Academy Business Manager

SCP 29 – 33: £37336 -£41418 (FTE - will be pro-rata to reflect TTO working pattern)

From Monday 3rd June 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter

Full time, 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year (Term Time Only + 2 weeks)

Following the retirement of our outstanding Business Manager after 19 years Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery are seeking to recruit an Academy Business Manager. The school is seeking a dynamic personality to be responsible for strategic planning including financial, personnel, compliance, and estates and to ensure that the school makes the best possible use of resources available.

This role is key to the success of the school, and we seek a Business Manager who has a positive attitude, who cares about making a difference to the outcomes of our pupils and can empower and take others along the journey with them. The successful candidate will need to work closely supporting the Headteacher and other staff.

They will need to be a team player who is able to multi-task effectively, motivate others and demonstrate a commitment to achieving high standards.

Applicants with experience of working in the education sector are welcome to apply as are those with a business background. The ability to effectively lead a team is essential. We believe in recruiting the very best staff to support our pupils.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Human Resources
Finance
Facilities/Estates management
Compliance
Outstanding organisational and communication skills
Excellent numeracy, literacy and IT skills with proficiency in MS Office
Ability to remain calm and to deal with people and situations in an appropriate manner
Ability to use your own initiative to deal sensitively with a range of complex issues

Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery is committed to safeguarding children and this is reflected in our recruitment processes.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon Tuesday 7th May 2024

Interviews to be held: Friday 10th May 2024

Thank you for your interest in the post of Business Manager within our school.

As an academy we are determined to be judged outstanding at our next inspection. Our last inspection in March 2019 graded us as a good school in all areas. Some of our current strengths include:

Leadership and staff united in their commitment to the school

A governing body who are effective partners in driving school improvement

Good and better teaching across the whole school

Expert support from teaching assistants

Children’s behaviour and positive attitudes to learning

Support for children with special needs

Our priorities for further improvement are to:

Improve marking to ensure that children make even better progress in their Reading
Accelerate attainment in all core subjects.
We know that working in partnership with the Focus-Trust enables us to move from a Good to Outstanding school.

We continue to be proud of our friendly and caring reputation and believe that learning can only take place within an environment where children feel secure and happy.

If you would like to join our highly motivated and committed staff, please complete your application and return it to us as soon as possible. It is important that you refer to the person specification and job description, and outline your curriculum strengths.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Andrew Ross

Headteacher

Appointment Information Pack

Administrative Management

Manage the whole Academy's administrative function; including telephones, email, reception, diaries, reprographics, records.
Define responsibilities, information and support for staff and other stakeholders.
Design, manage and maintain administrative systems that deliver outcomes based on aims and objectives of the academy and the Trust.
Benchmark systems and information to assess trends and make appropriate recommendations.
Prepare and produce a wide range of Academy reports/publications.
Prepare information for returns for the DfE/EFA, The Trust and other agencies and stakeholders.
Manage and ensure that the Evolve system is accurate and continually updated.
Manage all necessary licenses and permissions and ensuring their relevance and timeliness.
Educational Visits Coordinator – depending on requirements within the school this role may involve the need to be the EVC, however as School Business Manager, you would still have an oversight of all trips/visits in line with risk management/financial policies and procedures.

Management Information Systems & ICT

Ensure resources, support and training are provided to enable staff to make the best use of available ICT including teaching, learning and assessment systems.
Ensure that appropriate back-up arrangements are in place and actioned.
Ensure contingency plans are in place in the case of technology failure.
Consult with relevant parties to introduce new technology or improve existing technology for different purposes.
Be responsible for ensuring the website is kept up to date and compliant (as required within the school setting)

Health & Safety

Act as the School’s Health & Safety Co-ordinator.
Lead and manage First Aid throughout the school.
Plan, instigate and maintain records of fire practices and alarm tests in liaison with the Principal.
Ensure the School’s written health & safety policy statement is clearly communicated and available to all people.
Enable regular consultation with stakeholders on health and safety issues.
Ensure systems are in place to enable identification of hazards and risk assessments.
Ensure systems are in place for effective monitoring, measuring and reporting of health & safety issues to the Leadership Team, Governors and where appropriate the HSE.
Ensure that maximum levels of security are consistent with the ethos of the School.

The School environment

Responsible for making decisions regarding the School premises in line with budget provision and operational requirements, evaluating tenders, prioritising work and repairs and the replacement of resources.
Deal with outside bodies or contractors planning work schedules and supervising work to ensure this is carried out to the required standards and within the appropriate timescales.

