What is FWAMS?

In June 2023 the Department for Education created a number of 'Flexible Working Ambassador Schools' across the country to help schools in implementing flexible working practices to support recruitment, retention and staff wellbeing.  Thomas Gainsborough School in Sudbury, Suffolk was awarded this status to support schools across the East of England - looking at innovative working practices, supporting schools with policy development and implementation and advising on creating a more flexible working friendly school culture.  The role of the Flexible Working Ambassador Schools was also highlighted in the initial recommendations from the DfE's Workload Reduction Taskforce. 

Our key areas to offer support are to help in:

• improving the policies, practice and culture around flexible working by providing peer support for headteachers within local and other networks

• increasing the likelihood of flexible working requests being accepted by providing support networks, and guidance directly to teachers who want to access flexible working opportunities

• inviting school leaders and teachers to training and events to improve the perception of flexible working

• increasing the use of DfE’s support package by encouraging schools to use the materials alongside the support that flexible working ambassador schools offer.

A great deal more information can be found at the Flexible Working in Education website, including details of webinars and outreach events, and the opportunity to sign up for more information and updates.

If any of the schools that you work with are looking for any support in developing a flexible working policy, supporting a flexible working culture or to just find out more about the scheme, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either directly or though the Flexible Working in Education website.