: Enhancing Teacher Recruitment Through Flexible Working
28/03/25
Charles Dickens Primary School is situated in London. In its capacity as a Flexible Working Ambassador, the school collaborated with a secondary school located just outside the London salary weighting area. This secondary school faced significant challenges in attracting teachers due to the disparity in salaries, compared to schools within the London weighting zone, a short distance away.
PDF
Case study - A testament to implementing flexible working across a special school setting
27/02/25
The Grove, a special school for autistic pupils aged 5-19 in Tottenham, London, and part of the SEARCH Education Trust, has been at the forefront of implementing flexible working practices within the special school sector.
PDF
Case study - Flexible working at Lighthouse School
16/01/25
Lighthouse School is a unique secondary school dedicated to providing high-quality, destination-led learning for students with a diagnosis of autism. Their commitment to excellence extends not only to their students but also to their staff, ensuring they have the support and flexibility they need to thrive.

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Key resources for Employees / Teachers

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


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.