Human resources in the School

Co-ordinate the administration of staff recruitment, ensuring new staff have DBS clearance, medical clearance and all staff have appropriate contracts of employment, issued in a timely manner.
Ensuring all pre-employment checks are completed as appropriate in line with safer recruitment guidelines.
Provide leadership and guidance for all staff as appropriate, including direct line management for assigned support staff including recruitment, induction, performance management and training and development. Typical direct line management support will be Site, Cleaning, Catering, Admin/Finance, and ICT but will be subject to change in order to meet the needs of the school.
Raise awareness of any HR issues around assessment of salaries, expenses, sickness and maternity/paternity procedures, redundancy and other matters of dismissal. Seek additional advice from the Trust’s HR department on HR related policies and procedures as required.
Maintain confidential HR records, including the Single Central Record. Maintain sickness records and manage the sickness monitoring procedures, including back to work interviews where appropriate.
Facilitate the organisation of staff development.
Arrange supply staff, including appropriate vetting procedures and ensure the accuracy of timesheets.
Co-ordinate and manage lunchtime supervision across school as required.

Resources management

Pursue and maximise income and sponsorship generation opportunities including the preparation and submission of applications and bids and fundraising.
Manage the administration and reporting on bids and other funders
Develop business plans in consultation with other staff for possible generation of long-term incomes for the school. .

Fulfill wider professional responsibilities

Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School and the Trust.
Develop effective professional relationships with governors, colleagues, families knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support.
To be willing and able to be part of a team of first aiders/fire wardens as may be required.
Communicate effectively with pupils, school staff and visitors.
To participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Personal and professional conduct

All Focus Trust staff are expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following statements define the behaviour and attitudes which set the required standard for conduct throughout a career with the Trust.

All Staff must uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside the School, by:

treating governors, pupils, staff, parents and visitors with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to an adult working in an School environment;
having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions;
showing tolerance of and respect for the rights of others;
not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; and
ensuring that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

All staff working in the Focus-Trust must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the School and the Trust, and maintain high standards in their own attendance and punctuality.

All staff must have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities; and within the policies, handbooks and guidelines of the School and of the Focus-Trust.

General

The post holder will:

Be expected to actively support the work and ethos of the Focus-Trust.
Be expected to undertake such additional duties as may reasonably be requested by the Principal/Headteacher or their representative.
Respect confidentiality of staff, pupils, families and visitors and not breach this trust. Any breaches of confidentiality must be reported to the Principal/Headteacher immediately.
Participate in arrangements for appraisal and in the identification of areas in which s/he would benefit from training and undergo such training.
Comply with and support all policies related to equal opportunities, child protection and safeguarding of children and colleagues.

This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and it may, after consultation with the post holder be subject to modification and amendment in accordance with Trust’s procedures.

Signed …………………………………………………………… Post holder

Signed ……………………………………………………………… Line manager

Dated ………………………………………………………………

School Business Manager

Person specification

Key:

App – Application Form

Ref – Reference

SP – Selection process. This could include a range of exercises, including an interview.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Essential/

Desirable

How identified

Experience

Experience of working in a school office

D

App/SP

Experience of using computer packages for word processing, spreadsheets, databases and researching information

E

App/SP

Experience of leading and managing a wide range of office based administration tasks systems to ensure continually effective and efficient service delivery

E

App/SP

Experience of leading and managing a key function of Business Manager; e.g. Finance, HR, Site Management, Health & Safety

E

App/SP

Experience of producing management and statistical information clearly in a way that can be understood by others

E

App/SP

Experience of managing a team so that they are led and empowered to work with others and meet deadlines and goals

E

App/SP

Experience in using and maintaining accurate and quality electronic and paper based systems

E

App/SP

Experience in contributing to evaluating and developing electronic and paper based systems to create more effective practices

E

App/SP

Experience of a range of financial tasks and responsibilities including handling and accurately accounting for cash,

budget planning, management and monitoring, and authorizing payments from committed expenditures

E

App/SP

Experience of using Educational Software Systems; eg. HCSS/PS Financials/Integris/Evolve

D

App/SP

Skills and abilities

Highly developed verbal communication skills to deliver key messages to a wide range of people at all levels.

E

App/SP

Highly developed interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, contractors and pupils

E

App/SP

Analytical skills to solve difficult problems, through using judgment to interpret complex information and situations

E

App/SP

Initiative to respond to unexpected problems and to make frequent decisions.

E

App/SP

Excellent and meticulous organizational skills to work under pressure to prioritise and re-prioritse own workload, and that of the team to meet potential conflicting deadlines

E

App/SP

Excellent literacy and written communication skills to be to compose letters, reports and other documents as required

E

App/SP

Effective financial skills to allow you to undertake a range of financial tasks, including strategically setting the budget, monitoring of budgets and accounting for expenditure and following financial procedures

E

App/SP

Ability to absorb and understand a wide and varied range of information and deliver key messages

E

App/SP

Training and motivation skills to support the ongoing development of the wider team

E

App/SP

The ability to write and verbal communication skills appropriate for a range of different audiences, including skills where appropriate in being persuasive, encouraging and negotiating, in order to further the objectives of the school

E

App/SP

Knowledge

Knowledge of key areas of legislation affecting personnel, estate management and Health and safety

E

App/SP

Good working knowledge of financial codes of practice/regulations/relevant policies relating to educational finances

D

App/SP

Knowledge of data protection and information security and a good understanding of the importance of information protection

E

App/SP

Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity issues within a school community

D

App/SP

Knowledge of maintaining accurate databases with confidentiality and Data Protection in mind.

