School Business Manager Recruitment Information Pack Ninelands Lane Garforth Leeds LS25 1NT ninelandsoffice@leedslearning.net www.ninelands-school.co.uk Learning in Action 1
School Business Manager Recruitment Information Pack Contents Letter from Headteacher........ 3 Letter from Chair of Governors... 4 Ninelands Primary School Aims..5 Introduction 6 Application Process.... 8 Vacancy Advert...9 Job Description..11 Person Specification 14 2
Dear Candidate Re: Post of School Business Manager Thank you for your interest in the position of School Business Manager at Ninelands Primary School. We are a happy thriving school with a passion for creative teaching, outdoor learning and innovation. We work closely with the other Primary Schools and Children s Centres in Garforth as part of the Garforth Schools Partnership Trust to enhance provision for all the children in the Garforth Community. Following the promotion of our current School Business Manager, we are now looking for someone who can join our well established senior leadership team and help us continue to move forward as a school. In December 2012 we achieved an OFSTED grade of good overall, with outstanding for behaviour and safety. It is our aim to achieve outstanding overall in our next OFSTED while maintaining and developing all that we believe in about how best to educate our children. Despite being the largest Primary School in Garforth, we are a friendly, close and supportive staff who work well as a team. Our Governing Body is knowledgeable, efficient and focussed on raising standards and is incredibly supportive of the school. We have an active PTA, the Friends of Ninelands, who raise considerable funds for the school and have an excellent relationship with the school leadership. In short, Ninelands is an exciting, happy and stimulating place to work, and a good prospect for anyone looking to further their career. I hope that after finding out more about our school, you will feel encouraged to apply for the advertised post. Yours faithfully Mrs J Sabourn Headteacher 3
Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the post of School Business Manager at Ninelands Primary School. Our vision is to provide high quality education and deliver the best outcomes for our children with an ethos based on our philosophy of mutual respect, hard work and co-operation. At our core we provide excellent educational provision for our families, firmly rooted in the context of the local community. We are passionate about active learning, and provide excellence in teaching through high expectations with adherence to traditional values and standards. You will be joining an ambitious and innovative school, and we are looking for an imaginative member of staff who can help to secure positive outcomes for our children, their families, and the community that we serve. We are looking for an outstanding member of staff that can take the school onto greater success, inspiring the children to attain the highest level possible. If you share our vision and passion for children and their families then we would like to hear from you. Yours faithfully Mr R Turner Chair of Governors 4
Ninelands Primary School Aims Ninelands is a Foundation School catering for pupils between the ages of three and eleven. The aims of our school are: To encourage children of all abilities to develop enquiring minds, an enthusiasm for learning, an ability to co-operate and a desire to achieve. To encourage children to develop their full potential in physical, emotional, spiritual and aesthetic growth and to recognise the importance of each of these areas of knowledge and experience. To foster in all members of the school community positive attitudes towards self, other people and the different cultures of the world in which we live. To promote self-discipline so that children become increasingly responsible for their own behaviour and increasingly self-reliant and self-motivated learners. To provide equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender, race, religion or physical ability. To meet the requirements of the National Curriculum whilst maintaining a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum which enables each child to experience success and develop attitudes of confidence and competence. To provide for the continual development of the individual by meeting children s present needs and providing a sound foundation for future stages of learning. To establish a positive relationship with parents and involve them in their child s learning. To play an active role in the life of the wider town community. 5
