Working in partnership with Schools and Academies

Knowledgeable, flexible and affordable professional support services

1 Welcome to Schools’ Choice

We’re a team of experienced the most up-to-date, cost-effective and professionals whose expertise today innovative products and services from us. supports many schools and academies across the UK – enabling you to focus on I hope this brochure gives you a good what really matters: student achievement. overview of the services we provide. If you’d like to read more detail on As a well-established, skilled team we each of our service areas, please visit our bring a wealth of experience to our work. website at: www.schoolschoice.org which We’ve been providing school support also offers an order and payment facility services since the 1990s, and since the called the Schools’ Choice E.store. academies bill of 2010 we’ve also been guiding schools who have chosen to Thank you for your interest in Schools’ convert to academy status, giving them Choice, we look forward to working additional ongoing support to ensure with you and helping your school they meet their new responsibilities. achieve its full potential.

Our teams strive to delight our customers. We receive regular, excellent feedback Julia Dolan from them – which you can read more General Manager about in this brochure. We continually challenge and improve what we do, to E: [email protected] ensure schools and academies get only T: 07717 513 520

2 Our Services Page

Learning and Improvement Services 6-9

We provide support to help raise standards and challenge performance.

Children’s Services 10-13

We offer support to help you achieve the best for all pupils from supporting participation to managing behaviour and dealing with educational appeals.

Governor Services 14-17

We are able to assist and support governors, including headteachers, so they’re highly effective in their roles, tailoring services to perfectly suit your school.

Human Resources 18-21

We offer professional and innovative HR services to help you recruit, manage and develop your people.

Finance Services 22-25

We offer an extensive range of finance support from transactional services to advice, strategic planning and on-site support.

Information and Communications Technology 26-29

We offer responsive and knowledgeable ICT support so your school and students, get the very best out of your technology investment.

Property Management 30-33

We provide a professional and technical premises management service, working with you to keep your school healthy, safe and open.

3 What we do Working across our seven service areas we support all aspects of educational management in schools

We’re based in and our customers - schools and academies - are located locally, regionally and nationally. Our customers give us consistently excellent feedback on the services we provide, and they rely on us to deliver for three reasons:

We have extensive We’re responsive We’re cost effective knowledge and flexible and innovative

Our teams have a very broad As you’ll understand, there’s no We have an ethos of continual knowledge of the operational and -size-fits-all when it comes to improvement at Schools’ Choice. managerial requirements of the the needs of running a school or For us, it’s not enough to merely education sector. Over the years academy. That’s why our service tweak what we did last year. we’re proud to have appointed portfolio is based on partnership We continually challenge and subject matter experts in every working, so that we talk with you, improve our range of products and aspect of our service portfolio; and and we listen, to understand exactly services, so that each time you we have the additional expertise what your school requires – and we pick up the phone you know you’re of partners whose know-how tailor our products and services to getting the most up-to-date and supplements our own, to make up meet your requirements exactly. effective service from our skilled a fully-rounded service for you. and well-trained teams.

4 Let’s Talk

When we work with you we make it a priority to get to know your teams, how they work, and how our expertise can add real value.

It’s also good for you to know who we are – the experts who make up the Schools’ Choice teams. Together, we have a broad range of experience, having worked across public and private sectors in our own areas of expertise and in the many various areas of the educational sector.

As well as always taking a professional approach, you’ll find us friendly and approachable, too. You can find out more about our teams on our website, and how we can work with you to ensure your school or academy achieves its very best.

Hayley Robertson Tracey Riches Simon Davies Trevor Hayward Business and Account Manager Account Manager Marketing and Performance Manager Communications Manager

Claire McCullough Jo Lang Nadine Coleman Claire Darwin SchoolSAFE Manager Senior Adviser, Property Management Educational Psychologist, Governor Services Manager Children’s Services

Libby Wragg Lynn Wright Jo Spencer Malcolm Fleming HR Manager Payroll and Service Manager ICT Manager Pensions Manager Finance, Business and Transactional HR

5 Learning and Improvement Helping raise standards and challenge performance

We’re a dedicated team of experienced professionals and our range of support services include information, advice and guidance, materials and toolkits to support school improvement processes and activities, along with curriculum networks, CPD, online information, and face-to-face consultancy.

We work closely with schools, Our consultancy service offers Bespoke academies and free schools advice and guidance plus to develop bespoke packages bespoke training on all aspects of Consultancy across all phases of learning. We school leadership, management also offer advice, support and and curriculum. We offer a Bespoke Consultancy guidance to school leaders on service to schools, academies all aspects of school leadership, We’re fully committed to making and free schools which is more and we support schools that are a real and tangible difference to flexible, and can be agreed in managing difficult circumstances. the lives of young people in your discussion with school leaders school or academy, by improving and governors to meet the specific We can also offer guidance learning outcomes, and preparing improvement requirements. and support with leadership them for the next phase of succession planning, recruitment schooling and beyond. Continuing of headteachers, interim leadership arrangements, Professional developing leaders in schools Development and supporting teachers that are new to the profession. In Our CPD service offers a addition, we offer support for comprehensive online searchable managing parental complaints and directory and booking system investigations. of courses and other learning opportunities. This is a one-stop- shop service.