E

App/SP

Knowledge of data protection, dealing with FOI requests and information security and an understanding of why it is important to keep information confidential and secure within the work environment

E

App/SP

Child protection

Understands why safeguarding is important when working with children. Able to apply CP policies and procedures

E

App/SP

Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a supportive and effective manner

E

App/SP

Qualifications and training

Minimum of NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) in business administration or accounting or another professional recognised qualification covering Leadership, HR, Estates

E

App

Certificate in School Business Management (CSBM or equivalent or willingness to work towards)

E

Diploma in School Business Management (CSBM or equivalent or willingness to work towards)

E

Willingness to gain a first aid certificate as required

E

App

IOSH Certificate or willingness to undertake

E

Literacy and Numeracy skills (A-C/4-9 GCSE level or equivalent)

E

App

Personal qualities and attributes

Moral purpose (Equality, children and adults treated with respect)

E

SP/Ref

Excellent communicator (Listening, putting a message across)

E

SP/Ref

Child centered

E

SP/Ref

Resilient

E

SP/Ref

Integrity

E

SP/Ref

Self motivated and able to motivate other members of the team

E

SP/Ref

Enjoys challenge

E

SP/Ref

Enthusiastic and optimistic

E

SP/Ref

Excellent problem solving/analytical skills

E

SP/Ref

Self awareness, knowledge of strengths and limitations

E

SP/Ref

Works to deadlines and deals effectively with multiple tasks and competing priorities

E

SP/Ref

Ability to work effectively as part of/leader of a team, understanding school roles and responsibilities.

E

SP/Ref

Working accurately and with attention to detail

E

SP/Ref

About our Academy

Our pupils

We currently have 393 children on roll, who are taught in 15 classes (3xEYFS, 4xKS1 and 8xKS2).

Our staff

Principal

Deputy Principal

16 x teachers FTE

7 x Teaching assistants (In-class support)

5 x SEN Teaching Assistants

1 x Business Manager

3 x Admin Assistants

1 x Site maintenance Officer

7 x Mid-day assistants

Our geographical area

Rudheath is a semi-rural area on the edge of the town of Northwich

Our curriculum

Basic skills form the core on which our curriculum is built. We use a framework of ‘non-negotiables’ to ensure that the fundamental academic skills of English, Maths and Computing are delivered for a significant impact on children’s learning and progress. Alongside these academic demands we are developing our curriculum for all children to learn how to learn through promoting thinking and collaborative skills. Thematic Learning Challenges are used as hooks, to engage children’s interest.

Our extra-curricular activities; Over the year we offer a range of extra-curricular activities including; Sports Multi-skills, Drama, Dance, Computing and Textiles.

Academy Quick Facts

Type of school

Primary and Nursery

Age range

3-11 years

Location/LA

Cheshire West and Chester

Number of children

393

Number of teaching staff

16

Number of support staff

12

% FSM

28%

% SEN

15%

% EAL

6%

Focus-Trust was incorporated in May 2012 as a primary trust. The Trust has links with the sponsor, Focus Education, but is an entirely separate legal entity. As with all academy trusts, the Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The Trust’s offices are situated in a newly converted historic mill conversion in Chadderton, Oldham with excellent motorway networks to access our schools.

The defining feature of Focus-Trust is that it is a specialist primary phase trust. This means that the work of the Trust is driven by the distinctive needs of primary schools. Whilst the Trust has robust systems for accountability, each school has their own distinctive identity, ethos and culture, and this is a commitment to every school when they convert and join the Trust.

Focus-Trust currently has a small centrally employed team. The members of the team are highly skilled and committed to the vision, culture and values of the Trust.

All the schools within the Trust are willing partners who have actively chosen to join Focus-Trust and there is a very high degree of consensus, cooperation and commitment from within the group.

The Trust has robust policies and systems in place to govern and guide its work. These have been gradually implemented as the Trust has grown. The Trust has well-established productive relationships with trade unions and meets half termly with a group of national trade union representatives to discuss policy development. This has enabled us to introduce and change a range of policies in a streamlined and cooperative way.

Our Vision

‘Great schools at the heart of our communities’ - with our Community Champions and colleagues, we strive to ensure we are being civic leaders making a difference in the local and national communities and the community is supporting us.

