EdExec Media Pack by Intelligent Media Solutions

magazines and websites supporting business and financial excellence in schools and colleges

MEDIA INFORMATION

www.edexec.co.uk

supporting business and financial excellence in schools and colleges

TAKING SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY TO THE NEXT LEVEL

UTIVE FORWARD THINKING FOR ACADEMIES, FEE-PAYING AND FREE SCHOOLS

edexec.co.uk

Behind the brand FINANCIAL DECISIONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER IN SCHOOLS. The education sector is evolving at lightening pace, yet annual budgets remain under increasing amounts of pressure. For schools to succeed in this climate, the role of business manager is paramount. EdExec published the first, and for many years, the only monthly magazine of its kind to be targeted exclusively at this busy profession. OUR GROWING FAMILY OF PUBLICATIONS STAND FIRM AS CHAMPIONS FOR ANYONE IN A BUSINESS, FINANCIAL OR MANAGEMENT ROLE IN SCHOOLS through the good and bad times, chock-full of relevant features, news stories and case studies to help them along the way. The role of the school business manager is all-encompassing and at EdExec, the editorial is equally diverse, covering all aspects of the multifaceted profession, including financial management, fundraising, health & safety, premises management, HR, personnel, professional development, catering and ICT. With the increase in state schools becoming academies and the advent of free schools, maintained schools will be less reliant on the local authority for funding, services and advice. Similarly, fee paying schools may be met with new competition and comparision that requires that the stay on top of their game. THIS PERIOD OF INCREASED AUTONOMY IS THE SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER’S TIME TO SHINE AND IT’S EDEXEC’S DUTY TO SEE THAT THEY DO.

The Business of Education With the publication of the schools white paper under the coalition government in the autumn of 2010 and the subsequent education bill, the state-run education system has been undergoing radical reform. Schools are being increasingly freed from the constraints of central government and THE ONUS IS ON SCHOOL LEADERS TO DRIVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT. As part of these changes, Education Secretary Michael Gove and the Department for Education have committed themselves to cutting back on unnecessary meddling, guidance and requirements for schools – giving them the freedom to make decisions on their own. With this comes the onset of more academies – independent schools funded directly by central government – and the launch of the free school model, which gives school leaders, teachers or parents the ability to set up their own school wherever they like, to be funded directly like an academy. The education bill also proposed a fairer, simpler funding system, which includes a pupil premium, and school-led school improvement replacing topdown initiatives from the local authority. IN OTHER WORDS, CHANGE IS IN THE HANDS OF THE SCHOOL. With this increase in responsibility on individual schools, a robust school leadership team is essential. FOR A SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM TO BE ROBUST, IT NEEDS A SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER. The school business manager role goes by a variety of names. In more traditional schools, they are still referred to as the bursar, while in academies, the title ‘finance director’ or ‘vice principal’ is commonly used. Whatever the name, the person in this complex role is tasked with everything from finance management, to overseeing ICT provision, premises, human resources, health & safety, staff professional development and catering and they will be essential as the education bill becomes an act.

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Business management

2003 National Agreement signed to help teachers focus on their teaching by freeing them from tasks that can be done by other appropriately trained staff. At this time the bursarial role was little known but evolving.

2004 Education Executive is launched as the monthly management magazine for bursars and school business managers.

2006 More than 95% of secondary schools have a distinct business management structure in their schools, overseen by someone in a dedicated financial management role.

2007 Secondary level education sees more devolved budgets and autonomy for schools and an increase in intelligent purchasing and business-savvy management as the norm.

the evolving role

2008 More schools use a dedicated bursar or business manager for their financial management. There are 147,000 full-time support staff in maintained schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up from 75,000 in 1997 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nearly 50%!

2009 The National College launches the school business management competency framework with the NASBM, which describes the professional attributes relevant to school business managers.

2010

2011

2012

Education white paper published under the coalition government seeks to free schools from the constraints of central government direction and place onus on school leaders to drive school improvement.

A future education system that sees SBMs very much in the driving seat and on the senior leadership team as schools increasingly move to a more autonomous and business-led structure.

Federations and academy chains mean the rise of the executive business manager. Experienced bursars see their careers progress as they lead the finance and administrative functions for groups of schools.

The EdExec Strategy what makes us Our approach is different to other media companies: our publications are all about highly targeted, original and useful content. We understand our market, which puts us in the best position to know how partnering with us will work for you.

Because we want you to keep coming back.

EDITORIAL

PEOPLE POWER We have a team of unique, talented and innovative individuals, who deliver marketing solutions that break the mould and go that extra mile. You’re in good hands! Our role is to facilitate good communication across what is acknowledged to be a key purchasing audience within the education sector. Our audience is by far the most important point of influence for education supplies and services, but, because they are extremely busy people with varied roles, it’s often difficult for suppliers to get their messages through without strong marketing vehicles. This is where our high-quality, focused publications come in.

Our editorial is written by a team of in-house journalists who understand our readers intimately and deliver valuable need-toknow content that specifically meets their needs in a way that best suits them – all of which is original, targeted and second to none. Because of our long-standing status in the sector, we have an immense and loyal readership who read and interact with our magazines and websites regularly, so we know they are a captive audience. INDEPENDENT, OBJECTIVE EDITORIAL

The way we work editorially is paramount to the success of our magazines. Our editorial is totally objective and we feel that if we use our editorial pages to include supplier-driven content, it dilutes the value of our editorial to the reader, which in turn dilutes the value of the magazine in the readers’ eyes. The reason school business managers read our magazine is down to the focused, original and relevant content we produce for them. VALUE TO THE ADVERTISER

To ensure our independent editorial content is not overshadowed, we also keep our percentage of ad pages at a low 30%. This also means that the advertisements that do appear are not competing with too many other advertisements, which can only be a good thing for you! Of course, there are ways for suppliers to get involved in editorial, for example by suggesting case studies or offering opinion as an expert commentator within a feature, however we leave that to the discretion of our editorial team. Our main aim is to ensure our pages are read, regularly and intently, which in turn guarantees that your marketing message is being seen and absorbed in and around that.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION All our products feature strong, easily recognisable designs that reflect and enhance the editorial quality. Their cutting edge and contemporary design ensure they stand out from the crowd and encourage the reader to pick them up and read them.

SALES Our view is that a true partnership will always benefit both parties. We care about building strong relationships with our clients; really understanding their businesses and their marketing objectives; and then finding the most effective ways to meet them.We are specialists in our fields,and we have way more to offer than simply space on a page. Our publications provide a strategic,effective and proven marketing channel for our clients,which enables us to offer you a true media solution.

