Moving on From the Honeymoon Period

In the next part of Tricia Wilkin’s academy journey, she reflects on the whirlwind of her first four months, navigating challenges, setting boundaries and preparing for the busy months ahead

So, I’m now four months in and wow, what a whirlwind it’s been. I’d enjoyed a quiet school over the summer with barely anyone in just like being back at my maintained school, but September hit me like a water balloon to the face.

Setting Boundaries

I’ve most definitely felt the difference of having more than one school vying for my attention, a little like having a newborn and a toddler both needing you NOW! Initially I was back and forth between the two but soon learned that like with children it’s been important to set boundaries whilst putting them at ease by making sure they all know where you’re going to be and when.

The return to business as usual also highlighted that there were a few improvements needed in the current admin set up. After meeting with both teams for their opinions, it was clear to see that we needed to make some changes with bringing in a new member of the team to enable one of the existing team to work over both sites – not only giving the CFO and myself more support, but also bringing both schools closer together at a ground level. This has been met with positivity so far, with both schools benefiting from having a member of staff supporting them that they both know well.

Learning the Balance

One lesson I have learned is how important it is that no school is favoured (or feels like it is) over another, so I’m conscious to never have a poor relation feeling from either side and communication is key in this.

After a fantastic response to the admin advert it was lovely to end the half term by interviewing a high calibrate of candidates and offering (perhaps more importantly having the job accepted) before we broke up. I think this will hopefully bring with it a more sedate start to the next half term and an even more productive start to next term when the whole team are up to speed. I’m a firm believer that the admin team are the heart of the school and therefore a happy team will spread that further afield.

This half term has also seen me starting to look at new CIF bids and the DfE Contract Management foundation course I completed at the start of the month has come in very handy. If you haven’t investigated some of the courses the DfE has to offer I’d highly recommend you do, as my experience has so far been a very positive one by attending a course with like-minded school business professionals who all know and understand the trials and tribulations of life in the fast lane. If you’re not already a member of a SBP network, head over to the DfE website and find your nearest one as they are always a great place to find out what is on offer out there for school business professionals.

Looking Ahead

So, what will the next half term bring? At present the CEO is currently off so the CFO and I have stepped up which so far hasn’t brought any surprises, fingers crossed that continues until his return. CIF bids need to be submitted, and the Annual Audit will be kicking off the first week back which will be fun and then there will be all the fun of Christmas (sorry if it’s too early to be using that word) with the visits to the Panto, Christmas Nativities and all the craziness that goes with it!