Introduction to Ninelands Garforth is an ex-mining town with a strong identity and community spirit. Ninelands Primary School was built in the 60 s and was originally separate Infant and Junior Schools. It is now the largest Primary School in Garforth and currently has 449 children on role. We have a 52 place nursery, which has been over-subscribed in recent years due to its popularity. Because of this, we only have one intake a year in September. The nursery shares a large outdoor area with the Reception classes, which comprises a trim trail, vehicle track, writing area, storage hut, play house, giant sand pit, gardening beds and ample play space. The original infant building houses the Nursery, Reception and Key Stage One classes, in addition to three intervention rooms, a teaching kitchen, Deputy Head s office, a hall, care suite and ICT suite/library. This building also has its own playground and field. The Key Stage Two building has two stories and is the admin centre of school. Here you will find Years 3-6, the main ICT suite, large hall, main staffroom, kitchen and another care suite. The building has full disabled access upstairs with a newly installed lift. This building also has its own playground and field. The extensive grounds have been developed as an extension of the classroom with an allotment, pond and forest school area. We are proud of Ninelands and the developing curriculum which shapes our school. We were a founder member of the Garforth School s Partnership Trust, which means we are a Foundation School. All member schools work closely together in order to produce the best outcomes of our children. We have a shared action plan and co-operate on practical level with some shared policies, projects, training and development and activities for children. Many of the curriculum co-ordinators meet half termly in order to develop teaching and learning for their subject area. 6
In December 2012, Ninelands was inspected under the newest framework and received a good grade overall with outstanding for behaviour and safety. Extracts from our report As the amount of teaching that is outstanding is increasing, so is the proportion of pupils making exceptional progress. The strong leadership of the headteacher has ensured the school has maintained and built upon the good achievement, teaching and leadership and management noted at the previous inspection. Pupils exemplary behaviour contributes well to the progress they make as it ensures that lessons run smoothly. They are very polite, courteous and show a great deal of respect for others. Pupils are very eager to get on with their work and are highly considerate and very supportive of each other in lessons. OFSTED December 2012 We were extremely pleased with the outcome and now aim for the outstanding grade. 7
The Application Process Further details about the school can be found at www.ninelands-school.co.uk Completed applications should be returned to mannerh01@leedslearning.net or by post to Mrs Helen Manners-Vaughan, School Business Manager, Ninelands Primary School, Ninelands Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 1NT by 12.00 noon on Friday 19 th April 2013. An e-mail and letter will be sent to shortlisted candidates with details of the interview and selection process. If you have not heard from us within one week of the closing date please assume your application has been unsuccessful. Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact Mrs. Helen Manners-Vaughan on 0113 3368678. 8
School Business Manager Ninelands Primary School Position available from 1 st May 2013 SO2 Full Time Permanent ( 27,052 28,636) The governors wish to recruit an inspirational School Business Manager to join our highly successful and creative team at Ninelands Primary School in Garforth, Leeds. We are looking for a School Business Manager, who can be a dynamic leader of all non teaching support functions at Ninelands and who is passionate about education in these exciting times of change and challenge. As a school dedicated to professional development, and a partner with the NCSL, we are looking for a candidate who is committed to their own professional development. We firmly believe in creative, skill based learning and outdoor opportunities. We require someone who shares this philosophy and can help to shape our school further whilst ensuring the highest standards in all non-teaching support functions within the school. We have a strong, dynamic and effective leadership team and the post will be attractive to someone who has the ability and aspirations to work at senior leadership level. Ninelands Primary School is a popular and vibrant school with an excellent reputation in the local community. We are a Foundation School and one of the founder members of the Garforth School Partnership Trust. We have an over-subscribed 52 place nursery and a two form intake from Reception upwards. We currently have 449 children on role. Ninelands was deemed good overall in the new September 2012 OFSTED framework with outstanding awarded for behaviour and safety. We are looking for someone who is: Able to lead and manage all non teaching activity and resources in order to develop the infrastructure and working/learning environment to ensure excellent teaching and learning Able to support the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in achieving the vision, aims and ethos of the school 9