Focus-Trust Mission

‘Learning together, making the difference’

Collective Efficacy

We have a well-developed and securely embedded culture of Collective Efficacy. By this we mean we have, ‘A shared commitment to work together on the things that matter to improve outcomes for all.’

The Focus-Trust Values

Professional honesty is at the heart of everything we do. The Trust knows the schools well because of the strong working partnership between academy leaders and the Trust Central Team. It is only by being honest and transparent with a balance of credible challenge and effective support, that we can move forward and get the best for all children and staff. Our work is underpinned by our values:

Care for children, adults and the learning environment Dare to do things differently and have a go Be fair, honest and inclusive – demonstrating integrity Share concerns, expertise and best practice for the benefit of all learners

Our Moral Purpose

Our People Strategy

Pensions

Focus-Trust contributes to Teachers’ Pensions and Local Government pensions in the same way and with the same level of contribution as local authorities.

Employer Relations

Focus-Trust has a Trade Union agreement which recognises the teacher and support staff unions. This is further supported by an ongoing and productive relationship with key trade union officials.

Equality of opportunity

Focus-Trust is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation and/or medical condition.

Safeguarding

Focus-Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. There is an explicit expectation that all employees share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures. Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process will include an assessment of your suitability to work with children.

Dress code

We expect all staff to dress professionally and appropriately for the roles undertaken. We pride ourselves on the high standards of dress of both our pupils and staff; these standards are led by our staff who we expect to set an example.

Policies

Focus-Trust and the schools have a range of policies and handbooks that help to make clear our expectations and ways of working. These are always shared openly with staff and are accessible to everyone. There are several policies that prospective employees should be aware of when making an application. These can be found on the Trust website www.focus-trust.co.uk and school websites. All members of staff will be asked to sign a declaration as part of the induction process to acknowledge that they have read and understand the Code of Conduct and some of the key policies, e.g. Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety, Acceptable use of IT.

Right to work in the UK

Under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, it is a criminal offence to employ anyone who is not entitled to live or work in the United Kingdom. Applicants can expect us to ask for proof of this at interview stage, where you will be asked to provide some original documentation to confirm that you are eligible to work within the UK. Photographic proof of identity will also be required.

Validation of qualifications and identity

All shortlisted candidates will be asked to bring original certificates or relevant qualifications and identity documents to interview. These will be photocopied and kept on file and, if appropriate, may be confirmed as genuine with the relevant awarding bodies. The copies of the successful candidate will be retained on their personnel file. The copies of unsuccessful candidates will be treated as confidential waste and disposed of appropriately.

References and Social Media Checks

If you are shortlisted, we will take up references before the interview date. One of your referees must be your current or most recent employer. Two satisfactory references must be received before we can confirm any offer of an appointment. The information we request will relate to salary, length of service, skills and abilities, suitability for the job, disciplinary record and suitability to work with children. Copies of references or open references will not be accepted. On receipt of references, your referees may be contacted to verify any discrepancies, anomalies or relevant issues as part of the recruitment verification process.

In line with our safer recruitment policy, social media checks will be undertaken if you are shortlisted. This social media check is designed to complement the range of standard recruitment checks and allows us to identify a candidate’s online presence which potentially could damage the organisation’s reputation.

Knowledge and skills profile

This is an important part of your application and is your opportunity to explain how you meet the person specification for the post. You should demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experience and give short examples. Describe how you match the requirement of the job; include experience gained from previous jobs, community or voluntary work. Ensure that the information you give is well organised, relevant and brief. You may find it helpful to use sub-headings in order to keep your statement well focused. If you do not submit this profile, you will not be considered for short listing.

Disability

To comply with the Equality Act 2010, we are legally required to consider making reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and selection process. We are therefore committed to meeting, wherever possible, any needs you specify on the application form. Please contact Natalie Harris if you need to discuss this in any detail. We will consider any reasonable adjustment under the terms of the Act to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

Disclosure of a criminal record

Employment in this role is subject to an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Checks will also be made against the lists showing people barred from working with children. All checks must be satisfactory before any offer of employment can be confirmed and before commencement of work can take place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information pack. We wish you every success in any application you may make.

Appointment Information Pack

Vacancy

Academy Business Manager

Location

Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery

Start date

June 2024

Closing date & time

12.00 noon Tuesday 7th May 2024

Salary

SCP 29 – 33: £37336 -£41418 (FTE - will be pro-rata to reflect TTO working pattern)

Welcome from Andrew Ross, Headteacher, Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery.

Thank you for your interest in the post of Business Manager within our school.

