The key challenges for school business managers  

Richard Steward considers the main challenges for SBMs, including budgetary puzzles, workload management and succession planning.

Practical strategies for supporting staff well-being  

School business manager Theresa Allotey considers the importance of staff well-being, and shares some of the methods she uses in her school to support her staff.

The art of delegating  

School business managers have a lot on their to-do lists, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. In this article, Andrew Blench shines a light on the often underused skill of delegation, and outlines how to delegate effectively.

Teacher well-being at work in schools  

SBMs can have an important role in helping to maintain staff well-being in their school. In this article, Suzanne O’Connell summarises the results of an Ofsted research report and considers how the SBM might contribute.

Creating the school’s culture: part one – staff culture  

Most schools are too small to afford the luxury of an HR department whose duty it is to secure staff well-being, so the responsibility for personnel matters usually falls – alongside so much else – to the busy School Business Manager. Matt Bromley explores how SBMs can be part of creating an effective workplace culture.

School culture and vulnerability  

School business managers deal with a dynamic landscape where demands are constantly changing, difficult conversations to be had and the growing need for innovative creativity. In this article, Patricia Major reasons that the best way to stay on top of everything is to have the courage to be vulnerable.

Developing a real community school  

Tony Stephens considers the benefits of a community school, and how SBMs can help to facilitate partnerships and a successful school–community relationship.

Exploring the issue of knife crime  

Over the past few months, the issue of knife crime has once more hit the headlines. In this article, Suzanne O’Connell identifies some of the key issues for schools raised in Ofsted’s latest report.

Team communication challenges and how to solve them  

When communication breaks down in a school business team, the impact is felt across the school and recovery can be difficult. Steve Burnage looks at common communication challenges, and strategies to help resolve them.

Save money and protect the environment  

Headteacher Helen Frostick considers the ways in which her SBM has driven money-saving initiatives that bring the school closer to a silver award for Eco Schools.

Free article: Creating a more accessible, open and welcoming school environment  

After eye-opening experiences as an SBM consultant and coach, Andrew Blench shares observations and suggestions for making schools more welcoming, including stakeholder surveys, physical access improvements and communication reviews.

Ofsted and the school business manager  

Matt Bromley discusses the new School inspection handbook (EIF) and considers the role of the SBM on inspection day.

Managing school redundancies  

Always a last resort, redundancy may become inevitable in some schools where budgets and income have decreased. In this article, school business manager Caroline Collins advises on the process of guiding your school through redundancies.

What is effective support staff supervision?  

Support staff can be left with challenging situations to manage that are beyond their capabilities. In this article, Lawrence Warburton explains how correct supervision can provide effective support and ensure that training and beneficial advice are given.

Creating a good working relationship with the governing board  

Andrew Blench considers the importance of a strong relationship between the school business manager and the school’s governing board, and looks at ways to build a productive working relationship.

Staff welfare, communication and motivation  

Staff retention continues to be an issue for schools across the country. In this article, Tony Stephens considers how to improve communication and staff morale.

Effective management of teaching assistants  

In this article, Stephen Burnage provides guidance for school business managers on how to lead and manage a teaching assistant team to ensure that they have the most positive impact on pupils’ learning, progress and wellbeing.

Creating autonomous CPD groups  

How much autonomy should staff have when designing CPD? Kenny Wheeler considers the 4Ts of continuing professional development, and how to encourage buy-in from staff.

Engaging parents and families of disadvantaged pupils  

David Birch argues that engaging families is crucial to making the most effective use of the pupil premium grant, especially in terms of successful transition and progression through the child’s educational journey.

Managing conflict in school  

Schools are not immune to workplace conflict. This might be in relation to targets, roles, relationships or processes. In this article, Matt Bromley looks at the role of SBMs in conflict management, and how clear processes and communication can prevent conflict from escalating.

Attracting strong candidates to your school  

Amid a national landscape of increased school performance targets, higher levels of accountability and reduced funding, Jon Tait considers the recruitment challenge.

Practical tips to improve communication  

This purpose of this article is to provide a 45-minute interactive training outline that could be suitable for a staff meeting, staff development group, small group CPD session or for individual study. The training outline is included here while the PowerPoint slides and an accompanying participants’ handout are available to download.