6 Primary and CLEAPSS What people say

Secondary Phase This is an important service to “I just wanted to thank you Offer support all schools and settings for coming to the school to with subject specific health discuss languages and the The Primary offer is available to and safety advice and statutory Linguamarque. Doing the all primary schools, academies guidance for teachers, subject Linguamarque evaluation and free schools, Special leaders, laboratory technicians made me refocus on how schools and Pupil Referral Units and school leaders covering we actually plan, teach and across the primary phase. art, design and technology assess our language learning and all aspects of the science in the school. It has also The Secondary offer is available curriculum. CLEAPSS also empowered me as Primary to all maintained schools provide the LA RPA for Languages coordinator, as (Middle School and Upper/High secondary schools. I now feel that I have a very Schools), academies and free detailed and effective Subject schools, Special schools and Leader file which reflects Pupil Referral Units across the the school’s ethos towards secondary phase. Linguamarque language acquisition.” The offer is intended to enable The Linguamarque programme Tattingstone Primary School schools to access data, support, provides your school with a guidance and resources that structured approach to Primary will underpin raising attainment Languages teaching. Devised and improve pupils’ progress by our language education throughout the primary phase at professionals, and backed all levels of ability. by online resources, this best practice initiative will help The standard package is you meet the new statutory designed to give schools the requirements for Primary core tools that facilitate school Languages teaching. improvement. The enhanced option is designed to provide additional resources in a cost effective way that will support those schools looking to purchase a more extensive package of support

Access to important information and data

Our service will enable you to gain access to a range of insightful data and analyses to ensure that you have the right information and support to help save time, solve problems and increase efficiency at all levels of leadership.

7 Teacher Recruitment Newly Qualified Service Teachers (NQTs)

As well as supporting school The Suffolk Appropriate Body recruitment this service promotes NQT Induction Service is teaching and encourages available to all schools (including the recruitment of good and Academies and FE Colleges) and outstanding teachers. to Suffolk maintained schools What people say The service offers: at a preferential rate with some additional benefits. “I just wanted to say well • Email detailing vacancies direct done for the NQT pool to trainee teachers • The service will continue to arrangements this year, they be arranged directly with have worked so well and we • The posting of school vacancies individual schools via the have appointed a great NQT onto the portals and websites of Learning and Improvement for September.” ITT providers Service All Saints’ Primary School • Access to the ‘pool’ of applicants • Schools wishing to purchase who are looking for a teaching this service will indicate this post: this will allow schools direct by registering their NQT(s) access to an applicant’s LA for induction with Suffolk application form and references using the standard pro-forma from their ITT provider and available on the Suffolk NQT placement school/s. website

• Receipt of registration will Internship activate the contract with Suffolk Appropriate Body Recruitment and trigger the provision of handbooks and additional Our new service is built on the support information. success experienced by some of our primary schools. We support schools Schools purchasing the Teacher to recruit gifted university graduates Recruitment Service and to work in your school for a year. appointing NQTs will be eligible We advertise, shortlist, provide you for a 20% discount on the NQT details on potential graduates and induction service. arrange initial induction.

8 SchoolSAFE

For many people, understanding Our programmes include: the triggers of challenging behaviour and how to deal with it Theory – this consists of two NEW - Positive handling – is essential if they are to carry out elements:- This is a 2 hour programme their daily duties safely. providing low level physical The legal framework – de-escalation techniques to enable Through a modular system of exploring current legislation staff to redirect, or physically support training, the SchoolSAFE team and responsibilities around a child, in what could otherwise be a provides meaningful and focused interventions and expectations. potentially difficult situation. guidance to help people make appropriate choices when The theory of de-escalation – managing difficult behaviours to focuses on understanding help reduce the risk of harm to behaviour, and what causes some everyone involved. of the behaviour we experience.

The training focus is on Risk management – an opportunity de-escalation and intervention at for a small group to spend time an early stage to reduce the need with the SchoolSAFE trainer to for restrictive practices. work through the risk assessment It is underpinned by a clear process and a behaviour profile. articulation and understanding of Consultation – trainers will behavioural theory, law and facilitate focused time on individual best practice. behaviour planning to help SchoolSAFE fully complies with implement a consistent approach What people say current legislation and Ofsted across the school. guidance on behaviour, and is “Both instructors were full Physical de-escalation – this delivered by our BTEC-qualified of knowledge and extremely programme includes physical risk assessors and physical helpful with situations within de-escalation techniques to intervention instructors. my field. It has really helped redirect or physically support a me to feel more confident in Our education professionals child. It can also include a selection my day to day role.” have a wealth of experience and of escape techniques through to Suffolk One Sixth Form College knowledge of working within a restrictive hold. It trains staff to education, health and social care a suitable and sufficient level to with children and adults. manage a potentially dangerous We can deliver training in your situation in a safe, ethical and school at the end of a school day legal manner, ensuring the rights or on professional development of the child are always taken into days to minimise any disruption in consideration. your school. Our ‘train the trainer’ 5-day To access any physical intervention programme can lead to a BTEC training, staff must have attended qualification for your staff, so that the theory programme and the risk they can deliver training, subject to an management training. This ensures annual refresher. that schools can evidence a clear audit trail of early intervention and behaviour management strategies, before using any physical interventions techniques.

