Meet Elaine, the School Business Manager at Boxmoor Primary School.
Did you always plan to work in schools?
No - I actually fell into working in schools by accident. When my son was little, his school was looking for a secretary. I took the role as a temporary measure, then applied for the permanent position and was successful. I stayed in that role until my second child was born and we moved away.
Please can you describe your journey into education?
After a seven-year parenting gap, I returned to working in schools because the hours and school holidays fitted well around family life. I worked in a local school in Hemel Hempstead as an Office Administrator for five years before moving to Boxmoor Primary School.
During my performance management, I mentioned that I was interested in becoming a School Business Manager and to develop my knowledge and skills further. So, we investigated options and, in 2021, I started Education and Skills - School Business Professional (level 4) apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship was great. I learned so much throughout the course and it set me up well for the job I now do. It gave me the opportunity to build on my existing experience while developing new skills and gaining a much deeper understanding of the many areas involved in school business leadership.
What qualifications or training did you need?
My experience of working in schools gave me a strong foundation, as many aspects of the SBM role involve areas such as finance, health and safety, and safeguarding. Having that background was a real advantage.
To start the apprenticeship, I needed English and Maths at GCSE level. The course itself helped develop my professional skills even further, including communication, grammar and spelling, alongside the specialist content.
One of the key factors in my success was the support I received from my headteacher. She always gave me the time I needed to complete the course and was on hand to offer guidance and a fresh perspective whenever I encountered a challenge.
What is the best thing about your job?
As SBM, one of the things I enjoy most is the challenge of balancing the budget. I love working with spreadsheets and finance, and I enjoy finding solutions and making the numbers work.
For me, working three days a week all year round provides a great balance between work and family life. Being in school throughout the year also allows me to focus on projects and tasks during the quieter periods when there are fewer day-to-day interruptions. It gives me valuable time to prioritise and to concentrate on getting things done.
No two days are the same, and I enjoy the variety that the role offers.
What advice would you give someone who is considering a similar role?
I’d absolutely say go for it!
Don’t be put off by the fact that the role covers so many different areas and responsibilities. On paper, it can look daunting because School Business Managers wear a lot of different hats, but the apprenticeship is incredibly useful and interesting, and it leads to a very rewarding and fulfilling career.
There are always lots of things to do and it can be busy, but the impact you can make on a school is huge. I genuinely love what I do and would encourage anyone considering the role to take that next step.