Promoting staff well-being: seven ways to encourage employee health  

With an increasing focus from Ofsted on the well-being of staff, in this article Steve Burnage shares seven ways in which schools can support their staff in taking better care of themselves.

Teaching, learning and finance management  

In this article, Richard Steward makes the case for SBMs to go beyond their offices to become involved with pupils, teachers and classrooms in order to inform their financial decisions and ensure efficient resource management.

Summary of changes to teachers’ pay: 2018–20  

Nathan Waites summarises the October 2018 changes to the STPCD, the September 2018 teachers’ pay grant, and what these mean for different school budgets.

Recruitment: getting it right from the beginning  

In this article, Theresa Allotey shares her experiences and knowledge regarding recruiting as an SBM, and sets out the recruitment process step by step.

Engaging contractors without increasing liability  

Health and safety is always at the forefront of the minds of school leaders, who bear responsibility for all staff and pupils in their school. However, with school budgets squeezed across the country, it can be tempting to employ the cheaper option when engaging contractors. Kevin Clarke considers how to make decisions regarding contractors that are good for your whole school, not just the school budget.

An introduction to coaching  

This purpose of this article is to provide a 45-minute interactive training outline that could be suitable for a staff meeting, staff development group, small group CPD session or for individual study.

Free Article: Starting as a senior business leader in an academy or MAT  

Starting a new job can be an exciting yet daunting process. When starting as a senior leader, it is likely that your new colleagues will have similar feelings about your appointment. In this article, Nathan Waites sets out a number of ways to make the transition easier, for both you and your colleagues.

School resource management  

With shrinking school budgets, it is more important than ever that SBMs consider their financial management very carefully. Caroline Collins looks at what to think about when cost-cutting and improving financial efficiency.

Creating a positive mental health culture in your setting  

Sam Garner discusses how mental well-being underpins everything, especially learning and academic performance, so it should be a priority.

How to be an effective member of the SLT  

Becoming a member of the SLT enables you to have a pivotal role in the school on many levels. In this article, Theresa Allotey looks at what you can do as an SBM to ensure that your role within the team is effective
and valued.

Understanding and managing workplace stress  

Stress continues to be a problem in schools, and can affect individual staff and leaders, as well as the school overall. Andrew Blench considers the different manifestations of stress, and the ways in which different personalities can handle stress to ensure an efficient, productive workplace.

Free Article: Making effective use of learning walks: part 1  

Many SBMs are responsible for managing the school site and health and safety, and ‘learning walks’ are a great way of staying on top of this significant and complex remit. In the first article in a two-part series, Matt Bromley outlines some best practice for conducting learning walks.

First-time SBM  

The role of a school business manager can be extremely rewarding and allow real change, but it can also appear complicated and overwhelming if you’re new to the role. Patricia Major recounts how she came to be an SBM, and shares a list of practical steps to help new recruits embrace the role.

How technology can improve parental engagement  

Technology has the potential to enhance learning and improve educational outcomes for pupils, but if it is used inappropriately or without suitable instruction and supervision, it can also be harmful and distract – and, indeed, detract – from learning. This article explores the use of educational technology outside the classroom.

Educational technology: the good, the bad, and the ugly  

Technology is all around us, but that is not to say that all technology is equal or that the use of technology is always preferable to more traditional forms of teaching. Matt Bromley outlines some pros and cons to help SBMs make informed decisions about purchasing technology.

Staff retention  

Recruiting staff is just a start to creating a strong workforce. Next, you have to keep them. Tony Stephens outlines some strategies to help your school achieve this.

Helping children overcome school refusal  

When a child becomes reluctant to attend school, but there is no clear reason, such as bullying or struggling with academic pressures, it can be difficult to know how best to help. In this article, Dr Pooky Knightsmith provides practical advice about what schools can do.

Empowering your team  

All of us need, as part of our leadership or management responsibility, to work with others and lead a team of people. In this article, Steve Burnage explores a range of strategies to support SBMs in empowering their teams.

