Working with School Leaders to support your Education Operations

It's October and it feels like autumn is really bedding in now. I've even put the heating on at home! I always used to hold off putting school heating on until October half term so the site team had some time to check it was all working properly and get some external maintenance support if necessary. Then it would all be toasty for when staff and pupils returned in November.

The other thing about switching it all on over a school break is that you've got time to renew the energy saving signs and remind everyone about sustainability.

Here at 1st Pillar, we are thrilled to be working on a plan to offer some truly amazing sustainability leadership support over the coming months. We want schools to be ready for 2025, as declared in the DfE's Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education, and 1st Pillar can help with training, workshops and tools to get you aligned. More importantly, 1st Pillar's holistic experience in schools means that we can enable all pupils and staff to feel part of your schools strategy and plans - meaning the success will be theirs.

It's not just about ticking a green agenda box. It's about teaching the next generation that they can DO something to sort it out and look after planet Earth!

I'm still undecided on this section heading. Nothing about being an SBL is 'old'. Every day brings something different, something challenging and something fun! But there is a cycle to our work and this is a good place to remind me what's going on!

Autumn School Census day was October 3rd and needs to be returned by 30th October.

For Academies, the Land and Buildings Collection online tool is now available and needs to be submitted by 12th November. It's a good half term job, but don't forget that it needs separate preparation and approval.

The cycle of Admissions Arrangements also starts in October.

All that, and look at your budget forecast in light of the pay uplifts and additional income, and academies will be working on their year end audit.

The School Resource Management Adviser Programme contract is up for renewal and we are all waiting with baited breath for October 10th when we should know this new government's thinking. Having been involved from the very beginning, as an SRMA and leader of a deployment organisation in the first contract, I would love to see it continue to support schools. I was so pleased to have an SRMA to support me too. However big or small you are as a SAT, MAT or maintained school, SBLs shouldn't try to work in a bubble. Get out there and build a network - your SRMA can help with that too.

Speaking of networks, I went to the ISBL launch of their Operational Excellence Framework this week. It was so inspiring and exciting. I can't wait to start seeing the impact it is going to have on our roles and our schools. I'm sure I will be reporting more about this in the coming weeks. Click on the link above to find out more. You have to login/register but the information is free to download.

Not long until half term. Enjoy these lovely autumn weeks, tree houses and Strictly sparkle, and get in touch if you need anything - we'd love to hear from you.

Emma