How are teachers finding a better work-life balance through flexible working?
From competing in international sports competitions to pursuing doctoral studies, these teacher stories showcase the transformative power of embracing flexibility in the education sector.
Flexible working in schools is increasingly common and being explored by school leaders as a recruitment and retention tool. However, where do you start if you’re a teacher considering moving towards flexible working, or a school leader interested in opening up this option to your staff?
In this post, we hear stories from three educators; Mark Pritchard, Director of Education, and Antonia Spinks, CEO, at Pioneer Educational Trust, and Jill Newbolt, Assistant Head Teacher at Nexus Academy Trust. They are all strong advocates for working flexibly, doing so themselves or supporting staff in their schools to do so. Their experiences highlight the opportunities flexible working provides, and how to overcome potential challenges.
If you’re a teacher who wants to explore flexible working vacancies, or a school offering flexible roles, Teaching Vacancies is the platform for you. It’s the trusted and official job service which makes it easy to explore jobs and filter for roles which offer flexible working. Teachers at all stages of their careers will find roles which can work alongside their passions or busy personal lives!
What factors influenced your decision to choose flexible working?
“Flexible working has allowed me the time and freedom to explore new passions without having to leave the teaching profession, and I now compete in International Walking Football. To have the flexibility within my work to be able to play football, at this rather mature age, is incredible”, Jill Newbolt, Assistant Head Teacher at Nexus Academy Trust.
“The main factors have been to balance efficient working, promote wellbeing, and to provide time to undertake doctoral study”, Mark Pritchard, Director of Education.
and Antonia Spinks, CEO, at Pioneer Educational Trust said: “Factors include pay, workplace culture, and support! We operate a flexible job design process to enable individuals to flex without affecting their pay.”
How can flexible working requests be successfully managed in schools?
Mark: “Talk to your leaders about flexible working practices. Be flexible with your flexible working requests.”
Antonia: “Managing flexible working carefully should be the responsibility of leaders who should consider the impact of their decisions on part-time members of staff, for example making sure that duties are reduced proportionately and that part-time members of staff do not miss vital training or meetings. Leaders must consider all aspects of a part-time role making healthy flexible working the norm.”
Jill: “The time I have away from school to play football is well planned in advance and this allows me to be organised around my workload. I am also fortunate to work as part of an excellent team that supports each other to manage our workloads together.”
What tip would you give to another teacher who is considering changing their working pattern?
Jill: “Just start the conversation with your school. Working flexibly can shift your work-life balance and support you to live a happy and fulfilling life. Being able to take the time to focus on a passion of mine has had such positive impact on my wellbeing, that I am a better teacher and leader in school as a result. I have been able to bring the two together as my footballing teammates have been into school and supported our girls’ football programme, so I do believe this is a mutually beneficial situation.”
Mark: “Talk to your school leaders and ask them to contact Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS) for training and support. There’s also lots of information available for free online. Engage in co-construction, avoid making demands, and think of ‘win-win’ options!”
Antonia: “Work closely with your school to update your contract so everyone is clear on what the expectations and responsibilities will be for your new working pattern. It can also be helpful to speak to your school about how this new pattern will be communicated to colleagues, if this is needed.”
What one benefit does offering flexi-working provide to schools?
Mark: ‘’Increased diversity of staff, staff who maintain health and wellbeing, long-term retention and sustainability of roles.’’
Antonia: ‘’The time and resource required to recruit, train and induct is disproportionate meaning that leaders’ time is not being spent on other key areas of school transformation. Being strategic by thinking carefully about how flexible working relates to vision and values will address genuine operational considerations.’’
Jill: “It promotes staff wellbeing and I do believe if adults have strong positive wellbeing they are in a far better position to support the children they care for each day in school.”
These educators demonstrate that flexible working can invigorate teaching careers, support work-life balance and encourage top teaching talent to stay and grow in the profession.
Explore flexible jobs on Teaching Vacancies, or discuss possibilities for flexible working with your school leaders. Schools who embrace flexible working are expanding opportunities for people to get into teaching, and also stay in the classroom!
If you’re a school exploring how best to implement or improve your flexible working offer, find out more about flexible working in Multi-Academy Trusts and schools here.
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