Self-harm among primary-age children  

Although usually associated with adolescents and young people, self-harm is sometimes a problem for primary-age children too. Suzanne O’Connell considers some approaches to tackling this problem.

Reputation management for schools  

PLMR’s Katie Combes considers how schools can manage reputational impact when a crisis hits.

Getting ready for the General Data Protection Regulation  

Steve Burnage offers practical tips to help schools ensure that they are ready for the new GDPR.

The General Data Protection Regulation and your school  

Claire Ashton, of IT Governance, considers the implications for schools of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Team-building: Ten top tips  

School business managers and those in charge of human resources in schools know that effective school teams are greater than the sum of their parts. In this article, Steve Burnage shares ten top tips to help school leaders build winning teams.

Provision management: Making a positive difference  

Kenny Wheeler discusses the importance of knowing what difference spending is making in particular areas and whether this constitutes value for money. He outlines ways to help you do this.

Is your school GDPR-ready?  

Many schools continue to struggle to get to grips with the new General Data Protection Regulation, which came into force on 25 May 2018. Caroline Collins provides advice on how to ensure that your school is GDPR-ready.

Achieving economies of scale  

Education leaders are seeing the biggest reorganisation in over a decade of the decisions on how schools are funded. Natalie Houston outlines some of the ways her school has joined with others in the area to make the most of the resources they have.

Your guide to multi-agency working  

School staff can make a real difference to improving attendance, but they may need to access people with additional skills. Ben Whitney helps schools find the balance between internal welfare approaches and referral for outside support.

Parental engagement: A pragmatic approach  

Finding strategies to support your less-engaged parents means looking at how things seem from their perspective. Matthew Nuttall provides some examples of what has worked in his experience and how his schools have broken the cycle.

A day in the life of an SBM  

Brian Herbert, the SBM of Ferrars Junior School in Luton, outlines what one of his days entails.

School catering: A case study  

Brian Herbert reviews his own experience of setting up an in-school catering system. In doing so, he was able to meet the needs of his own pupils as well as helping a local charity to feed the homeless.

Working out your workflow: Six tools to make your life easier  

In issue 25 of School Business Manager Magazine Matt Bromley described how, because a School Business Manager’s job is a wide-ranging one, a healthy work–life balance can only be achieved through being highly organised and, through artful delegation, able to empower others to be accountable. In this follow-up article he suggests some tools to help.

HR update: Stress and the employer’s obligations  

Work-related stress, and other manifestations of mental illness, take a toll on the people involved and, ultimately, the school itself. Ben Wood, from Eversheds Sutherland, gives a clear and useful update on employers’ duty of care.

Stress in schools: Facts and fixes  

Work-related stress is back in the news. Two recent reports suggest that teachers are suffering more than the average worker. How should schools react to these statistics? Suzanne O’Connell looks into the issue.

Creating the right learning environment  

In this article, the first of a two-part series, Matt Bromley looks at ways of building a physical environment that’s condusive to comfort and focus.

HR update: Settlement agreements  

Settlement payments can be a useful tool, but, unless an academy can demonstrate that a severance payment represents value for money, interventions can follow. Ben Wood from Eversheds Sutherland, who is often asked to advise on and draft settlement agreements for academies, explains.

Working out your workflow  

The job of an SBM is complex and, if you are to strike a healthy balance between tasks, work roles and home, you must be highly organised and manage your time well. This requires you to empower others – through artful delegation and the creation of effective leadership structures – to be accountable. Matt Bromley explains.

HR update: Pay gap reporting  

There have been a number of developments in employment law recently, including obligations for gender pay gap reporting. Ben Wood from Eversheds Sutherland looks at how gender pay gap reporting impacts on schools and how you can comply with your obligations.

Schools and the General Data Protection Regulations  

Data protection is a hot topic again and we’re on the countdown to the GDPR, which come into force in May 2018. Dave Hughes outlines what SBMs need to know. 

Governors: The competency framework  

Tony Powell looks at the changes to governance in the DfE publication A competency framework for governance.

Doing what’s right: The SBM’s guide to making tough decisions  

Being able to make tough decisions with confidence and insight is an essential skill to have. Steve Burnage offers some suggestions to support school business managers in making the most difficult decisions.