While others talk – we deliver. A media solution that really works is the core of what we do... and the key to your success!

Education Executive

SECTOR

SCHOOLS IN FOCUS

Our ‘Sector’ section is unrivelled and chock full of relevant and very targeted education news and analysis. Readers love the best practice information that comes with our interviews and case studies, so each issue boasts several.

SBMs are increasingly getting involved with aspects of whole-school planning and strategy on both primary and secondary levels. Our ‘Schools in focus’ section looks at projects, policy, advice and analysis for all school types.

PROCURE AND PLAN

MANAGEMENT

Our readers wanted to see more content relating to procurement, purchasing and cost saving, alongside best value and curriculumrelated procurement. ‘Procure and Plan‘ does exactly that, using case studies, features, market and resource reports.

With the changing role of school business manager, our ‘Management’ section ensures our readers are on top of their career development game, with articles on CPD and improving management skills, as well as updates on courses and qualifications in the sector.

THE FACTS

Education Executive is a MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE for school business managers and other school business leaders designed to aid and support business, financial and management roles within schools. Our editorial seeks to deliver IDEAS AND INFORMATION USING A COMMON SENSE APPROACH to the audience. We write on-target editorial covering all aspects of the business management role including: finances, funding, business management, health and safety, premises, HR, personnel, professional development, catering, building development and more.

FREQUENCY Monthly

CIRCULATION Approx 15,800* *Contact us for the most up-to-date circulation figures

I must admit that of all the many publications that pass over my desk, I do take the trouble to take yours home for bedtime reading â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t send me to sleep! I feel it makes us bursars feel that we are not alone, which is howit often appears MARTIN WILKES, BURSAR DAWLISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DEVON

READERSHIP School business managers, financial directors, headteachers and other senior purchasing decision makers.

ESTABLISHED November 2004

OUR USP The first monthly independent magazine to exclusively address business managment issues in education.

ICT Matters

UPDATE

IN PRACTICE

ICT Matters’s ‘Update’ section brings you the latest news and analysis around the educational ICT sector, including technology trends, innovations and developments.

In the ‘In Practice’ section, we bring you interviews and case studies with forwardthinking schools doing innovative things with technology and ICT products.

FOCUS ON

HELP DESK

‘Focus on’ takes an in-depth look at relevant technological products and trends in educational ICT. Featuring analytical articles on a variety of ICT subjects, this is a great way for readers to increase their sector knowledge.

ICT Matters’s ‘Help Desk’ is manned by Techno Geek, our resident IT expert who can help you with all of your ICT conundrums. His monthly column explores a wide spectrum of subjects in a way that is easy and fun to read.

THE FACTS

ICT Matters is a section of EdExec dedicated to the topic of TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS , covering the subject of educational ICT in a more targeted and in-depth way. It allows for case studies, market reports and features to be presented in their own dedicated mini-magazine within Education Executive, which forms AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MAIN MAGAZINE , but also works as a stand-alone supplement that can be sent to an additional readership of ICT managers.

FREQUENCY Monthly

CIRCULATION Approx 16,300 *Contact us for the most up-to-date circulation figures

ICT Matters arriving in my inbox is a real treat. It gives me an appreciation of the issues surrounding ICT purchasing, but also has lots of info relevant to my role... Techno Geek makes me LOL, but can be quite useful as well! SANDRA MIDSTONE, ICT MANAGER

READERSHIP Business manangers, ICT managers and co-ordinators, financial directors, SBMs. and heads of ICT departments.

ESTABLISHED September 2010

OUR USP The only monthly ICT magazine supplement aimed at SBMs and their ICT managers.

Independent Executive SECTOR

In the first section of the magazine, we cover all the relevant news, developments, innovations and trends in the independent education sector – from state-funded academies to fee-paying private and free schools. Each issue features articles on the sector, interviews with forward-thinking educationalists and case studies with schools.

matter

What’s so great about going private? With the rise of academies and free schools, the private independent school has competition in the non-fee-paying sector. We look at what a private school can do to boost its USP that a state school can’t

ritain’s private schools are held in such high regard throughout the world that one could easily say with confidence that there will always be room for their type in this country’s education system. However, with some demanding annual fees of upwards of £30,000, they will inevitably have to justify their existence against new state-run competitors in the marketplace, namely academies and free schools. For the two million-plus people paying £12.4bn annually to privately education their children, the reasons for their choosing private education vary a great deal. They can be because of an alternative curriculum offered, a better service proposition for niche groups, smaller class sizes or more diverse extracurricular activities. Selectivity is also major unique selling point for independent schools, and despite grammar schools existing as an alternative option for some time, independent schools continue to thrive. “As long as political parties in the UK are unwilling to reintroduce selection into the state school system, the demand for independent education for the discerning parent is likely to remain constant,” explains Martin Linaker of SFS Group. But with academies and free schools promising many of the selling points mentioned above, will parents be tempted away? According to research by asset management firm Schroders, some parents already have – with five per cent of those two million stopping paying for private school altogether this year. Julie Booth, the independent school specialist for Capita SIMS, doesn’t believe the new-style

08 INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE | SEPT/OCT 2011

MARKETING > PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE

MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT This section on marketing and business development features analyses of recent trends in independent education and their impact on the financial and business strategies of readers. The section also contains general advice articles on effective marketing techniques.

MARKETING > PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE

academies pose too much of a threat to the fee-paying private schools. She uses the example of Bristol, which has a particularly high concentration of independent schools. A few schools in the area have converted to academy status but the local independent schools have continued to thrive and role numbers have actually increased. “I think it’s a mentality thing,” she explains. “I think for those parents who have decided that, for whatever reason, an independent education is what their children are going to have they are likely just to swap providers if their current one disappears.” Booth does, however, believe the new free schools could potentially mean tough competition for private schools. “Free schools are very diverse in what they’re offering and where I think they offer a real choice is that they’re coming into the marketplace completely new, so they have no legacy or history, and they’ve got complete freedom over the curriculum, opening times and holidays,” she says. “So they really can compete with independent schools.” One thing an independent school will have that these free schools may not is a prospective student list. Private schools have siblings of existing students and children of alumni to appeal to for future students, and with the long histories they boast, can sometimes grow their numbers significantly through word of mouth. Free schools won’t have the legacy and for the first few years are likely to be concentrating on getting a school up and running. However, this does not necessarily buy independent schools time to rest on their laurels. “Now is really the time for independent schools to up

INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE | SEPT/OCT 2011 09

marketing > marketing 2.0

Going to market

PROCURE AND PLAN From setting budgets and monitoring cash flow to overseeing spending in all areas and raising income, finance remains central to the bursar’s role, particularly in the fee-paying private sector. We look at advice on everything related to money, accounts and finance systems in schools and cover how to get the best value from resources.