As an academy we are determined to be judged outstanding at our next inspection. Our last inspection in March 2019 graded us as a good school in all areas. Some of our current strengths include:

à Leadership and staff united in their commitment to the school

à A governing body who are effective partners in driving school improvement

à Good and better teaching across the whole school

à Expert support from teaching assistants

à Children’s behaviour and positive attitudes to learning

à Support for children with special needs

Our priorities for further improvement are to:

Improve marking to ensure that children make even better progress in their Reading
Accelerate attainment in all core subjects.
We know that working in partnership with the Focus-Trust enables us to move from a Good to Outstanding school.

We continue to be proud of our friendly and caring reputation and believe that learning can only take place within an environment where children feel secure and happy.

If you would like to join our highly motivated and committed staff, please complete your application and return it to us as soon as possible. It is important that you refer to the person specification and job description, and outline your curriculum strengths.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Andrew Ross

Headteacher

Academy details

Address

Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery, Gadbrook Road, Northwich CW9 7JL

Telephone

01606 535040

Email

rudheath@focus-trust.co.uk

Website

www.rudheathprimaryacademy.co.uk

Job Description

Academy/School

Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery

Job Family

Business Management

Job Title

School Business Manager

Grade

FT Grade 7 – SCP 29-33

Accountable to

Headteacher/Principal

Line manager

Headteacher/Principal

Purpose of the role

To ensure all aspects of School business management are operated and developed to a high standard, ensurinlg:

- effectiveness;

- efficiency; and

- appropriate and accurate accounting of all funds.

Provide strategic support to the Principal/Head teacher and Governing body on all aspects of school business management
Ensure a sustainable and effective link between the school financial plan and the school improvement plan.
Strategically manage all aspects of financial applications, ensuring that the school make the best possible use of their resources, using “value for monies” strategies
Be responsible for the management of all the major disciplines of finance, HR Management, estate management, administration and all matters of school management that underpin effective teaching and learning
Be responsible for effective risk management and the management of third party service contracts.
Be responsible for all aspects of Data Protection and act as the DPO at school level, which involves responding to FOI, SAR’s and data breaches/near misses.
Work as part of a team to ensure all safeguarding policies and procedures are followed and implemented.

Main duties

Academy finances

Prepare and formulate the Academy's budget (including financial alternative) in conjunction with the Principal to enable the Trust to make accurate management decisions.
Monitor and control the implementation and movement of funds to ensure that the budget is administered according to the agreed Academy improvement plan.
Monitor and review the Academy's budget and advise the Principal on the strategic budgetary position to ensure over and under spending areas are identified, and proposals made, to enable prompt corrective action to be taken.
Manage and use all aspects of the Trust’s financial accounting system within the academy; including the payment of all invoices for expenditure and income collection in accordance with payment timescales and the Trusts financial procedures.
Interpret financial regulations and provide advice to staff on the effective use of financial systems and procedures.
Prepare, amend and submit salary reports to ensure accuracy each month.
Comply with all aspects of the Trust’s Financial Management Handbook.

Administrative Management

Manage the whole Academy's administrative function; including telephones, email, reception, diaries, reprographics, records.
Define responsibilities, information and support for staff and other stakeholders.
Design, manage and maintain administrative systems that deliver outcomes based on aims and objectives of the academy and the Trust.
Benchmark systems and information to assess trends and make appropriate recommendations.
Prepare and produce a wide range of Academy reports/publications.
Prepare information for returns for the DfE/EFA, The Trust and other agencies and stakeholders.
Manage and ensure that the Evolve system is accurate and continually updated.
Manage all necessary licenses and permissions and ensuring their relevance and timeliness.
Educational Visits Coordinator – depending on requirements within the school this role may involve the need to be the EVC, however as School Business Manager, you would still have an oversight of all trips/visits in line with risk management/financial policies and procedures.

Management Information Systems & ICT

Ensure resources, support and training are provided to enable staff to make the best use of available ICT including teaching, learning and assessment systems.
Ensure that appropriate back-up arrangements are in place and actioned.
Ensure contingency plans are in place in the case of technology failure.
Consult with relevant parties to introduce new technology or improve existing technology for different purposes.
Be responsible for ensuring the website is kept up to date and compliant (as required within the school setting)

Health & Safety

Act as the School’s Health & Safety Co-ordinator.
Lead and manage First Aid throughout the school.
Plan, instigate and maintain records of fire practices and alarm tests in liaison with the Principal.
Ensure the School’s written health & safety policy statement is clearly communicated and available to all people.
Enable regular consultation with stakeholders on health and safety issues.
Ensure systems are in place to enable identification of hazards and risk assessments.
Ensure systems are in place for effective monitoring, measuring and reporting of health & safety issues to the Leadership Team, Governors and where appropriate the HSE.
Ensure that maximum levels of security are consistent with the ethos of the School.

The School environment

Responsible for making decisions regarding the School premises in line with budget provision and operational requirements, evaluating tenders, prioritising work and repairs and the replacement of resources.
Deal with outside bodies or contractors planning work schedules and supervising work to ensure this is carried out to the required standards and within the appropriate timescales.