Doing what’s necessary: The SBM’s guide to making tough decisions  

Barney Angliss considers the current situation in England’s schools and gives a personal viewpoint on the decisions that no one wants to make.

Disabled access  

Martin Hodgson looks at the requirements for making buildings accessible for disabled people.

School business manager: Supporting outstanding learning and teaching  

In this article, Steve Burnage explores the key areas of school business that need to be managed well in order that high-quality learning and teaching can take place.

Investing in teachers: Funding CPD  

School business managers are trying to balance the books amid a national funding crisis. At the same time, they are trying to provide the resources required to bolster teaching and learning and improve outcomes for learners. Matt Bromley gives his take on the situation.

HR and the successful school: A case study  

Adrian Kneeshaw, Headteacher of Carlton Bolling College, gives a personal viewpoint of the benefits of bringing in the experts.

First aid in schools: Equipment, facilities and information  

Schools must provide ‘adequate and appropriate’ first aid equipment and facilities. Martin Hodgson looks at the details of the requirements.

Experience shared: Working with a mentor  

In this follow-up article to ‘Experience shared: Effective mentoring’, Steve Burnage explores the professional development potential of a productive and focused mentoring relationship from the perspective of the mentee.

The impact of loss and trauma  

When a child is affected by bereavement or has experienced a traumatic event it can be difficult for school staff to know how to handle it. Infrequency and range of possible events and reactions mean that schools are more likely to seek help after the event. This article helps to plan before a problem arises.

The latest developments in education  

Suzanne O’Connell provides a look at what’s currently being discussed, debated and determined in the world of education. 

Managing anxiety at work  

With growing awareness about anxiety and the impact it can have on both pupils and members of staff, Louis Wingrove looks at some ways to tackle the problem in the school office.

First-aid training  

The first article in this series about first aid for schools looked at the legal requirements. The second covered first-aid needs assessment. In this third article, Martin Hodgson will cover training for first-aiders.

How to improve parental engagement  

Parental engagement remains an area for improvement for most schools, and the responsibility for improving it often rests with the SBM. Matt Bromley explores how to do it well.

Making an impression  

Caroline Collins takes a personal view of being welcomed into the school premises, and the difference a little thought and investment can make.

Experience shared: Effective mentoring  

In the first of two articles, Steve Burnage explores the professional development potential of a productive and focused mentoring relationship from the perspective of the mentor.

Children missing education: New guidance  

New guidance for schools about children missing education was published in autumn 2016. Although the guidance is for local authorities, it has important implications for schools and includes information about schools’ statutory duties.

TESTing assistive technology: What SENCos are looking for  

Children can be very good at explaining what they need to assist them in a task, and what is or is not helpful. Rosie Eachus outlines how supporting pupils to reflect on their own needs, and the best way to meet them, will help them to develop this useful lifelong skill. Dr Abi James, Assistive Technology Consultant and Researcher at Southampton University, recommends using the assistive technology toolbelt TEST when making decisions about which technologies are required on a case-by-case basis.

Managing uncertainty  

If you are struggling with a sense of uncertainty, be reassured: you are not alone. 2016 has been a year of upheaval, with the promise of big changes on the horizon. Louise Wingrove has some suggestions for how to cope while everything feels up in the air.

Isolation rooms: Roles and purpose  

Having someone to manage a time-out or inclusion facility is becoming increasingly popular. In this article, headteacher Richard Steward gives practical advice on how to make it work in your school.

First aid in schools: Needs assessment  

In the previous issue of School Business Manager Magazine Martin Hodgson looked at the legal requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. In this article, Martin looks at the factors to consider when assessing your school's first-aid needs.

Assistive technology  

Extra assistance, although sometimes expensive, is vital for children with SEN. Rosie Eachus looks at how SENCos and SBMs can work together to ensure constructive outcomes.

Disciplinary procedures for teachers  

Earlier this year the DfE updated and re-issued its disciplinary procedures for the teaching profession. John Viner looks at the changes to the process.

Pay, value and the school business manager as a leader  

Do you feel that you are paid fairly for the work that you do? Caroline Collins gives a personal take on the value of the role of the SBM and how this fits in with the new professional standards.