Schools need to be aware of all the marketing options available, and using web 2.0 technologies could be just the starting point to boost your profile. matthew Jane considers how to make the most of online marketing activities

ast month, technology fanatics were celebrating the 20th anniversary of the world’s first website going live. The impact of that first page in the otherwise empty World Wide Web could not have been foreseen by its creator Tim Berners-Lee when he set his fledgling idea free to the world. Fast forward two decades and a website is the very least a company, or indeed a school, needs to have in place as a showcase for their good work and quality services to the wider community. Having a good website involves more than posting pictures of happy pupils studiously undertaking their academic tasks. It should act as a brand for everything a school stands for; it is the first port of call for many prospective parents and will play a major role in helping to form their early impressions of the institute that they feel confident of investing considerable sums of money, and more importantly, entrust to educate and guide their child.

12 independent executive | Sept/oct 2011

It is important to consider the look and feel of any school resources. Having a recognisable and consistent brand is essential in order to help promote any business, and schools are no different. Any material that is sent out or available in the public domain should be branded with the most recent school logo, colours and specific details. By getting a consistent branding across all platforms, a school ensures its message is clear and reinforces the image of a unified, wellrun organisation. Also, it is important to pay attention to the content of the website. Overcrowding it with information will result in a resource that is too complicated for people to use, but not enough content will defeat the point of the site. It is also important to have regular updates and constantly review the site during the academic year. Anyone visiting a school website will be deterred by a page that has not been updated for several years. It is common practice for schools to allow students

independent executive | Sept/oct 2011 13

MANAGEMENT As with any private business, keeping up with changes to employment law, company law, health & safety rules and a range of other regulations can be a full-time job for independent schools. We make it easier for bursars by highlighting key issues.

marketing > alumni

ICT MATTERS ICT Matters is a dedicated section that covers ICT specifically for private schools. It’s an integral part of Independent Executive, as it’s a key area of development for independent schools. The EdExec team’s expert knowledge here really allows us to help our readers lead the way in this area.

When we were Kings

at the King edward’s school for Boys in Birmingham, developing links with the alumni has brought huge fundraising rewards. matthew Jane spoke to development director simon lerwill to find out what this involved

he old saying dictates that money makes the world go round, but it is also an essential part of allowing independent schools to provide top quality facilities and first-rate experiences for pupils. While the majority of independent school’s income is generated through tuition fees, additional fundraising is increasingly required to ensure continued investment in facilities and services. At the King Edward’s School for Boys in Birmingham, a concerted fundraising effort is allowing chief master John Claughton to continue the school’s focus on giving financial assistance to less affluent families. As a former direct grant school, King Edward’s has a strong history of providing private education to boys whose parents could not otherwise afford the fees. During its time as a direct grant school, 1945-79, the school had a majority of around 80% of pupils benefitting from the scheme, before the government converted this to the assisted places programme, which ran until 1997. Since then, the focus has shifted to fundraising activities, with a fundraising office established in 2009.

16 independent executive | sept/oct 2011

independent executive | sept/oct 2011 17

ICT MATTERS > UPGRADES

INSPIRED MINDS This section is dedicated to celebrating the forward-thinking innovators in the independent school sector. Each month we interview a figurehead who is one step ahead of the curve to inspire our readers to think more laterally about delivering education to their pupils. We also feature a diary page from an education innovator for further source of inspiration. Only the most blue-sky thinking features here.

In the ever changing technology landscape, schools need to be constantly assessing their ICT offering to stay ahead of the game. Matthew Jane looks at some areas for schools to consider when upgrading their systems

NEVER STANDING STILL 40 INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE | SEPT/OCT 2011

››

hile private schools often have a strong history, beautiful buildings, and traditional values, they must also have the cutting edge, innovative technology that parents will deserve and that modern employment and working methods dictate. To that ends, it is essential that schools in the independent sector constantly invest in their ICT offering to ensure they have the facilities parents deserve and to maintain their competitive edge in an increasingly fierce marketplace. With the constant developments in the ICT market and the rapidly progressing innovations in the marketplace, it can often feeling like swimming against the tide of improvement as schools strive to keep their technology up-to-date and cutting edge. Replacing out-dated hardware can seem an expensive and ongoing battle, but if schools can develop deals and packages that suit their needs, it should not be a laborious task. One option many schools are considering when refreshing their ICT hardware is investment in mobile devices. As schools increasingly look to maximise return on investment and to make the most out of the money they spend, mobile devices are often a popular choice, given their ability to extend beyond the constraints of the classroom walls. While a traditional computer restricts use to the ICT suite or the classroom, mobile devices can be used an authentically cross-curricular option that brings opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Tim Beeby from Dell UK suggests mobility plays an even more important role in the independent school sector. “It ensures that ICT is available at the point of need for learning and for independent schools with boarding facilities, it is an important tool for extending the learning day and staying in touch with friends and family,” he says. When selecting mobile devices, there is a wide range of options and schools should take care to choose the products that best meet their individual requirements. “Mobile devices need to be considered in a variety of models,” says Beeby. “Popular in schools are ruggedised netbook, 15” notebooks, which are durable yet light.” It is also important to take into account battery life and charging solutions for mobile device, with charging trolleys a popular choice in many schools.

INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE | SEPT/OCT 2011 41

THE FACTS

EXECUTIVE FORWARD THINKING FOR ACADEMIES, FEE PAYING AND FREE SCHOOLS

Public vs. private

In an era of state-run independents, can private schools still compete?

A guide to fundraising

Quick tips on boosting your school’s cash flow

Feeling charitable

What does it take to become a charity these days?

Brought to you by

EDEXEC

FREQUENCY Bi-monthly

CIRCULATION Approx 6,200* *Contact us for the most up-to-date circulation figures

READERSHIP

Both the hard copy magazine and the e-based bulletins provide an excellent finger on the pulse of developments in the education sector. STEPHEN MORALES BUSINESS MANAGER WATFORD GRAMMER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Bursars, financial directors, SBMs. headteachers and governors at independent schools.

ESTABLISHED September 2008

OUR USP The only independent managment magazine to address the issues of financial leaders of modern independent schools – from private schools to academies.

SEPT/OCT 2011

Independent Executive is a management magazine for forward-thinking financial leaders of independent schools. MODERN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL BURSARS are much more than just fee-chasing bean counters: they are involved with strategic development, legal compliance and overseeing large capital projects, alongside the traditional purchasing and budgeting role – not forgetting the evergrowing expectation for the latest ICT equipment and software. With such a wide-ranging and growing remit, INDEPENDENT BURSARS DEMAND A FOCUSED PUBLICATION that supports their role exclusively and that’s what what I-Squared delivers. The term ‘independent’ has taken on a much broader meaning with recent changes to the education sector and I-Squared brings together the common themes and challenges facing fee paying private schools, state-maintained academies, faith and free schools to produce a high-end publication that helps leaders in these schools be ahead of their game and the best in their field.

