Emma Norman, school business manager at Chapelford Village Primary School, tells us all about giant swings, colourful hair and where she takes inspiration from!
What led to your current role?
I worked for 10 years in the local authority, first in payroll and then as a finance advisor to local maintained schools. I hadn’t long since come off maternity leave after my second child and a school business manager role came up in a local school. I applied and haven’t look back since.
Something unusual or interesting about yourself?
I am completely alternative; tattoos, rock music and having hair of many different colours is my happy place.
Favourite aspect of working as an SBP so far?
In my previous school we completely overhauled the reading scheme. I was able to be a huge part of this, not only finding the funds to finance all the new books that were needed but also visiting other schools to look at their reading schemes too, and choosing some of the new texts to be included. The school was awarded a silver reading quality mark, and this was also recognised in their Ofsted inspection in September.
Greatest professional achievement to date?
Making it through the pandemic in one piece and still being in an SBL role! The first eight weeks of the first lockdown consisted of long hours of multitasking, home-schooling two children, providing the staff onsite with resources, supporting with home learning provision, supporting with safeguarding, and supporting staff wellbeing with Zoom get togethers – all whilst making sure the books balanced as that year we were facing a huge financial deficit. Somehow, we made it through and ended the year with a surplus. The fallout of the Edenred (FSM) debacle was when I discovered that I love gin!
How do you ensure you continue to grow, personally and professionally?
The pandemic was difficult in a number of ways and, just like many others, my mental health and self-esteem has taken a hit. I was very fortunate to be able to access some coaching through Laura Williams and her guidance and support has been invaluable over the last few months. She supported me with my application and successful appointment to a new role a few months ago – her series of SBL podcasts are pretty amazing CPD too!
I also find that the SBL Twitter community are such a huge source of support; they carry a wealth of knowledge and the @sblconnect tea parties are just a breath of fresh air!
Where do you take inspiration from both work and life wise?
My family. I am so close to my mum and siblings I just don’t know what I would do without them. We didn’t have much growing up which I think has provided us all with a great work ethic and the drive to push ourselves. As one of four, we probably drive each other to distraction, we see each other so often, but I know I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Three words to describe your role?
Hectic, fulfilling, frustrating.
If there was anything about your job you could change, what would it be?
I would love for there to be more recognition at a national level for the roles SBPs play in schools. Our work is integral to resourcing and allowing teachers to focus on high quality teaching and learning – in turn, enabling headteachers to focus strategically on school improvement without the distraction of all the issues behind the scenes.
Funniest SBM moment
From a health and safety walk through the muddy forest school and (not so) gracefully slipping over, to allowing the Year 6 children be in charge of the rope of the giant swing on a residential visit where myself and another teacher screamed no end. My three and a half years of being a school business manager have been difficult, but have also been an absolute blast.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of my career has in store!
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