Get help with flexible working in schools
Help to implement flexible working, including a toolkit of resources, webinar training and other resources.
Applies to England
Flexible working in schools has many benefits. It can:
- help recruit and retain teachers
- improve staff wellbeing
- promote equality in the workforce
The Department for Education (DfE) recognises the challenges of implementing flexible working. We have:
- published a practical toolkit of resources to provide support
- developed resources as part of the flexible working ambassador multi-academy trusts and schools (FWAMS) programme (2023 to 2026) to support schools
Flexible working toolkit
The toolkit includes practical resources for school leaders, trust leaders and teachers to help implement flexible working. It was produced by including school leaders, other sector experts and DfE.
Use the toolkit to:
- increase your understanding and awareness of flexible working in schools, including its benefits
- develop and implement a flexible working policy, strategic approach and effective practice
- help staff request flexible working
The toolkit has been designed for use in all 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
- early years settings
Use the flexible working toolkit resources.
Flexible working resources
A range of resources, developed as part of the FWAMS programme (2023 to 2026), provides practical guidance and support for schools.
Updates to this page
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Updated to reflect the ending of the current FWAMS delivery programme on 31 March 2026.
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Updated to reflect the extension to DfE's contract with Capita to deliver webinars and oversee the flexible working programme until 2026.
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Removed 'Newport Girls’ High School' and 'Ormiston South Parade Academy' as they have left the programme.
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Added information about the flexible working toolkit, including a link to the toolkit and a list of the sector experts who helped develop it.
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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.
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First published.