9 Children’s Services Supporting participation and quality assurance

The Schools’ Choice Children’s Services team provides a range of support to schools and academies with the aim of achieving the best for all pupils – from supporting participation and quality assurance, to managing behaviour and dealing with educational appeals.

Community psychologically informed support that’s tailored to your requirements Educational and budget. We provide support Psychology Service packages based on the following six broad areas of work: Our Educational Psychologists (EPs) work with children and young • Collaborative problem solving people, their families and other and person centred approaches professionals, to promote positive change and wellbeing. • Consultation, assessment and intervention Our team has extensive knowledge of child development, • Strategic development and learning, emotional and mental whole school work health needs and are qualified to • Projects including Masters or Doctorate level. the development of The service we offer spans all age psychologically informed groups from early years, through tools and resources school age to young adults up to • Research and evaluation 25 years of age. • Training and supervision. Our EPs will work with you to identify your specific needs and develop a package of

10 Safeguarding Learning and Quality Assurance (SLQA)

Our SLQA service acts as a Quality, performance and What people say ‘critical friend’, advising schools monitoring on safeguarding and e-safety “There can be no issue The SLQA service delivers the issues to support everyday of greater importance to S20 National Minimum Standard operations and strategic planning. parents and carers, or to audits to Residential Special At its core are three main schools, than the safety of Schools and the coordination of functions: professional advice their children. Outstanding the annual statutory safeguarding and consultancy, support for schools typically exceed the self-review assessments performance and monitoring, and minimum expectation of undertaken by schools on behalf a suite of training programmes on refresher training every three of the LA, to ensure appropriate safeguarding and e-Safety. years for all staff and every safeguarding arrangements are two years for designated child Our service gives you access being maintained. protection staff. They provide to professional advice, online annual training for all staff, resources such as policy supplemented by regular templates, and on-site auditing of Safeguarding, e-Safety, updates in staff meetings safeguarding practice and policies whole school development and underpinned by accurate within your school. and training records of the training undertaken by each member This range of training helps of staff, including volunteers Professional advice schools and academies meet and student teachers.” and consultancy statutory obligations. The portfolio includes safeguarding Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector The SLQA service is built on the disabled children, introduction to Miriam Rose ‘Safeguarding in experience of key personnel who safeguarding for whole school schools: best practice’. have a broad knowledge and communities and designated experience in safeguarding and roles, e-safety training for the e-safety, supported by a sound workforce, parents, carers and background in evidence-based peer ambassadors training. practice and research.

11 Attendance Officer Education Support Service Appeals Office

Our service is backed by We arrange independent educational specialists who work admission appeals and exclusion with you to achieve and maintain reviews for schools. We use only healthy school attendance figures. fully-trained independent panel The package comprises casework, members and clerks to hear the consultation, awareness sessions appeals or reviews and they have and other pioneering initiatives, full regard for the law and latest all of which are focused and Department for Education guidance. practical, and quality-assured by a senior education welfare officer. We make all arrangements including suitable local venues; ensuring all necessary parties are Behaviour invited, collating and reproducing paperwork and ensuring all Support Service statutory deadlines and procedures are met. Our charges are very The Behaviour Support Service competitive and our staff helpful offers a range of support and knowledgeable. interventions which can help children on their way to successful learning alongside their peers. Aimed at realising success through early intervention, team members from the Service provide you with the strategies to support children with a range of difficulties.

The Service works with all key stages from Early Years to Key Stage 4. We offer a flexible approach to meet the individual needs of both the pupil and the educational setting. We focus on barriers to learning such as: an inability to manage anger or resolve conflict; lack What people say of emotional literacy and social skills; playground behaviour; “I have seen a remarkable bullying and friendship issues; change in the child which is a joy low self-esteem and lack of to see. He looks more confident assertiveness; and concerns and is now taking part in around transitions from school to activities more frequently”. school. We also support staff with Barningham Primary School the management of an individual pupil’s behaviour.

