D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

The SBM February Checklist

For maintained schools

and

academies by Alex Masters

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Conduct a health and safety audit

Top tip: Remember that the law does not expect all risk to be

eliminated but it requires protection as far as is ‘reasonably

practicable’.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Budget monitoring

Top tip: One good question to ask yourself is: Have I checked

that departments have individual development plans that flow

from the overall SIP?

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Contract monitoring

Top tip: When negotiating a contract, ensure the contract

does not include a clause that enables them to increase costs

during the contract period.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Publish the admission appeals timetable

Top tip: Remember that if your school is genuinely admitting

up to a genuine ‘full’ level, they will succeed in demonstrating

prejudice.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Review staffing structure and curriculum

needs

Top tip: Review the effectiveness of your existing structure

and check relevant policies and see if they are due for review.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

EFA issues Year 7 catch-up premium

payment Top tip: Ofsted want to see evidence that you are raising the

attainment of your pupil premium pupils and closing the gap.

It’s all about the data. They are not too concerned about how

you achieved it; that’s up to you.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Plan ICT requirements to be installed

in the summer Top tip: Consider more integrated solutions that in the long

run could incur less cost. Come companies offer consultancy

with the package to assess your needs.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

Check SLAs and contracts and

retender if necessary Top tip: Don’t forget to include: a description of your

payment rates and terms, a cancelation clause, essential

information and an area to sign to agree to the terms and

conditions.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

EFA publishes pupil premium grant

conditions for next year Top tip: For more information check out the Department for

Education website.

D E V E L O P I N G E X C E L L E N C E T O G E T H E R

For more information on the February

checklist for School Business Managers,

visit http://www.optimus-

education.com/app/cat/financial-management/the-

sbm-february-checklist