About Us

Welcome to our Flexible Working Ambassador School site. We were delighted to be chosen as one of only a handful of schools in the UK to undertake work on behalf of the DfE to encourage more schools to adopt flexible approaches to staffing.

Thomas Gainsborough School is committed to ‘Excellence for each, for all.’ This applies not only to our students but our staff also. We believe that if we want to attract, develop and retain excellent staff we have to create an environment, a culture, of mutual support, collaboration and trust.

Of course, there are numerous ways of doing this but a key contributing factor is a commitment to flexible working. This is not just a willingness to consider job share, part – time hours (including for those with a leadership responsibility) but also the bravery to allow staff the flexibility, if needed, to work at home; attend parents meeting from home online and stagger their lead up to retirement by gradually reducing their hours.

At Thomas Gainsborough we talk about our ‘invisible backpacks’. We all at different times need support due to the pressures of personal and family circumstances and therefore staff know that they can request to attend, for example, a medical appointment, their child’s graduation ceremony or leave early if needed to support an elderly parent. This results in happier, less stressed colleagues who feel valued and respected. They do not abuse this privilege and also understand that the students’ teaching and learning must come first and must not be compromised.

Creating a culture that supports flexible working is achievable as long as it is approached in a fair and transparent manner. Staff wellbeing and attendance have improved at Thomas Gainsborough and our approach to flexible working has played a significant part in this.

We look forward in being able to support you in your own flexible working journey!

Helen Yapp,

Headteacher