12 Educational Visits The Duke of people to see how their efforts add value and impact others and Learning Edinburgh’s Award as well as themselves; it adds Outside the to their motivation and positive The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award attitude. Young people are able Classroom Activities is an ideal way to inspire young to demonstrate the essential people by offering opportunities skills and commitment desired by We recognise the important role in an enjoyable, challenging and employers, citing real life examples that off site visits, adventurous rewarding programme of personal of transferable soft skills. At the activities and learning outside development. The award, run by most critical stage of life’s journey, the classroom plays in providing the country’s leading youth charity, young people need some help to a rich and rewarding education provides all young people with develop their employability skills. for children and young people the chance to develop skills for a The DofE works with young people whatever their age, ability or brighter future. At each stage the of every background to provide circumstances, and we actively Award provides an awareness of a a solution. It is recognised by support and encourage such activities. young person’s own potential by employers and universities alike as building on resilience, confidence a mark of excellence. Evolve provides schools with all and talents. the tools needed to create clear processes for planning, recording, The value of the Duke of approving and evaluating their Edinburgh’s Award to employers educational visits. As well as goes back to its creation. being an efficient tool for planning The aim to establish a link between and approving visits, Evolve also education and the workplace. contains a variety of features Completing a Duke of Edinburgh’s What people say including search and report Award programme can improve facilities, downloadable resources young people’s employment “I’m applying for different and information, staff records and visit prospects. It requires resilience courses and jobs. The Duke history, gateway access for parents. and commitment. It enables young of Edinburgh’s Award gets probably the best reaction. It has good status and currency amongst employers.”

Gold Participant

13 Governor Services Supporting school improvement through effective Governor services

Because all governance bodies work differently we develop our services to help you do what you do better.

We know that governors and Governor Services is an advise on legislation, statutory trustees come from all walks established and trusted provider. guidance, managing relationships of life and bring a huge range We are proud of the high calibre of and being a good governor. of skills and experience to their clerks and trainers delivering these school, and that each governing services, and we know our users Our services have a very strong body, board of trustees or trust and appreciate the support focus on school improvement. local governing board operates they receive. Governors say ‘that This means that all four services differently depending on the needs they benefit from well-tailored provide schools with clear support of the school. training and regular governor to ensure that governors are briefings which help them to sharpen aware of the changing Ofsted Our services give the help and the focus of their work in challenging requirements, and good and support you need to be effective, and supporting their schools’. outstanding practice. efficient and impactful. Our staff We advise governors, clerks can give advice and guidance on We know that the point and headteachers on legislation any governance issue through our of governance is to keep and statutory guidance, on best helpline, and you can sign up to schools moving forward, so practice, managing relationships any or all of our four professional all our work is focused on the and driving school improvement. services – Governor Training, role of governors in school the Clerking Service, Pupil improvement. We will keep you Expectations of governors have Disciplinary Committee Clerking updated on Ofsted & government increased significantly in recent Service and Governance Reviews. expectations for your role, share years and we have developed good and outstanding practice, in line with Ofsted requirements and national legislation to support What people say governing bodies as they work to fulfil their strategic role in securing Governors say “they benefit from well-tailored training and school improvement. regular governor briefings which help them to sharpen the focus of their work in challenging and supporting their schools”.

14 Governor Training

Our core programme covers the areas all governors, PRU managers and academy board members need to know, while our bespoke training for individual governing bodies, small clusters or individual governors can be personalised to meet your needs.

As a subscriber to Governor Training you will receive:

• Access to a comprehensive range of free training for every member of the governing body through our core programme, including the all important induction training for new governors, called How do I Start?

• Access to an individual school-based training session for the governing body or cluster with the option to purchase further sessions

• Updates on legislation and its practical application

• Access to the telephone helpline

• Free attendance at termly Governor Seminars offering practical tips for governing bodies and committees

• Free access to a full range of e-learning training modules.

What people say

“A really well planned and executed training session. Very worthwhile. Thank you.”

Gislingham/Palgrave Federation

15 Governing Body Where possible the service will Pupil Discipline also supply a clerk for additional Clerking Service and one-off meetings, subject Committee Clerking to availability. We will: Meeting minutes are a legal The Pupil Discipline Committee record of the work of governance • Produce, in discussion with Clerking Service offers: boards and governing bodies, the Headteacher and Chair, a and they also play a pivotal role in meeting agenda, ensuring that • Clerking of up to five hearings demonstrating good governance all key matters are covered per year with the option to pay to Ofsted during an inspection. for the clerking of extra hearings The Schools’ Choice Governing • Provide the Chair of Governors if this number is exceeded Body Clerking service provides a and the Headteacher with (subject to availability) trained clerk for your meetings, a draft set of minutes for who will work with you to draw up agreement, make any required • Advice and support on an efficient and effective agenda, alterations, and issue the final processes and procedures take notes at the meeting and copy of the minutes write up the minutes. • Administration support to Schools will get the full support • Maintain the minute book collate and distribute papers to of our area offices to distribute all those attending the hearing papers, a clerk who attends three • Record attendance at • Issuing decision letters to or more training sessions a year to meetings and ensure parents with information on keep on top of education changes appropriate action is taken how to appeal and good practice, and will use concerning absences it’s best endeavours to provide • Inform the local authority of any • Minutes of the hearing a substitute clerk should your transcribed and sent to the regular clerk be unavailable. changes to the membership of the Governing Body Chair of the Committee for their signature. Level One: Clerking for three meetings a year • Advise the Governing Body on sourcing further information Level Two: and expertise Governance Reviews Clerking for six meetings a year • Advise the Governing Body on Our reviews of your governing Level Three: constitutional, legislative and body give you an overview of how Clerking for twelve meetings procedural matters. well you operate, how effectively a year you challenge and support and what more you can do to make governance in your school, PRU or Academy more robust and more rigorous. Our experienced reviewers will scrutinise Governing Body documents, interview key governors and attend a meeting, before drawing up a report and an action plan.

