{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6662a3996944b00012812269/67eb5c0102e789100f3fda02?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Can schools do flexible work? A Conversation with Neil Renton & Julie Wellacott","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6662a3996944b00012812269/1743477539744-a578e13b-dc2d-4209-b586-d090b6c62d38.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode, I speak with Neil Renton, headteacher, and Julie Wellacott, HR professional, who are pioneering flexible working approaches in UK schools through their work as Flexible Working Ambassadors.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2>Episode Highlights:</h2><ul><li><strong>What is flexible working?</strong> Giving teachers greater control over how much, when, and where they work</li><li>How Neil's school has transformed to employ 50 teachers with some form of \"part-timeness\"</li><li>The mindset shift required from school leaders to embrace flexibility</li><li>Why \"reason-neutral\" approaches prevent bias when considering flexible working requests</li><li>Simple starting points for leaders wanting to explore flexible working options</li><li>Research showing that one-fifth of teachers who leave the profession move to part-time roles outside education</li><li>How flexible arrangements like sabbaticals and phased retirement help retain experienced educators</li><li>Creating a school culture where staff feel comfortable requesting flexibility</li></ul><h2><br></h2><h2>Key Takeaways:</h2><ol><li>Flexible working isn't just about part-time hours - it encompasses location, scheduling, and workload</li><li>The cultural shift required is substantial but pays dividends in retention and teacher wellbeing</li><li>Small, incremental changes can make a significant difference to individual teachers</li><li>Start with an honest assessment of your school's current approach to flexibility</li><li>Both research evidence and individual stories can help persuade reluctant leaders</li></ol><h2><br></h2><h2>Links Mentioned:</h2><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best-practice/more-than-just-part-time-five-types-of-flexible-working-for-teachers/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Neil's Article in SecEd</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flexible-working-ambassador-schools\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Flexible Working Toolkit</a></li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Episode Partner</strong></h3><p><strong>The International Curriculum Association:</strong> <strong> </strong><a href=\"https://internationalcurriculum.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Learn more</strong></a></p>","author_name":"Shane Leaning | School Leadership & Organisational Development Coach"}