Online EDEXEC.CO.UK WHAT DOES IT DO?

We have maintained a website alongside Education Executive since the magazine’s launch in 2004 and we have seen it go from a resource in support of the magazine to a popular news website in its own right. Decision-makers in schools come to EdExec.co.uk for news, bringing them stories relevant to the role of the bursar and business manager on a daily basis. They also stay on the site for the fantastic quality analysis and resources we provide for them.

SOCIAL MEDIA WE DON’T JUST TWEET… WE SHAPE THE CONVERSATION

Social media is at the heart of what we do online, it not only helps us keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the education community and the stories that affect the role of our readers, but it also helps us become conversation shapers. We understand that interacting online is not just about speaking to readers – it’s also about hearing what they have to say to us.

BLOGS AND DISCUSSIONS WE’RE NOT JUST HELPFUL, WE’RE RESOURCEFUL

Combined with our top drawer news analysis, we publish blogs authored by everyone from readers to policy-makers. Our website also boasts a comment section under every news story so our readers can let us know what they think about what’s going on. Combined with our regular surveys and competitions, this has established Edexec.co.uk as a crucial resource for anyone interested in the business of education.

EMAIL COMMUNICATION STAY IN TOUCH WITH EE WEEKLY

Every week, we send out the ‘EE weekly’ news round-up email to our 8,500 email addresses that have signed up to receive it. Content often relates back to web news stories, but it can also point to editorial items in an up-coming issue. While email is an excellent method of driving response, it’s vitally important your message is conveyed in a way that ensures that its relevant and stands out in a crowded inbox. We have advertising opportunities in EE Weekly to help you ensure your message is delivered to and read by the decision-makers in schools who matter.

THE FACTS

EdExec is taking the lead when it comes to B2B publishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by continuously looking for ways to better engage with our readers. THE WAY PEOPLE COMMUNICATE HAS EVOLVED and more importantly this has shaped how people buy. To be effective in the marketplace, a company needs to be forward-looking and innovative. We offer a range of digital inclusions that, combined with our print offering, will drive engagement with decision-makers at schools, FURTHER BUILD YOUR BRAND and help generate a valuable response.

UNIQUE VISITORS Approx 9,000 visitors a month

A RESPONSIVE AUDIENCE

We have developed an audience across our magazines and websites that loves to get its opinion across and engage with our content.

READERSHIP Bursars, financial directors, SBMs. headteachers, governors, ICT managers, and people interested in the business of education in general.

ESTABLISHED September 2004

OUR USP The only independent managment website to address the business of education.

FIND US ON: http://twitter.com/edexec http://Facebook.com/edexec http://linkedin.com http://youtube.com/edexec

Opportunities for you WEB/PRODUCT NEWS Do you have news that our readers might be interested in? Web advertorials are a fantastic way to get your message across. They sit nestled into the content on the front page of the website and are known to generate a substantial response.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING, BANNERS AND BUTTONS Web buttons and banners are a great way to catch the reader’s eye, whether its helping them associate your company with our brand or driving them to your website. Our audience is responsive and always interested in offers and info that help them in their role.

SURVEYS/COMPETITIONS We regularly run competitions and surveys on Edexec.co.uk – it’s a great way to keep people coming back to the site. We often run them on behalf of companies looking to get some direct response from our audience.

EMAIL MARKETING With over 8,500 readers signed up to receive regular news updates from EdExec in their inbox, email marketing is a great way to get them reading information from third parties too. Our key watch word is ‘relevance’ – we make sure the people who want our emails get them and work hard to make sure that we only send them things they are really interested in, this makes them some of the most responsive readers in the B2B market.

EE WEEKLY There are opportunities to take out a product news slot on our EE Weekly email, which is a great way to get info to our readers and get them clicking through to your website.

SOLUS EMAILS This is where we send out an email to our database on your behalf. A crucial part of any marketing mix, this turns branding into response. We only send out a few emails a month, we don’t over saturate our audience and they stay responsive.

VIDEO/PODCASTS We host videos on the front page of EdExec.co.uk (all linked to our YouTube channel) and we can include your video in this prime spot. We also produce podcasts that are hosted on the website and YouTube. These can consist of an interview or an overview of what your doing in the sector. They are another great way to engage with our audience.

BLOGS Along with the thoughts and opinions of our editors on the issues affecting our readers we regularly produce blogs in conjunction with companies who want to provide a resource for our readers, second to none in getting your message across to our audience, who aren’t reserved in giving you feedback. We also provide the opportunity to sponsor our blogs, associating your brand with our content.

9,000 visitors a month

circa

6,500 Twitter followers and growing

8,500

subscribers to our weekly emails.

Approved Partners

We could never do it alone BETT SHOW BETT is the world’s leading educational information and communications technology event, with over 25 years dedicated to showcasing educational technology products, resources and best practice. EdExec has been the official business manager title for the BETT Show since 2005.

I2i Events, the organisers of the BETT Show are pleased to have formed an approved partnership with Education Executive Magazine. Bursars and school business managers are an important audience for BETT, we recognise their importance to the education sector as a whole not least in the purchasing and procurement of ICT products. As such we’re happy to have made them our official SBM title for the BETT Show and look forward to seeing their readers at the show.” RUPA SODHA, SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER AT I2I EVENTS GROUP

NASBM The National Association of School Business Managers (NASBM) is the country’s leading professional group of school business managers and administrators for schools. It provides professional support to its members and seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the schools in which its members serve. The EdExec titles are the only magazines with ‘NASBM Approved Partner’ status in the education sector.

The [NASBM] is pleased to have formed an approved partnership with Education Executive. We have found that their proposals for this new publication include informative professional articles, appropriate to bursars and school business managers.” WILLIAM SIMMONDS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NBA

BESA The British Educational Suppliers Association has over 300 members, which include manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital content – all to the education market.

As members of BESA, and adhering to its Code of Practice, we are confident that Education Executive and its management focused editorial strategy is perfect to help the school business managers cope with the many and varied demands of financial management.” TIM EDWARDS, PR MANGER, BESA

ASCL The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has more than 15,000 members including secondary heads, deputy heads, assistant heads, bursars and business manager. The number of business management members continues to grow as the association remains committed to supporting this important profession. Education Executive is the only business management title to partner with the organisation.