16 17 Human Resources Providing professional Human Resources services

The Schools’ Choice HR teams offer first-class professional and innovative HR services to schools – from helping you recruit new employees through to supporting staff management and offering a full wellbeing programme.

Transactional HR • The service is backed by a Online DBS helpline that’s open during Schools’ Choice is able to provide office hours, Monday to Friday, Checking Service you with an efficient, confidential and email out-of-hours, all A quick and easy to use online and professional service handling all year round – so we’re on-hand service that gives you control your transactional HR administration to support you during and and visibility of your DBS checks on behalf of your school. outside of term time. ensuring faster turnaround times and fewer delays in the staff Our hands-on help also ensures You’ll also have access to a appointment process. that employee data is managed regularly-updated suite of useful and maintained in line with supporting information, including Effective vetting with the statutory guidelines. frequently asked questions, and standard templates to save time Disclosure and Barring Service is essential for all schools when • Receive practical, year-round and ensure consistency. appointing new staff. Let our support to help your school paper-free, online DBS service with time-consuming HR make things quicker and easier processes, freeing-up time to for you. Once a new applicant focus on other priorities is added, a smooth checking • Be assured we’ll carry out What people say process follows that notifies you these tasks for your school when action is needed, through to “We have been using the DBS with efficiency and accuracy the approvals stage. On-line system for a month Significantly speeding-up what • This service covers a wide now and have found it to be user can be a lengthy process, you range of the necessary friendly and an excellent way of can expect a turnaround time of processing involved with HR keeping track of the forms.” 5-10 days – plus you’ll have back- and staffing, from issuing up support from our experienced Suffolk One Sixth Form College letters of appointment to customer advisors. inputting new staff data – providing help across the board

18 HR Casework: Building a strong and supportive HR partnership

Our HR Casework Service We also offer bespoke training to Investigating combines a point of contact your senior leadership team and for immediate HR support governors, based on your school’s Officer Service alongside a service tailored to priorities, and training to groups Designed to support your school needs, resulting of schools on topics of mutual headteachers, senior leaders in both practical solutions and interest and concern. Included and governors in HR matters that cost effectiveness. Working in in the service is our annual HR require formal investigation and partnership with schools, we briefing for school leaders on resolution, this service provides support you in maximising your key issues affecting schools, professional and timely help for school’s effectiveness and student including changes to government what can otherwise be a lengthy attainment, through excellent and local policy. and time-consuming process. people management. Our frequently asked questions For discipline, grievance, and We provide support through give you regular updates on key complaints of harassment the employment life-cycle: HR issues, whilst our policies / bullying, we provide an safer recruitment practices; pay and procedures are supported by experienced, independent and and conditions; performance comprehensive toolkits, checklists impartial investigating officer to management and reward; and templates letters to help provide a rapid and high-quality conduct and disciplinary issues; you manage cases in the most response, compliant in both legal absence management; employee efficient way. and policy terms, to these often complaints; and organisational difficult and contentious situations. change including staffing Using the service also gives reductions and TUPE. access to occupational health The service is suitable for all schools services at preferential rates. and enables cost-effective access Your named caseworker will to a high-quality HR professional build a strong and supportive when required, without any long relationship with you; getting to term commitment. know your individual priorities and helping you align your HR strategy Our highly-experienced HR to underpin your school’s plans. specialists offer schools this impartial, efficient and effective The combination of a named investigatory service, giving caseworker and a proactive your senior team and governors approach helps you address their time back to focus on your promptly the people management school’s priorities. issues that could adversely impact on pupils’ learning and outcomes.

What people say

“The Leys and St Faith’s Foundation values the high quality and timely HR consultancy support it receives from Schools’ Choice. It is particularly beneficial to have a named HR Caseworker who knows our schools’ ethos, and supports us to deliver a programme of work and training aligned to our priorities.”

The Leys School

19 Payroll and pensions

Our service teams recognise the importance of paying staff accurately and on time, as efficiently as possible, along with the effective management and administration of employees’ pensions.

