World Baking Day: 7 Quick and Easy Baking Recipes for School Staff
School Business Managers (SBMs) play a vital role in keeping schools running smoothly, but managing finances, staff, resources and competing priorities can be challenging. Working smarter involves effective time management, building professional networks, setting boundaries and thinking strategically. These practical tips will help SBMs manage their workload, develop confidence and make a positive difference to their school communities.
Natalie McMunn
Top Tips for Smarter School Business Managers: How to Work More Effectively
School Business Managers (SBMs) play a vital role in keeping schools running smoothly, but managing finances, staff, resources and competing priorities can be challenging. Working smarter involves effective time management, building professional networks, setting boundaries and thinking strategically. These practical tips will help SBMs manage their workload, develop confidence and make a positive difference to their school communities.
Natalie McMunn
The Ever-Changing Role of the School Business Manager: Challenges and Opportunities
The role of the school business manager (SBM) is constantly evolving, with responsibilities extending far beyond administration. From managing school budgets and procurement to improving operational efficiency and supporting senior leadership, SBMs play a vital role in helping schools run effectively. Understanding the challenges, embracing digital solutions and sharing best practice can help school business professionals make a lasting difference.
Natalie McMunn
How to plan a staff Christmas party: a practical guide for school business
Planning a staff Christmas party means balancing celebration with budgets, inclusivity, practical arrangements and school policies. Starting early, agreeing costs, choosing an accessible venue, checking dietary requirements, planning safe travel and communicating clearly can make the event easier to manage. A simple checklist also helps school business managers avoid last-minute problems and keep everyone informed.
Natalie McMunn
5 After-School Club Activities for All Ages: Practical Ideas for Schools
After-school clubs give pupils structured opportunities to explore interests, build confidence and spend time with others beyond the normal school day. The most effective clubs are inclusive, age-appropriate, well supervised and simple to resource. Schools should balance pupil enjoyment with safeguarding, staffing, accessibility, practical planning and activities that can be adapted for different ages and abilities.
Jack Clarke
13 influential school business leadership voices to follow in 2026
School business professionals can use social media and professional networks to share ideas, find peer support, keep up with sector developments and learn from people facing similar operational challenges. The most useful accounts combine practical experience with credible guidance, helping school business managers build stronger professional connections without relying on one platform or one voice.
Natalie McMunn
Every Man for Himself? Why School Business Leaders Are Stronger Together
School business leadership works best when expertise is shared rather than guarded. Collaboration between schools, trusts and professional networks can help leaders solve problems faster, strengthen procurement decisions and learn from each other’s experience. For busy school business professionals, the challenge is creating time and confidence to connect while still managing the day-to-day demands of school operations.
Natalie McMunn
Top Tips to Grab a Black Friday Bargain for Your School
Black Friday can be a great opportunity for schools to save money on essential supplies, classroom resources and seasonal activities. However, securing a genuine bargain takes more than finding the biggest discount. By planning purchases, comparing prices, preparing shopping lists and setting a clear budget, school business managers and teachers can make the most of Black Friday without overspending.
Natalie McMunn
Building the Human
What skills do young people need for an AI-enabled future? Explore the human character strengths that support learning, wellbeing and long-term success.
Selena Whitehead
Revision Tips for Schools: How to Help Pupils Prepare for Exams
Effective revision in schools is about more than giving pupils extra worksheets before an exam. Schools need a clear, manageable approach that helps pupils revisit key knowledge, practise recalling it, understand exam expectations and feel prepared. The most useful revision plans combine structured routines, appropriate resources, supportive teaching and enough flexibility to meet different pupils’ needs.
Natalie McMunn
Overcoming perfectionism in schools: A guide to being kinder to yourself
Perfectionism can look like high standards, but in a busy school environment it can also lead to overthinking, procrastination, unrealistic expectations and difficulty switching off. Recognising perfectionist habits early can help school staff protect their wellbeing, work more sustainably and accept that doing a good, effective job does not always mean doing a perfect one.
Natalie McMunn
In a World of Digital Planners: Why You Should Put Pen to Paper
Digital calendars, apps and online planners have become part of everyday school life, but there is still plenty of value in putting pen to paper. For teachers, school business managers and education leaders juggling busy workloads, a paper planner can provide a simple, visible and practical way to organise priorities, capture ideas and keep important tasks on track
Natalie McMunn
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