As budgets become tighter, having knowledgeable, wellinformed business managers in schools becomes even more critical. Education Executive does an exemplary job of covering the issues directly relevant to the school business management profession and ASCL is very pleased to have formed a partnership with this excellent resource.” BRIAN LIGHTMAN, GENERAL SECRETARY ASCL

Stand out from the crowd At IMS, we turn typical business-to-business publishing concepts on their head. Our philosophy is that B2B publishing should be as polished and cutting-edge as its consumer counterparts. To ensure your marketing messages stay fresh, with high impact, we constantly strive to find new and creative ideas.

THROW OUTS

THROW OUT INSIDE FRONT COVER – THREE PAGES The inside front cover has the ability to out from the magazine into an eye-catching double-page spread where you get three pages of coverage to use for adverts, advertorials or a combination of the two. It’s very high impact and a great way to make a splash!

1 4

THROW OUT

THROW OUT IN CORE OF MAGAZINE – FOUR PAGES This follows the same principle as the fold-out front cover but is placed in the core of the magazine and rolls out to the right. It starts with a double page spread (DPS) in the magazine followed by a double-sided page folding out from the magazine. Very effective when used as a reply mechanism or promotional offer.

VENDOR PROFILES Designed to fit with the style and feel of the magazine, a vendor profile looks like an Educaton Executive feature but it is paid for, so it is your space to use as a platform to communicate strategic messages about your organisation or perhaps the details of a new campaign or promotion. It’s a great way to make our readers sit up and take notice.

UPDATE

IN PRACTICE

FOCUS ON

HELP DESK

HEAD IN THE CLOUD

ne of the key buzzwords at RICOH VENDOR PROFILE this year’s Bett Show was the VIRTUAL REALITY cloud. This was not a result While virtualised systems are similar to cloud of the weather over London’s computing, the latter is essentially an Olympia, but a reflection of evolution of the former. “Virtualisation the hot topic that is cloud creates a type of in-district or in-school computing and moving school ICT services cloud,” explains Bob Moore, education onto a virtual platform. This surge in interest business development director at Dell. “It will for cloud systems looks set to continue, with be easier to move to the cloud from a highly recent research from analyst Gartner virtualised environment. In some cases there suggesting the number of organisations using are cost and scalability advantages to the on-demand, access anywhere computing is cloud over virtualisation.” He adds that When it comes to providing a package of for its customers, Ricoh realises set to risesupport to 43% within four years. schools that are virtualised are perfectly that one size does not fit all. UK channel head Steven Hastings explains how the Cloud new computing is about connecting a placed to make the most of the cloud. Ricoh Reseller Partner Programme, due to roll out in August, embraces this idea variety of devices and endpoints, such as Beswick suggests that most schools will servers, PCs or mobile device, via the internet virtualise in an attempt to reduce their costs so they can all work together. Steve Beswick, and reliance on servers, adapting this to senior director for education at Microsoft UK include to cloud-based systems as and when explains: “The cloud provides access to your they want and need them. “The joy of the stuff, such as your essential data, safely and cloud is that a school can go at their own when you want it, from any device. [It also] speed,” he says. “It’s not cloud or nothing, provides IT delivered as a standardised it’s a school’s choice and virtualisation is a service where you only pay for what you use.” step into managing a schools infrastructure Beswick adds that cloud computing is less in the cloud.” of a technical phenomenon, but more of an economic one, given that in education, the cloud provides flexibility and security to A HOST OF BENEFITS teachers, students and parents. One of the main incentives for schools to Janie20Chesterton, business development move to the cloud will be the potential director for education at Northgate Managed financial savings. Beswick says there are Services, says cloud computing is an evolution considerable cost-saving implications. “Free and combination of technologies, such as or low-cost email is an obvious part of this, utility computing, convergence technologies but there are other savings that come from and virtualisation, which enables resources to buying, running, maintaining and replacing be accessed anytime, anywhere over the less hardware and also sometimes needing internet, without the need for on-site servers. fewer software licences.” UPDATE PRACTICE of cloud, FOCUS ON UPDATE ON There are differentIN types which HELP DESK There are also knock-onIN PRACTICE savings thatFOCUS can fall broadly into two categories: public and be made through a transfer to a cloud private. “Big names like Microsoft, Google, system, which could benefit a school in other “There is no doubt that cloud computing offers virtually Facebook and Salesforce.com, have helped to areas. According tolimitless, Gartner research, 70% of cost effective ICT resources on demand” create awareness of the public cloud,” says IT spend goes on routine maintenance or Chesterton. “Google mail, documents and what’s already in place. “Remove some of apps are all examples of widely adopted that and the possibility opens up for real Cloud computing is one of the buzzwords in ICT at the public cloud services for use investment in the future,” says Beswick. moment.–Ininitially the first of a two-part series, at Matthew Jane explores what this means and what the advantages are home but more and more educational The amount of money that can be saved to schools organisations are looking to take advantage will depend on the school and the various of these cloud services.” different factors such as the number of users, VIRTUAL REALITY

rom its position as a leading technology provider with the largest multifunction printers (MFPs) market share in Europe, Ricoh’s success results from thriving and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, generating reciprocal growth. This model is fundamental to the future direction of Ricoh and underpins its Reseller Partner Programme, which launches next month. The programme stems from the desire to extend this philosophy of mutual gain based on long-term working relationships, while recognising that each reseller partner has varying needs and therefore requires a different level of support. “We wanted to differentiate between resellers,” explains UK channel head Steven Hastings, “but without splitting them into a hierarchy, with level one, two and three or gold, silver and bronze, whereby the level resellers achieve is based purely on the financials they generate. “We wanted to have different partner levels that would have equal weight with us, and that would reflect the type of company those resellers are. It was clear that the programme should be based on the recognition that not every reseller or VAR works in the same way. Some will require certain services of Ricoh whereas others will need something different. We can then tailor the support we offer according to different needs.” Under the programme, resellers are assigned as Approved, Preferred or Solutions partners, following a full assessment and discussion of their fleet and service requirements. Solutions partners – These will be resellers who are aiming to provide a full solution and additional services for their customers over and above the core distribution channel through:  Ricoh’s full, comprehensive managed print services package  A potential to offer a balanced deployment of printers alongside MFPs  Access to other parts of the Ricoh organisation, for example software solutions  Specific, closed-off bid programmes. Preferred partners – Typically, these resellers will focus their businesses on selling lower value boxes in higher volumes by:  Building up fleets and maximising their customers’ printer businesses  Maintaining focus on transactional sales rather than managed services  Accessing Ricoh’s alternative incentives and solutions.