Human resources in the School

Co-ordinate the administration of staff recruitment, ensuring new staff have DBS clearance, medical clearance and all staff have appropriate contracts of employment, issued in a timely manner.
Ensuring all pre-employment checks are completed as appropriate in line with safer recruitment guidelines.
Provide leadership and guidance for all staff as appropriate, including direct line management for assigned support staff including recruitment, induction, performance management and training and development. Typical direct line management support will be Site, Cleaning, Catering, Admin/Finance, and ICT but will be subject to change in order to meet the needs of the school.
Raise awareness of any HR issues around assessment of salaries, expenses, sickness and maternity/paternity procedures, redundancy and other matters of dismissal. Seek additional advice from the Trust’s HR department on HR related policies and procedures as required.
Maintain confidential HR records, including the Single Central Record. Maintain sickness records and manage the sickness monitoring procedures, including back to work interviews where appropriate.
Facilitate the organisation of staff development.
Arrange supply staff, including appropriate vetting procedures and ensure the accuracy of timesheets.
Co-ordinate and manage lunchtime supervision across school as required.

Resources management

Pursue and maximise income and sponsorship generation opportunities including the preparation and submission of applications and bids and fundraising.
Manage the administration and reporting on bids and other funders
Develop business plans in consultation with other staff for possible generation of long-term incomes for the school. .

Fulfill wider professional responsibilities

Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School and the Trust.
Develop effective professional relationships with governors, colleagues, families knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support.
To be willing and able to be part of a team of first aiders/fire wardens as may be required.
Communicate effectively with pupils, school staff and visitors.
To participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Personal and professional conduct

All Focus Trust staff are expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following statements define the behaviour and attitudes which set the required standard for conduct throughout a career with the Trust.

All Staff must uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside the School, by:

treating governors, pupils, staff, parents and visitors with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to an adult working in an School environment;
having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions;
showing tolerance of and respect for the rights of others;
not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; and
ensuring that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

All staff working in the Focus-Trust must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the School and the Trust, and maintain high standards in their own attendance and punctuality.

All staff must have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities; and within the policies, handbooks and guidelines of the School and of the Focus-Trust.

General

The post holder will:

Be expected to actively support the work and ethos of the Focus-Trust.
Be expected to undertake such additional duties as may reasonably be requested by the Principal/Headteacher or their representative.
Respect confidentiality of staff, pupils, families and visitors and not breach this trust. Any breaches of confidentiality must be reported to the Principal/Headteacher immediately.
Participate in arrangements for appraisal and in the identification of areas in which s/he would benefit from training and undergo such training.
Comply with and support all policies related to equal opportunities, child protection and safeguarding of children and colleagues.

This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and it may, after consultation with the post holder be subject to modification and amendment in accordance with Trust’s procedures.

Signed …………………………………………………………… Post holder

Signed ……………………………………………………………… Line manager

Dated ………………………………………………………………

School Business Manager

Person specification

Key:

App – Application Form

Ref – Reference

SP – Selection process. This could include a range of exercises, including an interview.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Essential/

Desirable

How identified

Experience

Experience of working in a school office

D

App/SP

Experience of using computer packages for word processing, spreadsheets, databases and researching information

E

App/SP

Experience of leading and managing a wide range of office based administration tasks systems to ensure continually effective and efficient service delivery

E

App/SP

Experience of leading and managing a key function of Business Manager; e.g. Finance, HR, Site Management, Health & Safety

E

App/SP

Experience of producing management and statistical information clearly in a way that can be understood by others

E

App/SP

Experience of managing a team so that they are led and empowered to work with others and meet deadlines and goals

E

App/SP

Experience in using and maintaining accurate and quality electronic and paper based systems

E

App/SP

Experience in contributing to evaluating and developing electronic and paper based systems to create more effective practices

E

App/SP

Experience of a range of financial tasks and responsibilities including handling and accurately accounting for cash,

budget planning, management and monitoring, and authorizing payments from committed expenditures

E

App/SP

Experience of using Educational Software Systems; eg. HCSS/PS Financials/Integris/Evolve

D

App/SP

Skills and abilities

Highly developed verbal communication skills to deliver key messages to a wide range of people at all levels.

E

App/SP

Highly developed interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, contractors and pupils

E

App/SP

Analytical skills to solve difficult problems, through using judgment to interpret complex information and situations

E

App/SP

Initiative to respond to unexpected problems and to make frequent decisions.