Payroll Service Pensions Service

Our Payroll Service is an effective Schools and Academies need Our teachers’ pension and comprehensive solution that to ensure that they are able to service includes: ensures the accurate and timely offer a seamless interaction payment of your employees. between HR, Payroll and the • Liaison with the central Our aim is to reduce your costs strict requirements of legislation. administration team of of processing and administrative Our Pensions service will enable Teachers’ Pensions Agency burden whilst also making sure you to meet those requirements you remain legally compliant. and timescales with our • Providing salary information to You will continue to maintain comprehensive solution which enable retirement benefits to full control but at the same time offers full support to the Local be calculated you will greatly benefit from Government Pension Scheme as • Producing the annual salary and the considerable expertise and well as a liaison service with the service return that underpins experience of our team. Teachers’ Pension Agency, which annual benefit statements. administers the Teachers’ Pension Here is a summary of the service Scheme centrally. we can provide: Our service includes: • Paying basic pay together with any allowances, • Maintaining an accurate entitlements and awards, database of scheme deducting statutory and membership; receiving and voluntary payments, such as tax, calculating incoming transfers National Insurance and pensions from previous pension providers

• Operating tax and National • Paying monthly pensions Insurance schemes including P45’s, P11D’s and P60’s. • Calculating all forms of Calculating and reporting benefit and transfer values, required mileage data to HMRC and providing information on purchasing additional pension • Accounting for pension transactions and providing • Producing and distributing the required information to the annual benefit statements pension schemes • Providing data to the pension • Storing data in accordance fund actuary to enable the with statutory requirements. setting of contributions.

20 Advertising Wellbeing

Our advertising team is a specialist Our schools’ Wellbeing The programme also offers free provider of advertising services Programme is provided by participation for headteachers on which support your employee Worklife Support Ltd and is the well-regarded ‘Headspace’ recruitment campaign. With fully endorsed by the Health & course, plus a flexible and a wealth of experience and Safety Executive. It provides all bespoke service dealing with the knowledge of advertising the full the essential health and safety risk assessment timetable and full range of schools appointments, we elements for employees – such training for headteachers offer a full end-to-end advertising as free access to a confidential and other key staff. agency service including: helpline, face-to-face counselling and a comprehensive risk The programme offers built-in • Copywriting and assessment audit. Together, these evaluation too, and eligibility to creative design elements ensure headteachers apply for a staff engagement award. and governors are able to comply • Advert pricing, media advice with duty of care expectations and booking under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. • Substantial discounts on local media Other key elements of the programme include pricing on • Favourable rates on wider a full time equivalent basis to national and trade publications ensure schools with a large proportion of part-time staff are • Advertisements on websites. not disadvantaged.

21 Finance Services Delivering financial support at exceptional value

We’ve been providing finance support services to schools since 1990, so we know what schools need. We’re constantly fine-tuning and updating our finance service portfolio to reflect ongoing developments in financial requirements, keeping an eye to the future. Backed by our reliable and professional finance support team, your school can really benefit from our portfolio of useful and practical finance support.

From budget monitoring Core Finance Service Academy Finance to costing-out planned developments, you’ll have help Our Core Finance Service will help Start Up Service and support throughout the ensure that your school’s monthly You’ll need professional support academic year to ensure smooth financial operations run smoothly in a number of important areas; financial management in your and includes: school – plus a best-practice ensuring your financial processes transition smoothly is one of approach to finance from your • A useful suite of templates them. This school-to-academy school staff. A flexible portfolio of and toolkits you can choose finance support service supports help that means you can pick and from – don’t reinvent, use converting schools, including choose the services you want. our knowledge and adapt those using the Capita FMS6, information for your PS Financial or CIVICA finance We are proud to be an accredited bespoke requirements partner of PS Financials the management systems. designers of award-winning • Calculators so you can Backed by professional support, accounting, purchasing, budgeting accurately cost your an efficiently-staffed helpline, and reporting software. staffing structure and a named finance contact, we’ll help your finance processes • Unlimited telephone and transition without any problems email access to our finance so you’re running smoothly helpdesk, Monday to Friday, and meeting your full financial staffed by our highly-skilled requirements, post-conversion. finance support team.

22 Academy Accounts Enhanced Preparation Finance Service This service will not only Our Enhanced Finance Service What people say enable academies to meet their offers on-site support and responsibilities in accounts guidance in schools and “As always, finance team preparation by undertaking a academies, all delivered by our excellent! Polite and good proportion of this work fully-trained finance experts. knowledgeable and very on your behalf but will also From advice to a full range of quick to respond to emailed reduce the burden of technical, hands-on operational financial questions and telephone time pressured detailed work help, we work with headteachers, queries. Keep up the good required from your finance team business managers and other whilst ensuring you are involved financial staff giving one-to-one work! Can’t do without you!” throughout the production of the support, inductions and ongoing accounts documentation. It will training, and support if staff are Pakefield Primary also support the understanding absent. Based on a flexible model, of your finance system and help this service includes the option for explain the detail of the accounts pre-paid days – so we’ll be there to auditors and governors. when you need us.