HEAD IN THE CLOUD

ne of the key buzzwords at this year’s Bett Show was the cloud. This was not a result of the weather over London’s Olympia, but a reflection of the hot topic that is cloud computing and moving school ICT services onto a virtual platform. This surge in interest for cloud systems looks set to continue, with recent research from analyst Gartner suggesting the number of organisations using on-demand, access anywhere computing is set to rise to 43% within four years. Cloud computing is about connecting a variety of devices and endpoints, such as servers, PCs or mobile device, via the internet so they can all work together. Steve Beswick, senior director for education at Microsoft UK explains: “The cloud provides access to your stuff, such as your essential data, safely and when you want it, from any device. [It also] provides IT delivered as a standardised service where you only pay for what you use.” Beswick adds that cloud computing is less of a technical phenomenon, but more of an economic one, given that in education, the cloud provides flexibility and security to teachers, students and parents. Janie Chesterton, business development director for education at Northgate Managed Services, says cloud computing is an evolution and combination of technologies, such as utility computing, convergence technologies and virtualisation, which enables resources to be accessed anytime, anywhere over the internet, without the need for on-site servers. There are different types of cloud, which fall broadly into two categories: public and private. “Big names like Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Salesforce.com, have helped to create awareness of the public cloud,” says Chesterton. “Google mail, documents and apps are all examples of widely adopted public cloud services – initially for use at home but more and more educational organisations are looking to take advantage of these cloud services.”

While virtualised systems are similar to cloud computing, the latter is essentially an evolution of the former. “Virtualisation creates a type of in-district or in-school cloud,” explains Bob Moore, education business development director at Dell. “It will be easier to move to the cloud from a highly virtualised environment. In some cases there are cost and scalability advantages to the cloud over virtualisation.” He adds that schools that are virtualised are perfectly placed to make the most of the cloud. Beswick suggests that most schools will virtualise in an attempt to reduce their costs and reliance on servers, adapting this to include to cloud-based systems as and when they want and need them. “The joy of the cloud is that a school can go at their own speed,” he says. “It’s not cloud or nothing, it’s a school’s choice and virtualisation is a step into managing a schools infrastructure in the cloud.”

the condition and scale of the existing IT infrastructure and the level of service that will be adopted. Chesterton says that, with cloud being a relatively new concept in education, there are few concrete examples of exact cost savings. “However, there is no doubt that cloud computing offers virtually limitless, cost effective ICT resources on demand,” she says. “The cloud helps remove the reliance on capital expenditure as organisations simply pay their provider for what they use. The transparency and predictability of costs will enable school business managers to plan their budgets more effectively.” She adds that the associated operating and management savings will help to generate long-term cost reductions. There are also benefits in terms of the environmental savings associated with cloud systems. “Cloud services are also credited with reducing the carbon footprint of institutions, which stands to reason as large data centres will be much more efficient than each education institution, right down to

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RICOH

achieved through meeting with the reseller to discuss their needs and prospective areas for mutual growth, with the potential to become a Preferred or Solutions partner. Approved partner status gives resellers access to a dedicated portal through which they can download images and specifications. To meet the varying requirements of reseller partners, Ricoh has developed a number of MPS solutions under the banner of Ricoh Click. Click is a very straightforward yet profitable offering, giving end-users the security of a contract period of up to five years supported by 1,000 technicians throughout the UK. “The end-user chooses the type of contract they want, what type of call out they want and the duration of the contract,” explains Hastings. “We put that in place with the end-user via the reseller and pay a rebate on that contract over its full term, which can vary between one and five years.” Another option is Click Lite, a slightly different MPS offering based on a fixed two-year contract. Rather than receiving a rebate on a quarterly basis throughout the contract term, they receive an upfront payment at the offset. “In essence, a Solutions partner will typically engage with a longer-term MPS contract – like that offered by Click – to offer as broad a solution to their customer as possible,” Hastings adds. “Our Click Light solution, however, may be more suitable for our Preferred partners. The Partner Programme and the initiatives available through it reflect that there are different companies working in different ways to similar ends. The concept is to look at what all of our customers require from us, rather than telling them: ‘This is what you get.’” In addition to a comprehensive managed print service, Solutions and Preferred partners have access to a bid programme that allows them to put in specific bids for ranges that will be closed off for them. With the programme rolling out next month, the Ricoh team is currently engaged in extensive discussions with its existing resellers. Solutions and Preferred partners will be confirmed and announced to coincide with the programme’s launch. While fundamentally, resellers that work closely with Ricoh will generate more business and become more profitable, the paradigm shift behind the programme means the support underlining their growth is not based on a finite measure of how much business they do. As Hastings concludes: “It’s more a relationship than simply a buyer/supplier set up. Elsewhere in the Ricoh family group, we’ve provided that kind of service very well – an accomplishment that has led us to the position of MFP supplier with number one market share in Europe.” DS

JULY 2011 www.dealersupport.co.uk

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Cloud computing is one of the buzzwords in ICT at the moment. In the first of a two-part series, Matthew Jane explores what this means and what the advantages are to schools

Partnering for success

www.dealersupport.co.uk JULY 2011

Partn for su

HELP DESK

When it comes to providing a package of support for its customers, Ricoh realises that one size does not fit all. UK channel head Steven Hastings explains how the new Ricoh Reseller Partner Programme, due to roll out in August, embraces this id

primary schools, running their own growing bank of servers,” says Beswick. “Providing a cloud service is similar to the provision of electricity for a school; it is a service that is needed regularly but in a flexible way for everyone.” Other advantages include the pay-per-usage model that enables schools to immediately add or reduce numbers as needed, or add more capacity during peak times. “This is of particular importance to a school, as they cannot be sure how many students they will have year-on-year or they might have guest students from other schools or adult learning centres,” explains Chesterton. “Schools are constantly innovating, looking for more ways to engage their students through technology. The flexibility of cloud will enable schools to respond quickly if they need to run pilots or add new software or applications.” Cloud computing is an exciting development for schools. The potential to improve provision of service without increasing costs or carbon footprint will be one that the education sector will increasingly consider.

Next month we look at the different ways the cloud can be used and the security issues surrounding it.