An effective member of the Senior Leadership Team who can play a key role in the development of the School Improvement Plan A highly able, dedicated and inspirational leader We can offer you: A dynamic and strong senior leadership team who are focused on whole school priorities A highly motivated, talented and supportive staff team who are committed to building on the many strengths of the school The opportunity to work in an exciting learning environment where hard work and achievement are appreciated, acknowledged and celebrated A large site with extensive grounds to enhance outdoor learning A strong commitment to continual professional leadership development A school which works practically and collaboratively with the other schools and services in the Garforth Trust to ensure improved outcomes for all the Garforth community Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the school and meet the Headteacher, Mrs. Jillian Sabourn or School Business Manager, Mrs Helen Manners-Vaughan, by appointment. Application must be by application form and letter. The letter should be clear, concise and address all areas of the Person Specification and Job Description. It should be no longer than two sides of typed A4. Visits: Week commencing 25 th March, Tuesday 9th April or week commencing 15 th April Closing Date: 12.00 noon 19 th April Shortlisting: 19 th April Interviews: 24 th April For appointments, an application pack or if you have any questions relating to the post, please contact the School Business Manager, Mrs. Helen Manners-Vaughan at mannerh01@leedslearning.net or on 0113 3368678. Application packs can also be downloaded from our website www.ninelands-school.co.uk 10
Job Description School Business Manager Job Purpose : Responsible To : Responsible for: Liaises with : To lead and manage all non teaching activity and resources in order to develop the infrastructure and working/learning environment required to ensure excellent teaching and learning. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, to support the Headteacher in achieving the vision, aims and ethos of the school. Head Teacher Finance Officer Admin Officer Admin Assistant Superintendent Cook in Charge and Catering team Cleaning team Teachers and Staff, Governors, GSPT, FON, Children s Services, HR, Finance Officers, Contractors and Service Providers. RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Strategic management To ensure school makes the best possible use of resources through effective forward planning and financial consideration; working as part of the SLT and advisor to the Governing Body on the non teaching activity of the school. To manage and develop the school as a business. Line management To provide leadership and guidance, including direct line management where appropriate, for all admin and non teaching support staff; ensuring the correct resources are in place, focusing on the priority tasks and providing the contribution that meets the needs of the school. TYPICAL DUTIES Offer advice, guidance and recommendations on non teaching aspects Be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team Prepare proposals business plans and costings for projects/initiatives Preparing and leading on action plans that support the SIP Attend Governing Body and Committee meetings as required Provide management reports to support the decision making process Provide analysis of pupil records in conjunction with teaching staff Develop the commercial use of the school including the development of school lettings Manage the school s catering function including staffing and health and safety Lead a motivated and cohesive support team Commission and delegate duties, setting objectives and priorities Ensure robust performance management is in place for all admin and non teaching support staff including objective setting, review and development planning Support and facilitate staff induction/development/training Manage attendance and cover of non teaching support teams Ensure clear communication on all school matters across the admin and non teaching support staff Act as interface between school management and admin and non teaching support staff Assist with recruitment of admin and non teaching support staff 11
Financial Management To ensure the integrity of the school's financial management and the smooth operation of the day to day financial operations; ensuring the school has appropriate financial policies, systems and reporting in place and that income and expenditure is managed accordingly. Strategic Manage the school accounting function Maintain and reconcile the school budget Provide advice, financial statements and forecasts to the SLT and GB Monitor income and expenditure advising SLT/GB of potential outturn Ensure compliance with financial regulations/sfvs Prepare final accounts and liaise with the auditors Plan, review, present, monitor and control the school budget in line with the SIP Day to day Direct and manage the work of the Finance Officer Manage financial admin procedures Provide a comprehensive payroll function for school staff Prepare all financial returns Handle school rating and VAT liabilities and advise on financial implications Manage procurement procedures Support delegated budget holders in monitoring / controlling their budgets Be responsible for the school s insurance matters i.e. quotations, agreements and handling of claims against the school Monitoring and reviewing of Service Level Agreements Manage/monitor all school private fund accounts Conduct Best Value exercises on a regular basis HR and staffing To provide an HR and payroll service to the school; advising both the management team and staff of best practice and procedures to be followed. Premises / estates management To manage the use and maintenance of school premises; maximizing