What is FWAS?

What is FWAS?

2020 has not presented the 'normal' school year. The recent Covid-19 pandemic causing schools to close for sustained periods of time has meant that schools have had to be more flexible with their approach in how to run their school.

The Department for Education (DFE) has therefore designed the Flexible Working Ambassador Schools (FWAS) programme. In 2020 the DFE announced its launch of the programme and asked for schools across England to volunteer to become one of eight Ambassador Schools and work alongside the DFE and other schools within the region to promote considering flexible working practices. The programme has been designed to provide advice and support to schools covering areas such as timetabling and developing policies to cater for teachers who wish to work part time. The programme will be provided to schools throughout the academic year 2021 -2022.

The roles and responsibilities of the eight nominated schools is to:

• raise awareness, act as influencers, attend and host peer-to-peer training events and work with local networks to champion flexible working.
• provide practical support to other schools within the region through coaching and advising.
• support participant schools and to address challenges relating to flexible working, to look at offering more flexible working opportunities and to embed a positive culture towards it.
• provide one-to-one support with schools across their region and make positive relationships with other schools. 

In March 2021, the eight schools were all notified of their successful appointment in becoming an Ambassador school and we are delighted to of been chosen to represent the Lancashire and West Yorkshire region. 

We look forward to welcoming other schools within the region of Lancashire and West Yorkshire and providing them with guidance and support on how they can embed a more flexible working approach. 

If you would like to join us on our journey then please don't hesitate to contact us. 

We have attached the DFE guidance for your reference flexible working in schools, to help give you an idea on where to start. 

We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.