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

Register Future courses and recordings Supporting resources

About the programme

Capita, funded by the Department for Education (DfE), are delivering a programme to promote flexible working practices in Multi-Academy Trusts and schools, which includes a series of free training and support webinars.

Webinar and resource topics will include, amongst others, implementing flexible working, best practice and case studies, diversity in the workforce and co‑leadership and job sharing.

Important changes from 6 April to flexible working legislation, login to find out more

Alongside our partner Flexible Teacher Talent, and in partnership with Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS), we are delivering a programme to support schools to adopt flexible working.

The programme will support school leaders to design flexible roles, adopt a proactive approach and navigate the challenges flexible working can pose in schools.

The programme will increase awareness of the benefits of flexible working and the full range of flexible working practices available, which can include part-time working, job sharing, home or remote working, phased retirement and personal/family days.

Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS) have been appointed by the DfE to provide bespoke peer support to school leaders to assist them to establish a culture of flexible working in their schools. 

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Future courses and recordings

Flexible working in conjunction with diversity, equity and inclusion
We hope you can join us for this one-hour webinar that will focus on how flexible working can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within schools. During the webinar we aim to demonstrate how flexible working can help to recruit, retain, and develop teachers and leaders. We will 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 will also be discussed.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
12/11/24
11:00
Online
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Supporting progression with flex
Join us for this session where we will be exploring how flexible working works with senior leadership roles in schools – with career progression. We will look at how drawing on your previous skills and experience can support your application for flexible working, as well as alternative approaches to progression and case studies of ‘Now Teachers’ in promoted posts.
This session will particularly support career-changer teachers who want both flexibility and additional responsibilities/leadership roles. It will also be helpful to those wanting to explore what career progression looks like for career-changers who don’t want to be in senior leadership roles. Anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Teachers
07/11/24
15:00
Online
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Smarter timetabling to support flexible working
This webinar will help schools find ways to support flexible working without compromising on timetable quality – the timetable need not be a barrier to supporting flexible working.

We will discuss the timetable challenges associated with flexible working as well as when, and how, to factor it in during the timetabling process.

We will explore case studies where challenges have been overcome and you will receive tips for resolving timetable 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.
Secondary school leaders and timetablers
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Flexi-timetabling: does everyone need to be off on Fridays?
In this session watch Michael Scott, Flexible Working Ambassador from Newport Girls' High School Academy Trust, to learn different ways to best align staff flexible working requests with staffing, curriculum and timetabling models. There will be lots of practical hints/tricks provided irrespective of the software you may/may not use.

Often cited as the reason why flexible working is 'not possible', the timetable can be adapted to meet new requests for flex and Michael will show you ways to achieve this. Follow-up support may also be possible through the Flexible Working in Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools Programme.

This session is ideal for Timetablers, Curriculum Deputy/Assistant Heads and other School/Trust leaders. It is focused more on the secondary/special/middle school sectors but principles will apply to larger primary schools, too. An awareness of timetabling principles is helpful, but not essential.
Timetablers, Curr. Deputy/Assistant Heads, School/Trust Leaders
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Making a flexible working request
Are you currently on maternity, adoption or shared parental leave and thinking about making a flexible working request? If so, this is the perfect session for you. Join us for this session to learn about your legal entitlements, current best practice and how to prepare to negotiate to find a flexible working pattern that mutually benefits both you and your school.

This webinar will be particularly helpful for teachers currently on maternity, adoption or shared parental leave. It may also be of interest to teachers who have taken any period of extended leave, or teachers who are making a flexible working request but are currently back at work.
Teachers with an interest in making a flexible working request.
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Leading Flex for HR and School Business Managers
This session aims to help you to develop your understanding of flexible working in MATs and schools by exploring what it can look like and what the benefits are. Practical advice will be provided on handling flexible working requests, using flexible working opportunities in recruitment and managing those working flexibly. This will include looking at flexible working policies, legislation and statutory guidance. We will consider job adverts and recruitment processes, and we will discuss scenarios that may come up when managing MAT and school staff who are working flexibly.
HR and School Buisness Managers
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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.
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Identifying and communicating a vision for flexible working
Join us for this session, which aims to support you in defining and creating a vision for implementing flexible working.

We’ll explore the drivers and priorities for change, as well as how to effectively communicate this vision to colleagues to encourage buy-in.
School, Trust Leaders, HR and Business Leaders
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Flexible working and early teaching careers
Join us for this session where we will discuss how the need to work flexibly is something that we are all likely to need, and possibly be able to do, at some point in our working lives. This webinar will have a particular focus on ECTs, highlighting the value of flexible working in supporting teacher recruitment and retention. If flexible working is to be successful, there are obligations and expectations of the employer and employee. During the session we will look at the likely and particular nature of support required for ECTs who work flexibly.
School Leaders supporting ECTs and ECTs
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Supporting resources

Embracing flexible working in schools and academies - podcast
20/09/24
In this episode One Education: Rethinking Education are joined by Matt Perry, Headteacher of the Halifax Academy, which is a flexible working ambassador school. Matt talks about flexible working in education.
Flexible working: When the headteacher decided to flex
20/09/24
Do you believe that being a headteacher is an all-or-nothing position? Or can flexible working be effective for those in the top job? Neil Renton describes headteacher Mike Roper’s flexible working insights...
FWAMS update - Harrogate Grammar School
07/08/24
In this short recording, Neil Renton and Julie Wellacott reflect on their journey of flexible working. Neil is an established Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire which is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust and Julie is the HR Partner for the Trust, they are also the appointed FWAMS for Yorkshire and Humberside area.
Case study - Strategic flexibility: Upton Court Grammar School's innovative approach
31/07/24
Upton Court Grammar School (UCGS) is leading as the flexible working ambassador for the South East. As part of Pioneer Educational Trust, they have pioneered flexible working in schools since 2019 and continue to find creative and innovative ways to use flexible working to deliver their school mission
Case study - Empowering change: Halifax Academy's flexible approach
31/07/24
A case study on Halifax Academy's flexible working approach to help retain a valued member of staff.
Case study - Championing flexible working for staff
31/07/24
Over the past five years, Charles Dickens Primary School has been at the forefront of reshaping perceptions around flexible working. They have collaborated closely with schools, emphasising the immense value of promoting flexible work arrangements for their staff.
Case study - From maternity leave to leadership: Flo's story of flexibility
17/07/24
Case study - Flo is someone who transitioned from maternity leave to various roles within the education sector and provides valuable insights into the type of roles that can work flexibly.
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.
Thought piece - A consideration of the Timelines inherent in flexible working requests
28/03/24
A consideration of the Timelines inherent in flexible working requests by John Faulconbridge
Flexible working in our school (DfE blog)
28/02/24
Emily Crow, deputy director at London South Teaching School Hub, shares Charles Dickens’ approach to flexible working and her experience of the benefits it has brought to the school community.
Thought piece - Embracing flexible working at secondary level (SecEd blog)
18/02/24
A blog by Neil Renton (headteacher) discussing how his own mindset, regarding flexible working, has evolved.
Case Study - Flexible working in schools: Headteacher jobshare (DfE YouTube)
30/08/23
Alison Fitch and Rebecca Stacey are co-heads at Boxgrove Primary School in Surrey. Hear from them on why their school has embraced flexible working and how their job share has positively impacted themselves, their pupils and their school community. Department for Education - YouTube video

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

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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.