School Business Professional Apprenticeship Level 4 Standard

Course overview

The topics you will cover whilst training include: Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Managing Support Services, Governance and Risk, Marketing, Infrastructure and Ethical Standards.

During the apprenticeship you will build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the work you have completed in the following areas: Financial and Operational Management; Project Management; Plans, organises and manages processes; Change Management; Embraces change in a school and influence others in a positive manner; Works constructively within a team environment and Strategic Management.

Candidates will be eligible to become a Full Member of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL – formerly National Association of School Business Management) upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

School Business Professionals (SBPs) perform a role which is unique to schools, administering and managing the financial, site and support services within the school context. They provide essential support to school leadership teams, implementing their financial and business decisions. Their work is performed in the context of ensuring that public funds are used effectively. They must adhere to the principles of making the best use of school resources to enable all students to achieve their potential and to meet the aim of increasing social mobility for children and young people. SBPs must also understand that their role is of vital importance in relation to school governance and compliance. They must have a good understanding of educational policies and be able to implement change.

The role typically includes:
-Drafting and monitoring the school budget, setting up financial controls and reporting on performance to ensure best value for money is achieved; managing payroll, maintaining accounts and financial reporting to the headteacher and governors
- Management of the school site to ensure that it provides a safe and suitable learning environment; procurement of goods and services to achieve best value and oversee contract management, e.g. staff, catering and maintenance contracts
- Identification of income generation opportunities on a small scale, supporting the SBD in larger opportunities
- Preparation of marketing materials and lead a range of marketing activities to add value and promote the school externally
- Responsibility for managing office and other support staff and for developing and maintaining effective administrative systems, e.g. student record-keeping systems; implementation of school HR processes
- Ensuring compliance with and implementation of safeguarding and Health & Safety policies so that all stakeholders work in a safe and healthy
- SBPs interact with all school stakeholders regularly to advise on and manage school business practices effectively. This requires them to understand educational issues as well as business management.

What else do I need to know?

On an apprenticeship programme you usually will work for a minimum of 30 hours a week for the employer and then have one day a week at college or designated time in the workplace.
Some job roles will require a DBS before starting, you will be advised at interview stage if this is required.

Whilst you are on an apprenticeship your employer pays you a salary, this includes all off the job training as well.