Within our onsite support services, Internal Audit there are also specific onsite pre-defined products: Support for Academies • Full and higher-level bursar services This service ensures independent • Statement of Internal Controls checking of trusts’ financial (SIC) assessment service controls, systems, transactions and risks by one of our • A Schools Financial Value professionals, visiting you for one Standard (SFVS) support service. day each term. This will help your audit committee, or its equivalent, meet mandatory obligations for sound financial governance – while also ensuring your academy is using its resources as efficiently as possible. This includes a full report and action plan.

23 Insurance Payments

Our Insurance Service provides and Income local authority maintained schools Our transactional services team with a simple method to purchase delivers high quality, fully-managed the necessary insurance policies. supplier payments, income allocation Schools benefit from professionally and debt recovery services for local brokered, procured and discounted authority maintained schools. bulk purchase of policies – along We fully understand that sound with the use of pooled schemes financial management is of that retain funds within the Council. paramount importance for any We also manage claims organisation, and our service is processing, and team members are designed to support that aim. available to provide expert advice We facilitate timely payments to on all insurance matters. (We regret suppliers, recover debts as early that this service is not available to as possible, and accurately free schools or academies). allocate any income received on behalf of schools. At the same time, we maintain and develop positive relationships with suppliers and customers.

We provide an efficient method of paying your school’s invoices. The service aims to pay suppliers effectively, efficiently, economically and in accordance with agreed credit terms by maximising economies of scale whilst delivering a friendly and customer centric solution. Our value-for-money solution to debt recovery uses a structured approach to debt collection, aimed at early collection of debts.

24 Business services: Professional support for the growth and business development of your school or academy

Strategic Business School Business Partner Service Manager Service

The responsibilities involved with We recognise the key role that running the business elements of business management in schools What people say an academy trust can sometimes provides. It can be daunting for be daunting, even for the most school business managers to “A high quality consistent experienced school leaders and staff. juggle a breadth of projects and service at a fair price.” The support of a business partner responsibilities with limited support can lighten the workload, lessen your in school. We also recognise that “The culture is supportive, financial burdens and accelerate not every school has a school the improvement of outcomes of business manager in post and flexible and responsive to academies within your trust. So, much of the higher level business specific needs and we would whether you’re already an academy management function is often unreservedly endorse their trust, or you’re planning to become managed by teaching leadership work.” one, let our business professionals staff. Our service will provide an support you along the way on this new ongoing structured support service and sometimes challenging journey. accessible to all schools.

Our service is tailored to your needs and can support across the breadth of the business manager role for short term projects or longer term cover.

25 ICT Services Supporting you with Information and Communications Technology

Our service team offers responsive and knowledgeable ICT support.

SIMS – School’s Enhanced SIMS when purchased The team provides support on with the Base SIMS this provides data and technical issues across a Information your school with a complete SIMS range of SIMS modules. Management System service with access to additional services from Schools’ Choice On-site SIMS offers onsite Used in more than 22,000 – providing the hardware and support to SIMS users delivered schools nationally, SIMS lets software being used meets Capita by fully-trained staff with the schools manage student and staff minimum requirements. necessary safeguarding and information across all areas of identity credentials. school life including registration, SIMS dinner money the SIMS finance and payroll, timetabling, team are able to install, train and SIMS dinner money the SIMS progress tracking and assessment, give support to the SIMS Dinner team are able to install, train and and whole-school communication. Money module. support with the SIMS Dinner Money module. We are able to offer the following We offer three different types of SIMS services for local authority SIMS services for academies, Support for SIMS maintained schools: independent schools, and free schools: If your school or academy uses Base SIMS covers the cost of the SIMS, then you’ll also want that SIMS.net and FMS licence along Remote SIMS gives SIMS users extra peace of mind to know you with a basic advice service via email within academies, independent have reliable, professional support or telephone, providing the hardware schools and free schools access backing your ICT operations, and and software being used meets to SIMS support analysts via the our SIMs support service offers Capita minimum requirements. telephone helpdesk and by email. just that. Providing remote office hours support, Monday to Friday, What people say our trained analysts will support and advise on SIMs queries with “The SIMS support team has always provided an efficient and effective friendly efficiency over the phone, service. The information they provide is invaluable, and members of by email and also by remote the team have a wealth of knowledge; always keen to help solve SIMS sessions. We also provide useful problems when I ask for help. Their advice and guidance is of great information such as user guides value - and if they don’t have the answer immediately, they will seek and FAQs. further advice to get it.” - Sidegate Primary School