A HOST OF BENEFITS

One of the main incentives for schools to move to the cloud will be the potential financial savings. Beswick says there are considerable cost-saving implications. “Free or low-cost email is an obvious part of this, but there are other savings that come from buying, running, maintaining and replacing less hardware and also sometimes needing fewer software licences.” There are also knock-on savings that can be made through a transfer to a cloud system, which could benefit a school in other areas. According to Gartner research, 70% of IT spend goes on routine maintenance or what’s already in place. “Remove some of that and the possibility opens up for real investment in the future,” says Beswick. The amount of money that can be saved will depend on the school and the various different factors such as the number of users,

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FOCUS ON

IN PRACTICE

VenDor cASe STuDy JUNIOR LIBRARIAN

Using engaging technologies to develop independent motivated readers and learners for life

Playing the system

As schools across the country are faced with the dilemma of improving literacy

School: Clifton Green Primary School Type: 3-11 mixed, community school lA: York pupilS: 350 librAriAn: Carolyn Godfrey

Proof of this investment can be found in the fact that pupils are regularly borrowing from the school’s 16,000 books, taking out as many as 4,742 this year alone, revealing that independent reading is popular with both boys and girls, as well as the fact that Godfrey’s lunchtime library club is so oversubscribed she has to turn children away. When ICT Matters caught up with Godfrey in between lessons, she divulged her secret to keeping on top of her pupils’ reading habits: a robust software system in her library.

All systems go Every child at Clifton Green from nursery to Year 6 has a weekly library session when they are encouraged to check at least one book out. Using Junior Librarian software by Micro Librarian Systems, pupils can check their own books out with mproving literacy has emerged as a top priority for the a barcode scanner, which not only keeps a register of which government, with Education Secretary Michael Gove books are on loan to which children, as expected of any library recently recommending children read as many as 50 borrowing system, but it also integrates with Clifton Green’s books a year. While promising statistics show that schools network, so it can be accessed around the school for primary schools have made impressive gains in staff to log into in all classrooms and also boasts a number of improving literacy standards, educators are faced with interactive elements too, such as a pupil book reviewing the added challenge of cuts to local authority-run library feature. services and restricted When budgets are budgets that inevitably lead to limited, schools need to busier staff and less face time A good library system will help you keep ensure their pupils are with a librarian. How can track of resources so you know what you’ve getting the most out of their schools achieve the balance of got when you have less money in your budget library. A library improving reading skills while running a more streamlined for your library and you’re not then spending management software system like this not only organisation? it on things you don’t need helps raise the profile of a Carolyn Godfrey is one school’s library and teaching assistant/librarian resources, but it gives the who may have found the school leaders tangible data on the reading habits of their answer. She admits to wearing many hats at her busy 3-11 pupils, which can be organised by categories like gender and mixed, community primary school and hardly finds time to year group. This information can then be used to improve pause between teaching children, acting as the school’s teaching in the classroom and also takes the guesswork out of librarian for five hours a week and running a weekly lunchtime stocking libraries, thus ensuring librarians’ budgets go as far library club. as possible. While maintaining a very busy schedule, Godfrey and her As we near the end of the academic year, Godfrey prepares colleagues manage to instil the joy of reading into the minds to do this very thing. “In June we do an annual stock take of her pupils with so much success that her school – Clifton through Junior Librarian and that helps us keep tabs on where Green Primary in York – accomplished an ‘excellence’ in everything is,” she explains. “It’s also a time to collate English from Ofsted, which the watchdog said was thanks to the evidence of a previous year to see what resources its “investment in the enjoyment of reading”.

have been well-used or not and then we can target our stock purchasing.” This is particularly valuable for updating library resources with a short use-by date – like geography and ICT books, the information in which becomes out-dated very quickly as the world changes. “In our library’s computer section, texts that are 10-15 years old can be very out-of-date,” Godfrey adds, “so we will look at the year they were put on the library system and if we have the money, we can replace them.” Money is undoubtedly an issue in many schools these days, but those looking to make cost-effective investments in their library would be well-advised to consider software that helps them target their limited resources. “[A good library system will] help you keep track of resources so you know what you’ve got when you have less money in your budget for your library,” Godfrey confirms. “You’re not then spending it on things you don’t need.” For schools keen to boost literacy among their pupils, a robust library system is just the start and getting children interested in reading requires a school-wide effort. “It all adds evidence to the availability of giving children different opportunities to read – sadly it doesn’t track how much they actually read,” quips Godfrey. “But having books around that are not just for study and are there for fun will certainly help.” As her demanding schedule beckons, Godfrey leaves us with one poignant final comment: “In five hours a week, I certainly couldn’t do all that I do as a librarian if I didn’t have a system like this one.”

for more information: mLS tel: 0161 449 9357 email: info@microlib.co.uk Website: www.microlib.co.uk

13,000

schools and counting... Our systems offer integration with your MIS and VLE, link with Active Directory for single sign-on and are designed to help you raise the profile of your library and resources.

Telephone: +44 (0) 161 449 9357 Email: info@microlib.co.uk www.microlib.co.uk

sector NEWS

Sector news is brought to you by Free banking for schools supported by local specialist relationship managers Lloyds TSB Commercial - well educated banking

FUNDING FORMULA DEBATE School leaders welcomed a government consultation on a new funding formula launched in April that could see the £35bn spent on schools every year distributed more fairly. As it stands, the school funding system is based on calculations more than six years old and creates large variations in how much money similar schools in different parts of the country receive. Under this new system schools in similar circumstances with similar intakes of pupils would receive similar levels of funding. Additional funding would be provided to support deprived pupils, with the pupil premium being the first step. A new formula would also aim to be clear and easy for parents, schools and the public to understand and support a diverse range of school provision, including academies and free schools. The Association of School and College Leaders has long asked for a reform of the funding system, arguing that one that allows for a variation of up to £1,000 per pupil between similar secondary schools should not be allowed to continue. “A continuation of the current ‘spend plus’ methodology would actually increase the level of unfairness in school funding, making this review absolutely essential,” general secretary Brian Lightman commented. Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, agreed, saying a new formula should allow school leaders to plan over the long term and that there was a need to think carefully about how small schools would be protected.

DIARY 15-17 June 2011 Seizing Success 2011: The National College’s Annual Leadership Conference Birmingham 16 June 2011 NASBM’s Converting to an Academy Greater Manchester 21 June 2011 Kent County Council Schools Trade Exhibition Maidstone 27 June – 1 July Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week Nationwide

june 2011 www.edexec.co.uk

STORY OF THE MONTH

PICTURE STORY

Over half (51%) of school leaders have reported a reduced school budget for 2011, according to a survey by school leadership service provider The Key. There was a marked difference between the primary and secondary sectors, with only 17% of secondary leaders reporting an increased budget, compared with 40% in primary and 38% in special schools. Of those schools facing reduced budgets, 47% of respondents admitted they were considering reducing staff numbers as a way to offset the loss, while even more were looking at reducing building maintenance and ICT provision. School leaders said that the pupil premium would not create any large financial gains as this was offset by the loss of other income streams, such as the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant. The impact of reduced local authority (LA) services will be felt across the majority of schools, with 88% of those surveyed stating that support services have been reduced. Of those respondents, over half (60%) plan to compensate by asking school staff to take on tasks previously handled by the LA. Another cultural shift was that 30% are planning to increase the use of private sector companies to fill the gap in provision, which will have an impact on administrative staff in schools. Some respondents said the changes in their situation would lead to increased collaboration between schools in their locality, and that they would share resources previously provided by the LA. Worryingly, only 28% of school leaders surveyed said they were confident about commissioning services for their schools, 46% had some experience but would like more, while 26% have no experience. The National Association of Head Teachers has predicted that 12,000 jobs will be lost this year as a result of budget cuts. “Job losses are clearly on the horizon,” confirmed general secretary Russell Hobby. “We fear that worse is yet to come, as inflation erodes constricted budgets.”

