Today’s Education in the media blog looks at flexible working in schools.
Flexible working
On Monday, 30 October, the Secretary of State and Minister Gibb spoke at the Flexible Working in Schools summit to discuss ways to overcome barriers to flexible working in schools. This announcement was covered by TES and Schools Week.
The Department announced a number of pledges at the summit to boost flexible working. These include a pilot programme to look at how schools are already bolstering the careers of part-time teachers so recruiting best practice can be shared. The DfE is also looking at a pilot programme to strengthen the Women Leading in Education coaching offer so women can continue to get the professional development support they need. We will also update existing guidance on flexible working to make it easier for schools to know what works.
Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities Justine Greening said:
Teachers are at the heart of our plans to offer all children a world class education. It is important that we recognise there are many great teachers who would welcome a more flexible workplace, whether as parents themselves who want more options on how and when to return to the workplace, or for staff later in their careers who may also want to better combine staying longer in the profession with other interests. Progress on more flexible working is great for schools who can keep their valued teachers and great for teachers who can stay in the profession.
This is already happening in many other sectors – it’s vital we ensure it is happening in our schools too so we continue to attract the best and brightest into teaching. And, given this disproportionality affects women, it’s a smart way to help close the gender pay gap.
The pledges we have made today show that we are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the best of all of the talent and dedication in the teaching profession.
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