Effective leadership: Building effective teams  

Steve Burnage offers advice on motivating staff, getting the best from them and building effective teams.

The role of the governing body: Safeguarding pupils  

The governing body needs to ensure that school policies and procedures are robust and regularly monitored. This is especially important when they concern pupils’ safety and wellbeing.

Managing the media: A case study  

Following a negative Ofsted report, and part of the Trojan Horse scandal in 2014, Carlton Bolling College found itself under intense media scrutiny. Janet Dunn gives an account of that time, and what can be learned from her experiences.

Assistive technology  

Jack Churchill considers how assistive technology can break down barriers to learning in school and enable students with disabilities to achieve their potential.

Case study from Carlton Bolling College: Ensuring high-quality governance  

Adrian Kneeshaw, Headteacher of Carlton Bolling, gives a personal take on renewing a failing governing body having designed and built one from scratch.

Children, school and part-time work  

Ben Whitney enters the debate on the role of children in the workplace and discusses what help and regulation should exist to support them.

External services and students with medical conditions  

A school’s duty to make arrangements for supporting pupils with medical conditions requires the help of external services and outside agencies. In this article, we look at what support these services bring.

Change management and conflict  

Nazli Hussein looks at the causes of conflict and the best ways to deal with it, with the best outcomes for those involved.

Using the Framework for governance  

Tony Powell looks at how the Framework for governance can be used to clarify the strategic direction of your school.

Balancing professional development with a demanding workload  

With SBMs focusing on attaining high standards of professionalism, the issue of continuing professional development is a concern. Nazli Hussein gives seven ways to successful engagement with organised training.

Strategic recruitment of support staff  

Making the team: The SBM and the SLT  

Caroline Collins, a school business manager, shares her views on where the SBM belongs in relation to the SLT, and how to boost your ambitions.

Move management: How to organise moving or closing a school  

Project management: Tools for the SBM  

Working effectively with governors  

In the second of three articles focusing onhow SBMs can work effectively with governors, Nickii Messer considers how we can build and maintain a positive and productive relationship with our governors within a fair and equitable framework.

Where are you going? The changing role of the SBM  

Graeme Hornsby looks at the changes to the role of the school business manager and how the future is shaping up.

Q. Senior leadership meetings have been moved to a time when I am often unable to attend. I feel marginalised as a result. Have you any advice?  

A. It isn’t surprising that you feel marginalised and this is a worrying development in your school. You don’t explain why you are unable to attend but you should raise this urgently with your headteacher to ensure that you can be there.

Q. We have an isolation room that is sometimes staffed by teaching assistants. Could this cause a problem in the future?  

A. At the moment there is concern about the overuse of isolation rooms in some secondary schools. At the National Education Union (NEU) conference the delegates were told of the extent of their use for children with SEND in some cases. The DfE has also been facing a legal challenge about its lack of guidance when it comes to the use of these rooms.

Q. We are a large infant school and are concerned about staffing implications for the baseline assessment. Do we know what the administration requirements will be?  

A. Much of the detail surrounding the proposed Reception baseline assessment is lacking. We do know, however, that the DfE is keen to go ahead with its plans to establish a method of measuring progress between Reception and Year 2.

Q. What is the due diligence process and what do I need to know about it as a school business manager?  

A. In February the DfE published a guide to due diligence: Due diligence in academies and maintained schools: Best practice guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools, local authorities and academy trusts.

Q How should we prepare for the new MTC?  

A It is a little ironic that in the same month as the government subscribed to the report on teacher workload and data management it also launched its plans for data collection for a new test. The multiplication tables check (MTC) is intended to take no more than 5 minutes to complete. It will be available as a voluntary check at the end of this school year (2018–19) to all eligible Year 4 pupils. In year 2019–20 all schools will be required to implement the test, although some pupils may be withdrawn.

Q I know that the government is looking closely at the issue of workload for teachers. Are there any measures being recommended that we should be aware of?  

A One of the main issues in relation to teacher workload is that of the use of data. Not only is its use being linked to unintended consequences when it comes to the curriculum, but is also linked to teachers’ work-load. The government has now issued its response to the workload advisory group ‘Making data work’. As such, you would be well advised to consider the data management systems that you use and the extent to which they can be said to add benefit to pupils.to pupils.

