Guidance

Get help with flexible working in schools

FlexibleHelp to implement flexible working ambassadorincluding multi-academya truststoolkit andof schoolsresources, (FWAMS),webinar workshopstraining and webinarssupport tofrom helpflexible trustsworking andambassador schoolsmulti-academy totrusts implementand flexible working.schools.

From:
Department for Education
Published
27 June 2023
Last updated
8 April 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Flexible working canin schools has many benefits. It can:

  • help recruit and retain teachers, teachers
  • improve staff wellbeing and
  • promote equality in the workforce.

    workforce

DespiteThe theDepartment benefits,for thereEducation are(DfE) challengesrecognises associatedthe withchallenges of implementing flexible workingworking. inWe schools.have:

Flexible

  • published workinga practical toolkit of resources to provide support
  • appointed ambassador schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) to support school leaders
  • contracted Capita to deliver webinars and schoolsoversee the flexible working programme from 2023 to 2025

Flexible working toolkit

Practical resources for school leaders, trust leaders and teachers to help implement flexible working. The toolkit was produced by subject experts (FWAMSPDF, 104 KB, 2 pages) haveincluding been appointedschool byleaders, other sector experts and DfE.

Use tothe supporttoolkit schoolto:

  • increase leadersyour understanding and awareness of flexible working in implementingschools, including its benefits
  • develop and embeddingimplement a flexible working policy, strategic approach and effective practice
  • help staff request flexible working

The toolkit has been designed for use in theirall schools.schools and settings including:

  • special schools
  • alternative provision
  • pupil referral units and trusts

The toolkit may also be useful for other settings if adapted for use, including:

  • sixth-form colleges
  • further education colleges
  • other providers

Use the flexible working toolkit resources.

Flexible working ambassador multi-academy trusts and schools

Flexible working ambassador multi-academy trusts and schools (FWAMS) can offer advice onand topicspractical suchsupport as:to school leaders to improve flexible working in their schools.

Flexible working support can help with:

  • designing a flexible working policy
  • flexible hiring
  • overcoming common challenges such as:
    • timetabling
    • budgeting

FWAMS

Settings that can offeraccess bespokeFWAMS

Bespoke support is available to:

  • multi-academy trusts (MATs)
  • mainstream primary schools
  • mainstream secondary schools
  • special schools
  • alternative provision settings and pupil referral units

The

  • high tabledisadvantage givesschools the(where detailshigh proportions of thepupils appointedare FWAMS,eligible alongfor withthe theirdeprivation specialismpupil orpremium)

    • Regional region.

    and specialist FWAMS

    School or trustMAT Specialism or region
    Abbey School of Nexus Multi-Academy Trust specialSpecial schools
    Aspire AP School of Aspire Schools TrustAlternative provision settings and pupil referral units
    Charles Dickens Primary School of London South Teaching School London
    Harrogate Grammar School of Red Kite Learning Trust Yorkshire and the Humber
    Lapal Primary School of Hales Valley TrustEast Midlands
    Malmesbury School of The Athelstan Trust south-westSouth West
    OrmistonReach SouthAcademy ParadeFeltham of Reach Academy TrustHigh disadvantage schools
    The Halifax Academy of OrmistonImpact AcademiesEducation Multi Academy Trust north-westHigh disadvantage schools
    Thomas Gainsborough School of Unity Schools Partnership East of England
    Upton Court Grammar School of Pioneer Educational Trust south-eastSouth East

    Getting support

    ContactThe Capita viawebsite theircontains flexiblefurther workinginformation, inincluding educationhow websiteto to:

    • get support from one of thethe FWAMS, flexibleor working ambassador multi-academy trusts and schools
    • discuss support for regions or specialisms not listed
    listed.

    Training forCapita seniorcan leaders and teachersprovide

    Capita Businessis Services Limited are contracted to oversee delivery of the DfE flexible working programme from 2023 to 2025.

    They are working with the ambassador schools and MATsFWAMS to deliver a programme aimed at supporting schools and trusts to implement flexible working practices. As part of this, they will deliver a national programme of free workshops and webinars.webinars Thesefor willschool coverleaders topicsand suchteachers as:on:

    • the benefits of flexible working
    • co-headshipco-headship, and applying and working as a job share
    • supporting equality of opportunity and diversity through flexible working
    • overcoming barriers to flexible working

    Contact

    YouEmail canCapita findat outFlexibleworkingineducation@capita.com more or to:

    Published 27 June 2023
    Last updated 8 April 2024 + show all updates

    1. Removed 'Newport Girls’ High School' and 'Ormiston South Parade Academy' as they have left the programme.

    2. Added information about the flexible working toolkit, including a link to the toolkit and a list of the sector experts who helped develop it.

    3. Added Aspire AP School of Aspire Schools Trust, Lapal Primary School of Hales Valley Trust, Newport Girls’ High School of Newport Girls’ High School Academy Trust, Reach Academy Feltham of Reach Academy Trust, and The Halifax Academy of Impact Education Multi Academy Trust to the appointed FWAMS table.

    4. First published.

    Contents