Not many teachers, or head teachers went into education to be involved in financial management of schools; yet that's where many find themselves. Some Academies have Business Managers to help, but most School Business Managers are not Accountants, they're expert in managing business. There is a … [Read more...]
Making more from your school’s assets
The phrase “sweat your assets” is one that still leaves me cold and it often feels like a throwback from the 1980’s. However, in an age where Schools (and especially Academies) are struggling for cash, the phrase seems ever more relevant. What do you mean sweat your school’s assets? In this … [Read more...]
Government help for childcare in the holidays
Can you believe it the six weeks holidays are upon us once again and I am sure you will be doing one of the following:- • Tearing your hair out • Rejoicing the long break • Worrying about having less staff around to do the essential work Finance is available for your staff childcare … [Read more...]
How to set up your bank accounts for a MAT
Converting your school to a MAT (multi academy trust) can be frustrating, time consuming and often uncovers lessons “for next time” (except there rarely is a next time). A good recent example where we have been helping a school converting to a MAT, and setting up their school bank account for a … [Read more...]
Education Business Awards 2019
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2019 Education Business Awards. The London Ceremony took place on Thursday 4th July 2019 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London St Paul's. Alan Patient & Co had the pleasure of sponsoring one of the 24 categories the "The School Procurement … [Read more...]
Budgeting tools for schools and academies
Budgeting isn’t something that most Schools and Academies enjoy. It can take up a lot of time (reducing pupil contact time), create stress and still be “wrong” (needing money to be found elsewhere or something to stop happening. Tips for making budgeting easier in schools When … [Read more...]
BFR Deadline 30 July 2019
Hopefully by now you (and all other Trusts) have at least had your Finance Committee and Local Governing Board review and agreed your budget for 2019/20 and the 3-year forecast through to 2021/22. Key points on the BFR With many Trust Board’s meeting to approve this prior to submission to the … [Read more...]
Issues with outsourcing for schools
When visiting schools, I am often asked about outsourcing and if it’s something a school should do (more of). Outsourcing is a concept that’s been around for far longer than the modern-day Business School mantra suggests. A recent visit to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich reminded me that outsourcing … [Read more...]
The top 10 key changes to the Academies Financial Handbook for 2019
Following the release of the Academies Financial Handbook 2019 on 27 June which comes into effect from 1 September 2019 this is my summary of the major changes from last year. This includes a few new musts for Trusts, expands the ESFA’s emphasis on Trustees financial accountability and introduces a … [Read more...]
Are School Leaders the best people to run their schools?
School leaders and governors are not often not trained finance professionals. School leadership is far more than “just” finances (in fact that applies to leadership in general and maybe we’d be better off if we had more leaders in the country). A good leader needs to be able to inspire, move her … [Read more...]
