How schools can celebrate World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day, held on 8 June each year, gives schools a practical opportunity to help pupils understand why healthy oceans matter and how everyday choices can reduce pollution. From cutting unnecessary single-use plastics to planning pupil-led activities, schools can use the day to turn environmental learning into simple actions that can continue throughout the year.
Natalie McMunn
How to promote equality in your school: practical steps for an inclusive school community
Promoting equality in school means removing barriers so every pupil can access learning, participate in school life and feel that they belong. It requires more than celebrating difference: schools need inclusive policies, accessible environments, representative resources, thoughtful budgeting and meaningful pupil and parent voice. The strongest approach is planned, practical and reviewed regularly.
Natalie McMunn
How to train a positive mindset: 6 practical tips for school business managers
A positive mindset can help school business managers approach busy days with greater perspective, focus and resilience. It does not mean ignoring pressure or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it is about recognising challenges, choosing constructive responses and building everyday habits that support wellbeing, from starting the day calmly to staying active and connected with others.
Do Not Disturb? How School Business Managers Can Manage Interruptions at Work
School business managers are often expected to be approachable while also completing complex, time-sensitive work that needs concentration. A sensible ‘do not disturb’ approach is not about closing yourself off; it is about setting clear boundaries, protecting focused working time and helping colleagues understand when an interruption is urgent and when it can reasonably wait.
Jack Clarke
7 Tips for Effective Social Media Management in Schools
Effective social media management helps schools communicate clearly with parents and carers, celebrate school life and strengthen community relationships. The most successful approach is not to post everywhere, but to choose the right channels, protect pupils’ privacy, keep content accessible and useful, set clear responsibilities and respond consistently when people engage.
Natalie McMunn
9 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for School Business Managers
New Year’s resolutions for school business managers work best when they make everyday school life more manageable, not more demanding. Focus on small, realistic changes that reduce unnecessary workload, protect time for rest, improve organisation and support wellbeing. The most useful resolutions are specific, sustainable and flexible enough to fit around the realities of a busy school.
Natalie McMunn
Are Workload Pressures Out of Control for School Business Managers?
School business professionals are central to the financial and operational running of schools, yet workload can quickly become unmanageable when interruptions, additional responsibilities and after-hours working become routine. The most effective response is not simply to work faster, but to make workload visible, clarify priorities, protect focused time and simplify processes that create avoidable administration.
Natalie McMunn
Dealing with isolation in the School Business Manager and School Business Leader role
School Business Managers (SBMs) and School Business Leaders (SBLs) can feel isolated because their roles sit across leadership, teaching and support functions without always fitting neatly into any one team. Building trusted relationships, professional networks and regular peer support can reduce that isolation, strengthen resilience and give school business professionals somewhere to turn when pressures or difficult situations arise.
Rachel Pangburn
13 of the Best Leadership Podcasts for School Leaders in 2026
Leadership podcasts give school leaders a flexible way to develop their skills, hear different perspectives and reflect on how they lead. From managing difficult conversations and supporting staff wellbeing to improving communication, culture and decision-making, the best leadership podcasts provide practical ideas that headteachers, senior leaders and School Business Managers can apply in their own settings.
Jack Clarke
10 Vital Skills for Effective School Leaders
Effective school leaders combine strong communication, emotional intelligence, organisation and strategic thinking with the ability to build relationships and develop others. Whether you are new to leadership or preparing for your next role, these skills can help you lead staff confidently, manage competing priorities, create a positive school culture and keep pupils at the centre of decision-making.
Preparing for Winter Weather in Schools: A Practical Guide
Preparing for winter weather in schools means having clear plans for snow, ice, flooding, storms and freezing temperatures before conditions deteriorate. Schools should assess site and travel risks, prepare safe access routes, communicate with families, protect vulnerable pupils and know when temporary closure is necessary. Early preparation helps schools stay open safely wherever possible.
Natalie McMunn
4 of the Best Tools for Remote and Flexible Working in Schools
Remote and flexible working can help school teams collaborate effectively when staff are not in the same place, but the right tools matter. Schools need platforms that are simple to use, secure, well managed and appropriate for their existing systems. Project management, communication, meetings and file sharing are the four areas where the right technology can make the biggest difference.
Natalie McMunn
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