Q We do not seem to be able to make any progress in closing the gap between our disadvantaged pupils and their peers. We would welcome some suggestions.  

A There is some new research that you might find of interest: School cultures and practices: supporting the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. The research compares schools in London and outside of London as well as high-performing and low-performing schools. It refers to practice in both primary and secondary schools and across both sectors.

Q We’re under pressure to use an increasing amount of our pupil premium money to prop up our budget. Are we alone in this?  

A You are not alone in this. Recent research suggests that the percentage of schools that are using the pupil premium money to pay for basics is increasing. In 2017, 30% of senior leaders said that they were resorting to using money in this way. In 2018, the number had risen to 34%. 

Q We are concerned that more of our children seem to be choosing to bring a packed lunch than to eat school dinners. What can we do?  

A To begin with, you need to consider why you see this as a worrying trend at your school. It could be that you have concerns about the content of packed lunches or that the service is becoming difficult to run because of low numbers.

Q. What is meant by ‘off-rolling’ and how do we know if we are guilty of it?  

A. Off-rolling is the term being used for the way some schools encourage challenging pupils to leave the school without officially excluding them.

Q. We are an inner-city school. What can we do about air quality?  

A. Awareness has been raised about the quality of air in inner-city schools. A report produced by the University of Cambridge presents a worrying picture for schools in London.

Q. Occasionally staff find the need to restrain pupils. Will this cause us difficulties with Ofsted?  

A. The answer to your question will depend upon how restraint is used. It is clear that teachers do have the power to use reasonable force to control or restrain a pupil.

Q. When are we expected to have the times tables test in place and what money should we set aside for this?  

 A. If you are not already in the pilot for this then you should not worry just yet. The test was announced in 2017 and the check itself will not be made compulsory until 2020. This gives you a little time to plan it into your budget. However, we are promised that the test will be simple to administer online and should not require much additional funding to be set aside for it. The greatest budget requirement is likely to be some additional teacher time to supervise and support the test. 

Q. Some of our parents are complaining that communication with them is poor. We think we try very hard to make them feel involved. What can we do to improve the situation?  

A.  To begin with, however hard you are trying you have to acknowledge that your efforts do not seem to be having the desired effect. If sufficient numbers of parents believe that you are not listening to them, then the last thing you should do is ignore what they are trying to say! 

Q. As SBM I have some responsibility for the line management of our TAs. What do they need to be aware of from the latest research?  

A.  Teaching assistants are one of the most precious assets in the school classroom. However, their role has sometimes been criticised in research reports. This is largely due to the way in which they tend to be deployed. 

Q. Our Early Years staff are anxious that it looks as though baseline assessment is heading our way again. Should they be worried?  

A. When the government withdrew its previous baseline assessment in 2015 following lack of evidence of its reliability and validity, it made it clear that it would search for more solutions.

Q. With the recent court ruling against Jon Platt, where do we stand in relation to term-time holidays? Should we maintain our position?  

A. Following the Supreme Court’s judgement against Jon Platt, schools and LAs appear to have once more been thrown into confusion surrounding exactly what stance they should take when it comes to term-time holidays.

Q We have a teacher who has asked if she can change from full-time to part-time. Are we required to agree to this?  

A All employees have the legal right to ask for flexible working arrangements if they have worked continuously for the same employer for the last 26 weeks.

Q We know that teachers’ workload is a big issue in our school. What can we do to reduce it?  

A There is currently a lot of discussion about teacher workload following the Teacher workload survey 2016.

Q: It has been proposed that we start videoing lessons as part of our school’s professional development activities. Some staff are not keen. What do you recommend?  

A: Although teachers and support staff are used to being observed they may not feel as comfortable with their lessons being videoed for later discussion. However, it would seem that the use of videos as a reflective tool and to demonstrate good practice can be beneficial. 

Q: Our non-teaching staff are concerned about what the implications might be for them of the duty to report abuse. Can you clarify this?  

