School business managers “We all knew the SBM role at Monteney had the potential to be huge


and support the school in a number of different ways but the benefits it has given us have been far more wide-reaching and extensive than any of us could have imagined. “Morag really has the bigger picture. She fits everything together and


presents me and the governing body with solutions to any problems that may arise. Her suggestions really make me think about the school and its future – and she always has the success of the school at the forefront of her thinking. “I would urge all headteachers to look into employing, or accessing, a


school business manager if they can. It really is one of the best decisions I ever made. Even if budgets are tight, look into doing it collaboratively with neighbouring schools. That will allow you to share both the cost but also the benefits. It is the first position I would look to fill when taking on a new school.”


“I would urge all headteachers to look into employing, or accessing, a school


business manager if they can. It really is one of the best decisions I ever made”


The experience has been no less positive for Ms Somerville herself.


Before she joined Monteney, her background was in finance, like many schools business managers. From the school’s admin officer, she quickly progressed to taking on all kinds of elements of the SBM role, including maintenance contracts and overseeing the whole school budgets, giving Ms Shipman the chance to focus even more on her core duties. “It really is the best job I’ve ever done,” Ms Somerville says. “It is


such a wide-ranging position and, a bit like being a headteacher, no two days are the same. There are, of course, challenges in my work but the rewards far outweigh them. I love the fact that I can see my work and


actions making a difference to the lives of children at the school, and to their outcomes and achievements.” Ms Shipman and Ms Somerville’s professional partnership has helped


both with their career progression. Ms Somerville progressed from the school’s administration officer to SBM, taking her Certificate of School Business Management, Diploma of School Business Management and Advanced Diploma with the National College along the way. At the same time, the federation of Monteney and Fox Hill has allowed both of them to take their careers one step further. “Because Morag’s contribution has freed me to lead, I was able


to take on the soft federation with Fox Hill Primary School when the opportunity arose,” Ms Shipman comments. “This then led to the formal hard federation agreement, which I was able to concentrate on because I had Morag’s support. Becoming executive headteacher, and Morag becoming federation business manager, has allowed us both to grow and develop in our roles.” Ms Somerville adds: “My progression is a credit to Nicola and the


governors at the school. They allowed me to have autonomy in the role and get on with doing my job. Making the right decisions for the school is permanently at the forefront of my mind and I always take the needs of the pupils and staff into account, before making those decisions. Looking at the school as a whole, and considering every possible impact of the decisions I make, is one of the most challenging aspects of my job but it really is the most rewarding too.” Monteney Primary School was awarded an “outstanding” grade


in its Ofsted inspection in 2007, something Ms Shipman is convinced is, at least in part, down to Ms Somerville’s SBM role. “It allows me to concentrate on what being a headteacher is all about,” she says, “making sure the children in my schools get the best possible education we can give them.”


Further information For more information about the role of school business managers, or for information on courses run by the National College, please visit: www.nationalcollege.org.uk/sbm


www.etwinning.net The Community for Schools in Europe


With over 90,000 active members in 32 European countries, eTwinning is an eff ective online partner fi nding and collaboration tool for teachers, pupils and schools.


 Bring Europe to your classroom  It’s free, easy and safe to use  Develop 21st century learning skills  Raise standards and motivation in your classroom  Access great professional development opportunities


“eTwinning is an easily accessible network that enables teachers and pupils to participate in international projects that reaps both personal and pupil benefi ts”


Steven Hales - Executive Head Teacher, Burnham Market Primary School


For further information and support, visit www.britishcouncil.org/etwinning 18


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32