STATS& FACTS

INBRIEF

sector

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SCHOOL LEADERS FACE REDUCED BUDGETS

Applications to open free schools in September 2012 opened last month. For the first time, the Department for Education will consider applications from people who want to set up 16-19 free schools, schools that cater specifically for children with special educational needs, and schools that offer alternative provision (for example pupil referral units).

As schools across the country are faced with the dilemma of improving literacy under restricted budgets, ICT Matters speaks to Carolyn Godfrey, the librari at York’s Clifton Green Primary School, JULY 2011 the www.dealersupport.co.uk she prepares annual stock take, to f out how a library management system ensuring value for money in her school library

CASE 20 STUDY

Order your free pupil librarian badges Go to www.microlib.co.uk/badges Available for a limited period only

sector FUNDING WATCH

FOCUS ON

HELP DESK

Playing the system under restricted budgets, ICT Matters speaks to Carolyn Godfrey, the librarian at York’s Clifton Green Primary School, as she prepares the annual stock take, to find out how a library management system is ensuring value for money in her school library

RICOH

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SPONSORSHIP Advertisers have the opportunity to brand or sponsor a feature or section. We choose our sponsorship partners very carefully because as a valued EdExec partner, it follows that we’re also endorsing their brand. Placed on very targeted editorial sections of the magazine it’s a en extrenmelyt stategic and pretigious way to promote your brand. Something a bit different, a bespoke sponsorship position aligns you with the magazine’s message.

IN PRACTICE

“There is no doubt that cloud computing offers virtually limitless, cost effective ICT resources on demand”

Approved partners – These are resellers with whom Ricoh has had limited interaction to date, but who wish to explore opportunities for developing a strategic relationship with Ricoh. This would be

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A growing number of private educational establishments are turning to debt collection agencies to help collect fees in arrears. One leading debt collection agency, Daniels Silverman, has seen a 35% increase in schools and colleges signing up to its service in the last 12 months. The firm’s director, Tracy Burgess, blames the dip in fees paid on increased economic uncertainty putting pressure on household finances, causing parents to fall “quickly and unexpectedly” into financial difficulties. “Schools are left with terms’ worth of unpaid fees and are struggling to manage their own financial planning as a result,” she said, which can put the institutions’ futures at risk.

Sector news is brought to you by

School: Clifton Green Prima School Type: 3-11 mixed, community school lA: York Free banking for schools suppor pupilS: Lloyds350 TSB Commercial - well ed librAriAn: Carolyn Godfrey

CURRICULUM

Alex Linklater, aged six, enjoys some reading time at Tesco Kensington. Schools across the UK can now use Tesco for Schools & Clubs vouchers collected this year towards a range of best-selling children’s books.

What we learned this month

Academy applications have reached new heights. A record-breaking 1,070 schools have applied to be an academy since June 2010, 647 of which have been accepted and 384 have already converted, bringing the total number of academies open to 658, including the ones opened under Labour.

They said... While unqualified teachers earning £21,000 per year or less will get a small pay increase, school support staff are hit with a pay freeze…Secretaries, meals staff, cleaners and caretakers are the lowest paid school staff and deserve to be treated better Jon Richards, Unison’s senior national officer for education, responding to the government’s u-turn on a £250 pay increase for school support staff

As the Department for Education reviews the national curriculum, suggestions for reform come from the British Heart Foundation, which wants to see all students taught emergency life support (ELS) skills, and the Food for Life Partnership, which says learning how to cook should be required of all children over the age of five. Director of the Food for Life Partnership, Libby Grundy, advised that children be taught the practical skills of food growing and that the DfE should ensure every school has the space to create a food-growing garden. “If practical cooking lessons are to be increased across Key Stages 1 to 3, it is essential that appropriate teacher professional development is put in place, as well as any additional capital funding necessary for facilities and equipment for food teaching,” she commented.

SUPPLY TEACHERS

Supply teachers are more in demand as restricted school budgets put pressure on the prospect of permanent staff. A study from Giant Group shows that just eight per cent of supply teachers now spend 90 days or more without work, compared with 13% surveyed last year. MD Matthew Brown commented: “As pressure on education budgets continue to intensify, schools are keeping a very close eye on their budgets. With staffing costs under scrutiny it may be more cost-effective for schools to respond to sudden spikes in workload by making greater use of contingency staff.” Despite budget cuts, schools are still under immense pressure to raise standards. “Some schools rely on teaching assistants to cover for staff absences, but supply teachers are fully qualified and often very experienced teachers who can bring significant benefits to the classroom,” Brown added.

www.lloydstsb.com/schoolsbanking | 0800 681 6078 www.edexec.co.uk june 2011

FUNDING WATCH

FUNDING FORMULA DEBATE mproving literacy has emerged as a top priority for

SCH RED

School leaders welcomed a government government, with Education Secretary Michael Gov consultation on a new funding formula recently recommending children read as many as 5 launched in April that could see the £35bn books a year. While promising statistics show that spent on schools every year distributed more primary schools have made impressive gains in fairly. As it stands, the school funding system improving literacy standards, educators are Over faced w is based on calculations more than six years hal the old added challenge ofvariations cuts to local library and creates large in howauthority-run much survey by services restricted moneyand similar schools in different parts of the prim budgets that inevitably leadthis to new system the country receive. Under budget, c busier staffinand less face time with similar schools similar circumstances Of t A good library sy withintakes a librarian. How canreceive similar levels of pupils would consider track of resource of funding. Additional funding be reducing schools achieve the balance ofwould providedreading to support deprived with the got when you hav Sch improving skills while pupils, pupil premium being the first step.for A new was offse running a more streamlined your library a formula would also aim to be clear and easy The organisation? it on things you d for parents, schoolsisand schools, Carolyn Godfrey onethe public to understand and support a diverse range of responde teaching assistant/librarian school provision, including academies and handled who may have found the free schools. The Association of School and Ano

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