 A: This report focuses around two questions:

Q: Our local authority has stopped issuing fines for term-time holidays. Should we change our policy?  

 A: Following the High Court ruling in favour of Jon Platt, it does seem as though some local authorities (LAs) are changing their approach to the issuing of penalty notices. 

Q: A parent has asked the school for information about the number of students who have requested term-time holidays. They are asking this according to the Freedom of Information Act. Do we have to respond?  

A: All public bodies are under a duty to answer freedom of information (FOI) requests. 

Q. We understand that concerns about admissions are likely to lead to some changes. What can we expect?  

A It seems as though this year there have been even more concerns raised about the admission process than usual. 

Q. What are the main financial messages for schools following the autumn statement?  

A. The main messages to come from the spending review in relation to the education budget include:

Q. The pupil premium forms a sizeable part of our budget but we're struggling to reduce the attainment gap between the disadvantaged and their peers. We're following the EEF strategies. What more can we do?  

A. As you already know, it is very important that you can demonstrate that your pupil premium (PP) money is being well spent.

Q. We are having real problems with staff recruitment. Do you have any advice?  

A. In this you will join many other schools in the country.

Q. Over the past year we have really cracked down on term-time holidays – against quite a lot of resistance from parents. I understand there’s new research we can use to justify this?  

A. I think your experiences will be shared by many schools in the country that have tightened up their procedures in relation to term-time holidays.

Q. Will the publication of the workload report have any implications for SBMs?  

A. The short answer is, probably not. In fact, it is unclear how much difference it will make to class teachers either. 

Q. We are currently reviewing our admission arrangements. Is there anything we should take account of from the School Admissions Code consultation?  

A. The consultation on revision of the School Admissions Code is unlikely to make significant differences to the majority of schools.

Q. Whistleblowing seems to be in the news at the moment. Is there anything we should make staff aware of?  

A. We all like to think that there would never be any need for a whistleblower in our own establishment.

Q. What are the ‘seven principles of public life’ and how do they relate to our school governors?  

A. Concerns about governors misusing their influence in schools has led to a number of adjustments to guidance documents. One of these includes the Governors’ handbook.

Q: A member of our senior leadership team is keen for us to develop our use of social media. I’m not sure we have the time to maintain it. What’s your advice?  

A: Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, can be used to promote a positive image of your school as well as to communicate with your school community.

Q: What are zero-hours contracts and how might they benefit us as a school?  

A: A zero-hours contract is one where employees are not guaranteed a specific number of hours’ work in a week but are held on standby. 

Q: Is it true that the rules on class size have been relaxed? What does that mean for us?  

A: The law that requires that infant classes must not contain more than 30 pupils with a single teacher remains.

Q: What are the changes to the DBS and how will it affect our schools?  

A: The new disclosure and barring service (DBS) update service was launched on the 17 June.

Q: There seem to be some concerns about supply staff agencies. Is there anything I should be aware of?  

A: Some concern has been expressed recently that private supply agencies are cutting corners in the employment of their staff.

Q: I hear that there are diploma opportunities for support staff. What are they and how might I apply?  

A: There is an increasing emphasis on ensuring that all staff who work with children are appropriately qualified.

Q: Our school might become an academy. Does TUPE apply to all our staff?  

A: The key attraction of academy status has been the greater autonomy and independence it confers.

Q: I hear that there are proposed changes to the sharing of information. What can we expect?  

A: The consultation on the Proposed amendments to Individual Pupil Information Prescribed Persons Regulations (available to download at http://bit.ly/PIPPRamends) was launched at the beginning of November 2012.

Q: I believe the draft SEN legislation will make a big difference to our SEN department. When can we expect it to be implemented?  

A: There is no doubt that the new draft special educational needs (SEN) legislation (available to download at http://bit.ly/SENlegislation) will have a big impact on every school once it becomes law and is implemented.