income, and ensuring the smooth operation of the school. Act as first point of contact on personnel and payroll matters Administer personnel and payroll systems Manage all aspects of Employee/Personnel Administration Manage staff contracts and recruitment admin including references/dbs/medical checks Advise on employment law matters Supervise, allocate and monitor the workload of the administration staff Support the Headteacher with Attendance Management procedures Devise premises strategies to ensure the environment meets the needs of the school Direct and manage the work of the Superintendent Co-ordinate the maintenance of the site and building Oversee preparation of work tenders and specifications Co-ordinate the implementation of premises items within the SIP and Asset Management Plan Be project manager for any premise enhancements work 12
Whole school administration To improve the efficiency of school wide admin processes, facilities, communication and ICT; advising the Governing Body and SMT as appropriate Health, safety and risk management To manage all Health and Safety and Risk areas of school life; liaising with internal and external designated bodies to ensure the learning environment is safe and risk free Marketing and Liaison To act as a articulate ambassador to develop contacts and to raise the school profile; looking to maximise opportunities, (within the ethos of the school) to generate funding or support from outside agencies/groups. Manage admissions procedures Lead and manage the school admin function including reception, reprographics, records, pupil data, secretarial support, ICT and telephony Manage school admin and computer network systems Ensure the development and maintenance of the school web site Prepare and produce all school records and publications Act as contact point of DFE, Children s Services and Trust for records and returns e.g. Census, SWC Obtain licenses and permissions Develop school policies for working with contractors and outside agencies Maintain the school s contract register Maintain pupil records and provide analysis Control and liaison of school diary/ events Manage Health and Safety within school through designated staff Implement risk management and loss prevention strategies Conduct risk and health and safety assessments Implement, review and improve school health, safety and risk policies in conjunction with the GB Ensure sufficient staff are trained to fulfill statutory roles eg first aid, fire officer Act as prime point of contact for H&S Exec and other regulatory bodies Place service contacts and monitor performance standards Act as Educational Visits Coordinator providing advice and support to all staff on school visits and events Research and generate additional sources of income Liaise with local businesses and local press Promote the school to parents, partners and the local community Liaise with other Trust partners and outside agencies Liaise with and attend parent/supporter groups e.g. FON 13
Key Skills and Competencies School Business Manager Degree in a relevant subject, equivalent qualification or significant experience in relevant discipline e.g. CSBM Significant knowledge and experience of the leadership and management of finance system/s Significant experience of managing successful teams, including appraisal Experience of developing, implementing and maintaining new systems and procedures Essential Desirable MOA A,C * * A,R * A,I,R * A,I,R Experience of negotiating and managing contracts * A,I Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to consult and influence at senior levels * A,I,R Ability to develop effective working relationships * A,I,R Ability to manage conflict to achieve positive outcomes Experience of managing compliance to Health and Safety procedures and regulations Good knowledge of current employment law and HR best practices Successful experience in a similar role in another educational establishment Personal effectiveness, including time management and ability to prioritise deadlines Good written communication skills, the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing Excellent knowledge of education / DFE requirements and developments Excellent knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding practices when working with children Identifies own and personal and professional development needs and moves forward by gaining professional qualifications or training. * A,I * A,I * A,I * A,I * A,I,R * A,I,R * A,I * A,I A,I * 14
Acts with integrity, honesty, loyalty and fairness, always within the limits of professional competence, to safeguard the assets, financial probity and reputation of the school. Ability to contribute to the strategic improvement plan, considers resource allocation and leads some sections of its implementation. Ability to contribute to the vision, values, moral purpose, learning styles, leadership styles and ethos of the school and applies these to working practices for self and team needs. * * * A,I,R A,I,R A,I,R Ability to see the big picture and a visible desire to improve the outcome for children and young people. * A,I,R The post holder will require an enhanced DBS Key: MOA= Method of Assessment, A= Application, I= Interview and assessment, R = Reference, C= Certificate. * C 15