E

App/SP

Excellent and meticulous organizational skills to work under pressure to prioritise and re-prioritse own workload, and that of the team to meet potential conflicting deadlines

E

App/SP

Excellent literacy and written communication skills to be to compose letters, reports and other documents as required

E

App/SP

Effective financial skills to allow you to undertake a range of financial tasks, including strategically setting the budget, monitoring of budgets and accounting for expenditure and following financial procedures

E

App/SP

Ability to absorb and understand a wide and varied range of information and deliver key messages

E

App/SP

Training and motivation skills to support the ongoing development of the wider team

E

App/SP

The ability to write and verbal communication skills appropriate for a range of different audiences, including skills where appropriate in being persuasive, encouraging and negotiating, in order to further the objectives of the school

E

App/SP

Knowledge

Knowledge of key areas of legislation affecting personnel, estate management and Health and safety

E

App/SP

Good working knowledge of financial codes of practice/regulations/relevant policies relating to educational finances

D

App/SP

Knowledge of data protection and information security and a good understanding of the importance of information protection

E

App/SP

Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity issues within a school community

D

App/SP

Knowledge of maintaining accurate databases with confidentiality and Data Protection in mind.

E

App/SP

Knowledge of data protection, dealing with FOI requests and information security and an understanding of why it is important to keep information confidential and secure within the work environment

E

App/SP

Child protection

Understands why safeguarding is important when working with children. Able to apply CP policies and procedures

E

App/SP

Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a supportive and effective manner

E

App/SP

Qualifications and training

Minimum of NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) in business administration or accounting or another professional recognised qualification covering Leadership, HR, Estates

E

App

Certificate in School Business Management (CSBM or equivalent or willingness to work towards)

E

Diploma in School Business Management (CSBM or equivalent or willingness to work towards)

E

Willingness to gain a first aid certificate as required

E

App

IOSH Certificate or willingness to undertake

E

Literacy and Numeracy skills (A-C/4-9 GCSE level or equivalent)

E

App

Personal qualities and attributes

Moral purpose (Equality, children and adults treated with respect)

E

SP/Ref

Excellent communicator (Listening, putting a message across)

E

SP/Ref

Child centered

E

SP/Ref

Resilient

E

SP/Ref

Integrity

E

SP/Ref

Self motivated and able to motivate other members of the team

E

SP/Ref

Enjoys challenge

E

SP/Ref

Enthusiastic and optimistic

E

SP/Ref

Excellent problem solving/analytical skills

E

SP/Ref

Self awareness, knowledge of strengths and limitations

E

SP/Ref

Works to deadlines and deals effectively with multiple tasks and competing priorities

E

SP/Ref

Ability to work effectively as part of/leader of a team, understanding school roles and responsibilities.

E

SP/Ref

Working accurately and with attention to detail

E

SP/Ref

About our Academy

Our pupils

We currently have 393 children on roll, who are taught in 15 classes (3xEYFS, 4xKS1 and 8xKS2).

Our staff

Principal

Deputy Principal

16 x teachers FTE

7 x Teaching assistants (In-class support)

5 x SEN Teaching Assistants

1 x Business Manager

3 x Admin Assistants

1 x Site maintenance Officer

7 x Mid-day assistants

Our geographical area

Rudheath is a semi-rural area on the edge of the town of Northwich

Our curriculum

Basic skills form the core on which our curriculum is built. We use a framework of ‘non-negotiables’ to ensure that the fundamental academic skills of English, Maths and Computing are delivered for a significant impact on children’s learning and progress. Alongside these academic demands we are developing our curriculum for all children to learn how to learn through promoting thinking and collaborative skills. Thematic Learning Challenges are used as hooks, to engage children’s interest.

Our extra-curricular activities; Over the year we offer a range of extra-curricular activities including; Sports Multi-skills, Drama, Dance, Computing and Textiles.

Academy Quick Facts

Type of school

Primary and Nursery

Age range

3-11 years

Location/LA

Cheshire West and Chester

Number of children

393

Number of teaching staff

16

Number of support staff

12

% FSM

28%

% SEN

15%

% EAL

6%

Focus-Trust was incorporated in May 2012 as a primary trust. The Trust has links with the sponsor, Focus Education, but is an entirely separate legal entity. As with all academy trusts, the Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The Trust’s offices are situated in a newly converted historic mill conversion in Chadderton, Oldham with excellent motorway networks to access our schools.

The defining feature of Focus-Trust is that it is a specialist primary phase trust. This means that the work of the Trust is driven by the distinctive needs of primary schools. Whilst the Trust has robust systems for accountability, each school has their own distinctive identity, ethos and culture, and this is a commitment to every school when they convert and join the Trust.

Focus-Trust currently has a small centrally employed team. The members of the team are highly skilled and committed to the vision, culture and values of the Trust.

All the schools within the Trust are willing partners who have actively chosen to join Focus-Trust and there is a very high degree of consensus, cooperation and commitment from within the group.

The Trust has robust policies and systems in place to govern and guide its work. These have been gradually implemented as the Trust has grown. The Trust has well-established productive relationships with trade unions and meets half termly with a group of national trade union representatives to discuss policy development. This has enabled us to introduce and change a range of policies in a streamlined and cooperative way.