Checklist – Mental health and well-being  

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Form – Example staff well-being survey questions  

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Handout – Immediate intervention strategies  

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Checklist – Capital spending proposals  

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Form – Clarifying the context of your school  

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Checklist – Key challenges action plan  

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Form – School business manager delegation matrix  

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Worked example – Organisational action plan for resilience  

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Checklist – Resilience questionnaire for staff  

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Form – Learning environment: SWOT audit tool  

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Form – Action planning tools  

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Handout – List of resources  

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Form – Checklist for effective information sharing  

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Worked example – Checklist for effective information sharing  

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Form – Assessing your school’s culture  

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Worked example – Model business case  

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Worked example – Marketing and communication channels grid  

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Policy – Networking app usage  

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Form – Project planning  

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Form – Position statement  

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Form – Intent, implementation and impact: initial action plan  

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Form – External communications survey  

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Checklist – Weaknesses of curriculum design and implementation: action plan to improve  

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Checklist – Strengths of curriculum design and implementation  

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Checklist – Strategic plan to develop a community school: the school’s contribution  

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Checklist – Strategic plan to develop a community school – the community dimension  

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Checklist – Strategic plan to develop a community school: the benefits to the school  

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Checklist – Staffing restructure  

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Checklist – Environmental improvements to work towards  

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Form – Supervision record: professional support  

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Form – Attendance case risk management: one-to-one supervision tool  

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PowerPoint – Amazing TAs  

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Form – Setting the agenda  

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Template – Whistleblowing policy  

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Form – Individual support plan  

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Worked example – Individual support plan  

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Checklist – Staff welfare audit and action planner  

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Form – Teaching assistant action plan  

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Form – Teaching assistant time audit  

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Form – CPD review: The GROW framework  

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Policy – Health and safety requirements outline  

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Checklist – Transitional meeting questionnaire for Year 6 to Year 7  

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Checklist – Causes of conflict  

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Checklist – Language to use and avoid in conflict situations  

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Checklist – Tips to help disarm someone’s anger  

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Form – Questions for senior leaders to consider  

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Form – School recruitment pack evaluation  

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Handout – Practical tips to improve communication  

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Form – Outcomes of a SEN learning walk  

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Form – Evaluating your provision for emotional health and well-being  

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Checklist – Healthy teacher habits audit  

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Form – Healthy staff planning  

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Checklist – How involved in teaching and learning are you?  

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Form – Recruitment interview  

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Worked example – Recruitment advertisement  

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Checklist – SEN learning walks  

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Checklist – Assessing contractors  

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An introduction to coaching – PowerPoint slideshow  

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Handout – An introduction to coaching  

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Checklist – How to address the main types of mental health needs  

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Form – Staff mental health survey  

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Form – Activities and ideas to support positive staff mental well-being  

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Form – Mental health information survey  

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Handout – An introduction to coaching  

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Form – How well your school supports mental health  

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Free Toolkit: Handout – Ten Cs of successful leadership  

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Checklist – SBM cost-cutting template  

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Checklist – Leadership attributes  

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Checklist – Facilitating a strong SBM–SLT relationship  

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Handout – Mindfulness through visualisation  

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Form – Wheel of life  

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Form – Identifying Type A and Type B personalities  

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Checklist – Training audit for the designated person  

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Free Toolkit: Handout – Five top tips for successful learning walks  

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Free Toolkit: Checklist – Self-assessment of current practice: learning walks  

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Checklist – Practical steps for a first-time SBM  

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Checklist – The ‘impact on pupils’ test  

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Form – Improving the use of technology in school  

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Checklist – Technology: impact on pupils  

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Worked example – Strategy to improve teacher workload  

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Form – Planning CPD events  

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Form – CPD planner  

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Checklist – Staff retention policies  

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Form – Missing children: annual record  

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Form – Goal setting  

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Form – Sample mood journal  

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Handout – Creating a mood journal  

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Form – The six leadership empowerment traps  

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Form – Empowering your team  

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Checklist – Crisis communications and management  

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Checklist – Ten steps to ensure GPDR compliance  

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Checklist – Data breaches: RAG monitoring and action  

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Form – Questionnaire for staff: Sexual harassment  

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Data breach log – Education  

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Handout – GDPR summary for school staff  

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Handout – GDPR summary for school leaders  

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Form – Budget management: Staffing  

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Worked example – Intervention impact assessment  

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Worked example – Improving your school’s approach to sexual harassment  

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Policy – Asbestos incident management  

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