School Business Professional Level 4

A School Business Professional Apprenticeship is a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in supporting the operational, financial, and administrative aspects of schools. School business professionals play a vital role in ensuring that schools run smoothly and efficiently, enabling educators to focus on teaching and student well-being.

Course Materials: School Business Professional Level 4 Overview

Duration: 15-18 monthsCourse Fee Information
School-Business-Professional-Level-4

Overview

School Business Professionals (SBPs) perform a role which is unique to schools, administering and managing the financial, site and support services within the school context. They provide essential support to school leadership teams, implementing their financial and business decisions. SBPs may work in any school phase (primary, secondary, special) and in different school structures: single academy trusts, multi academy trusts (MATs) and local authority maintained schools and federations.
If you are working within a School Business Professional role or School Business Manager role, then this apprenticeship is an excellent way to develop your skills.
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Duration:15-18 months
Standard and Level:School Business Professional Level 4 Standard
Entry requirements:

Candidates should be working within a School Business Professional or School Business Manager role. Employers may also provide additional entry criteria.

Learners aged 18 who do not have exemptions will still be required to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills.  
 
Learners over 19 will have the option to either opt in or out of Functional Skills training and examinations. For those who choose to opt out, Fareport remains committed to supporting all learners in developing their literacy and numeracy skills by embedding these essential topics within the curriculum and assessments of the apprenticeship.  

To be eligible for an Apprenticeship you (or the apprentice) must:

  • Be living and working in England
  • Be 16 years old or above
  • Have the legal right to work in the UK
  • Have maintained UK residency for the last 3 years
  • Be employed in a real job; they may be an existing employee or a new hire
  • Work towards achieving an approved apprenticeship standard or framework
  • Work at least 30 hours a week
  • Be able to commit to the apprenticeship and its requirements
  • Not hold a prior qualification at the same or higher level in the same subject area
  • Not undertake or benefit from DfE funding during their apprenticeship programme, including Student Loans.
  • Have apprenticeship training and employment that lasts at least 12 months.
Cost:Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% government-funded for eligible employers, with minimal contribution required.

Knowledge


Knowledge (K) – The theoretical understanding an apprentice needs to perform their role effectively. This includes industry-specific principles, regulations, and best practices.

  • Finance-Understands the range of educational funding streams available which are applicable to their educational setting. Has a working knowledge of accounting practices and understands how to apply business principles to the optimum use of funding to support learning outcomes. Understands school compliance issues. Recognises business efficiency and knows the range of data required to inform school business decisions.
  • Procurement-Knowledge of school procurement regulations and requirements and how to achieve value for money, including collaborative procurement. Understands how to manage collaborative processes with other schools in order to share good practice and secure financial efficiencies. Has an awareness of the complexities of procurement law.
  • Human Resources-Understands the complexities of teaching and support staff contracts, terms & conditions of employment and payroll. Understands educational HR policies, safer recruitment, and compliance with safeguarding priorities and equality legislation. Has an awareness of when to seek legal advice.
  • Managing Support Services-Knows the impact of educational policies at an operational level in order to support the school development plan. Understands the influence of educational regulatory bodies (DfE, Ofsted, etc). Is aware of Ofsted requirements and the implications these have for the workforce and planning in a school. Knows how to manage the DfE pupil and workforce census and their impact on the school.
  • Governance and Risk-Has practical knowledge of the supporting documentation governors need. Understands the process of risk management and procures and manages insurance cover for the school to mitigate risks as appropriate. Has relevant knowledge enabling compliance with charitable status and education law. Understands the impact of, and how to implement, safeguarding policy in a school environment.
  • Marketing-Understands how marketing can be used to underpin school funding. Knows the marketing priorities of their school and the impact marketing activities can have. Understands marketing activities to promote their school and takes into account e-safety when doing so.
  • Infrastructure-Awareness of the optimum deployment of resources targeted to raise pupil attainment. Understands the significance of physical facilities and digital processes in an educational setting, e.g. facilities repair logs, student data analysis, data security and safe use of social media. Has knowledge of relevant legislation that schools must comply with, such as Health & Safety, Freedom of Information, Employment and Data Protection policies.
  • Ethical Standards-Understands and demonstrates the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, and applies statutory regulations and provisions.

More information on the Standard is available here.

Skills


Skills (S) – The practical abilities developed through training and hands-on experience. These are the technical and transferable skills required for the job.

  • Financial and Operational Management-Manages strategies set by senior personnel and drafts budgets that reflect them. Manages the accurate recording and reporting of the school’s finances to inform the senior leadership team who set the priorities for school spending. Completes pre-audit checks. Produces reports that present information and data using a range of analytical processes.
  • Project Management-Plans, organises and manages processes to ensure value for money for the school whilst supporting education delivery, e.g. contract management, payroll, building maintenance and small development projects. Uses multiple IT packages and specialised schools MIS (management information systems) platforms. Prepares and collates reporting data.
  • Change Management-Embraces change in a school and influence others in a positive manner. Works constructively within a team environment.
  • Communication and Relationship Building-Communicates appropriately and effectively with a range of stakeholders including students, parents, governors/trustees, staff, government and local government departments, e.g. DfE/ ESFA, to gain positive outcomes. Has the confidence to question or seek clarification of aspects of school practice when unsure or unclear.
  • Strategic Management-Manages support services across an entire school whilst also providing guidance to colleagues on the most appropriate use of school funding. Effectively line manages small teams to drive efficiencies.

Behaviours


Behaviours (B) – The professional attitudes and values expected in the workplace. These include teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and ethical responsibility.

  • Change Catalyst-Keeps up to date with educational policies and embraces change. Self- motivated and supportive of others in working through change.
  • Decision Maker-Demonstrates a confident approach to decision-making and prioritisation, thus gaining the confidence of others.
  • Skilled Negotiator-Open, approachable and is able to build trust with others. Consults and seeks the views of others and values diversity.
  • Collaborative-Behaves in a collaborative way with other internal and external stakeholders. Promotes a team spirit and actively demonstrates professional competence in all settings and situations.
  • Resilient-Has the ability to adapt to different, changing and challenging situations whilst promoting the highest professional standards.
  • Challenger-Is willing to ask difficult questions whilst demonstrating an ethical, fair and consistent approach. Offers a business perspective and supports discussion and debate with professional knowledge and evidence.

Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship, they will be ‘signed off’ by their employer/ provider as ready for end-point assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. In most cases, the assessment will be graded and must show the apprentice is fully competent and productive in the occupation.

End Point Assessment for School Business Professional consists of:

  • Simulated Task – Short written report and presentation created in timed conditions and followed by questions
  • Project report and presentation with Q & A session, underpinned by workplace project and portfolio of learning

It was very organised

Q. Is School Business Professional a good career?
Q. What is the salary of an apprentice?
Q. What is an apprenticeship?
Q. Can I train locally?
Q. Why choose Fareport as your Training Provider?
Q. What is Off-the-Job Training?

Why choose to learn with Fareport Training?

Fareport Training was established in 1981 in order to offer young people a route into work through work based training. In 2014 the business was purchased with support from entrepreneur Theo Paphitis by Natalie Cahill and Marinos Paphitis. Since then we have been building on Fareport’s excellent reputation for high quality training and delivering training and apprenticeships across England. We are proud to offer:

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Gain insights from industry leaders and seasoned professionals.
  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Stay ahead with the latest trends, tools, and techniques.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Balance your education with your professional and personal life.

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