Our Vision

‘Great schools at the heart of our communities’ - with our Community Champions and colleagues, we strive to ensure we are being civic leaders making a difference in the local and national communities and the community is supporting us.

Focus-Trust Mission

‘Learning together, making the difference’

Collective Efficacy

We have a well-developed and securely embedded culture of Collective Efficacy. By this we mean we have, ‘A shared commitment to work together on the things that matter to improve outcomes for all.’

The Focus-Trust Values

Professional honesty is at the heart of everything we do. The Trust knows the schools well because of the strong working partnership between academy leaders and the Trust Central Team. It is only by being honest and transparent with a balance of credible challenge and effective support, that we can move forward and get the best for all children and staff. Our work is underpinned by our values:

Care for children, adults and the learning environment Dare to do things differently and have a go Be fair, honest and inclusive – demonstrating integrity Share concerns, expertise and best practice for the benefit of all learners

Our Moral Purpose

Our People Strategy

Pensions

Focus-Trust contributes to Teachers’ Pensions and Local Government pensions in the same way and with the same level of contribution as local authorities.

Employer Relations

Focus-Trust has a Trade Union agreement which recognises the teacher and support staff unions. This is further supported by an ongoing and productive relationship with key trade union officials.

Equality of opportunity

Focus-Trust is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation and/or medical condition.

Safeguarding

Focus-Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. There is an explicit expectation that all employees share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures. Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process will include an assessment of your suitability to work with children.

Dress code

We expect all staff to dress professionally and appropriately for the roles undertaken. We pride ourselves on the high standards of dress of both our pupils and staff; these standards are led by our staff who we expect to set an example.

Policies

Focus-Trust and the schools have a range of policies and handbooks that help to make clear our expectations and ways of working. These are always shared openly with staff and are accessible to everyone. There are several policies that prospective employees should be aware of when making an application. These can be found on the Trust website www.focus-trust.co.uk and school websites. All members of staff will be asked to sign a declaration as part of the induction process to acknowledge that they have read and understand the Code of Conduct and some of the key policies, e.g. Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety, Acceptable use of IT.

Right to work in the UK

Under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, it is a criminal offence to employ anyone who is not entitled to live or work in the United Kingdom. Applicants can expect us to ask for proof of this at interview stage, where you will be asked to provide some original documentation to confirm that you are eligible to work within the UK. Photographic proof of identity will also be required.

Validation of qualifications and identity

All shortlisted candidates will be asked to bring original certificates or relevant qualifications and identity documents to interview. These will be photocopied and kept on file and, if appropriate, may be confirmed as genuine with the relevant awarding bodies. The copies of the successful candidate will be retained on their personnel file. The copies of unsuccessful candidates will be treated as confidential waste and disposed of appropriately.

References and Social Media Checks

If you are shortlisted, we will take up references before the interview date. One of your referees must be your current or most recent employer. Two satisfactory references must be received before we can confirm any offer of an appointment. The information we request will relate to salary, length of service, skills and abilities, suitability for the job, disciplinary record and suitability to work with children. Copies of references or open references will not be accepted. On receipt of references, your referees may be contacted to verify any discrepancies, anomalies or relevant issues as part of the recruitment verification process.

In line with our safer recruitment policy, social media checks will be undertaken if you are shortlisted. This social media check is designed to complement the range of standard recruitment checks and allows us to identify a candidate’s online presence which potentially could damage the organisation’s reputation.

Knowledge and skills profile

This is an important part of your application and is your opportunity to explain how you meet the person specification for the post. You should demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experience and give short examples. Describe how you match the requirement of the job; include experience gained from previous jobs, community or voluntary work. Ensure that the information you give is well organised, relevant and brief. You may find it helpful to use sub-headings in order to keep your statement well focused. If you do not submit this profile, you will not be considered for short listing.

Disability

To comply with the Equality Act 2010, we are legally required to consider making reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and selection process. We are therefore committed to meeting, wherever possible, any needs you specify on the application form. Please contact Natalie Harris if you need to discuss this in any detail. We will consider any reasonable adjustment under the terms of the Act to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

Disclosure of a criminal record

Employment in this role is subject to an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Checks will also be made against the lists showing people barred from working with children. All checks must be satisfactory before any offer of employment can be confirmed and before commencement of work can take place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information pack. We wish you every success in any application you may make.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Business Manager

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Business Manager

4 days remaining to apply

Start date details

Closing date

Date listed

Job details

Job role

Visa sponsorship

Working pattern

Contract type

Pay scale

What skills and experience we're looking for

What the school offers its staff

Further details about the role

Commitment to safeguarding

Applying for the job

About Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery

Arranging a visit to Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery

School location

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