26 RBUSS – the remote ICT Technician What people say back-up system Service “A quick note to say how Keeping data safe is a priority for Receive first-class ICT support impressed we all were with Ben. every school, and something you and guidance in your school with He was polite, knowledgeable can’t afford not to take seriously. our visiting ICT Technician Service and easy to talk to. If data gets lost, not only – choose from a range of options He has given us the reassurance is sensitive information to suit your needs and budget. we needed that our current compromised, but rectifying Committing budget to recruiting position isn’t as poor as we mistakes can take significant time permanent ICT staff to look after thought and I think we will and money. Our remote backup your ICT estate can prove costly. be able to work successfully storage service, RBUSS, has But of course, you don’t want to together to make a real been developed to give schools compromise the security of your improvement to ICT in our complete peace of mind for safe classroom technology by not having school.” storage of your data. That means the right expertise to hand either. East Bergholt Primary School no faulty servers, no lost hard So get the support you need drives, and no unnecessary risks with the help of our school ICT to your data’s safety. technicians. On each scheduled visit, they’ll carry out system checks and maintenance, and Extended Curriculum help out with ad hoc ICT issues as they arise. ICT support

This support allows you to access an additional range of services from us. Support and maintenance for standard hardware, such as desktops, laptops, curriculum servers and peripherals such as printers and scanners is provided for those devices purchased through us, and within a manufacturer’s warranty agreement. Support is provided by telephone, or on-site at our discretion.

ICT Procurement

Schools are able to purchase ICT admin hardware and software from us when they take up our Enhanced SIMS service or Curriculum hardware when they take up our Extended curriculum ICT support service. Each month we will send you a price list for all available hardware and software. Orders may be made by telephone, email, or by request from our ICT helpdesk. We will liaise with the suppliers to notify you of delivery dates, followed by installation by a Schools’ Choice engineer.

27 Websites for Schools Schools’ Internet Data Protection and Freedom of We can provide you with a fully Service featured, easy to use website that Information This service comprises a wide gives your school full control. range of specifically-designed Our websites come pre-built with Our team of nationally-qualified services that offer much more all the standard pages required by information management than a standard commercial Ofsted. If you can use Microsoft specialists can assist your school internet connection, including Word, you can use one of our so you respond with confidence E2BN’s accredited Protex filtering. websites as no specialist skills and accuracy to requests The service runs across a state- are required. relating to the Data Protection of-the-art private network that Act 1998 (DPA), the Freedom of has been specifically designed for Our websites feature news and Information Act 2000 (FOIA), and the education sector. It provides events pages, blogs, galleries, the Environmental Information connectivity to a secure private polling features and video. Regulations 1998 (EIR) among network connecting together We also have password-protected other legislation. schools, colleges, universities and areas for students and parents, other educational bodies across Facebook and Twitter integration We undertake the necessary the UK. and Google Analytics to monitor research to determine the most site visits. appropriate course of action in responding to requests, and We provide a dedicated support Remote Access ensure your response is received line for website users, and we in a timely manner – providing the information requested, and respond to support calls within The ability for a school user to applying the correct and most one working day. We can arrange securely access files or programs relevant exemptions or exceptions. on-site training as required, too. stored on your admin server from another location such as home or Our costs cover all hosting and This service also offers general another school. support and we’ll help you through advice and guidance on data the process of getting your protection queries and issues for site up-and-running, including your school staff, such as how to help with choosing colours and What people say process a request for access to creating a logo. Bespoke graphic records (Subject Access Request), design and special training is also “The training and support was and how to manage the situation available on request. clear and concise and therefore in the event of a data breach. really helpful. The interaction and opportunity to ask We can also provide staff and questions has really helped our governor training to ensure all staff forward planning.” within your school understand your school’s legal obligations in the area of information management relating to these Acts and Regulations.

28 29 Property Management Services Keeping your school healthy, safe and open

Our Property Management team provides a professional and technical property management service, working with you to keep your school healthy, safe and open.

Our service packages have Your CPA will work closely with What people say been developed to fully support you to provide professional and individuals who are responsible for technical evaluation of property “Our Corporate Property your school’s premises in meeting issues and work with you to fully Advisor is very knowledge and statutory duties in the areas of resolve any problems. quick to come back with a planned preventative maintenance response if she does not have and health and safety. Our Core and Core Plus packages an immediate answer. are purchased on an annual basis, Also having worked in an Our packages provide you with and individually priced according education environment, she access to competent and vetted to your school’s assets. We also is fully aware of where our contractors, plus a wider range of offer ‘bolt-on’ services in addition comments are coming from.” skills and experience in all aspects to the Core packages, to further of property management within meet your school’s requirements. Palgrave Primary School the educational sector, supported These are available for purchase by an experienced and dedicated at any time throughout the year. Corporate Property Advisor (CPA).

30 Core Package Core Plus Package

Our Core Package contains the This is a comprehensive package To assist schools further with Planned Preventative Maintenance aimed mainly at schools that do general property maintenance, the (PPM) statutory regime for the not have caretaking staff. package includes the following: assets identified at your school. The package contains the Planned • Annual gutter clean – It includes water hygiene risk Preventative Maintenance undertaken between assessment, natural gas and (PPM) statutory regime for the November and January, after Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) assets identified at your school. the leaves have fallen installation pressure testing, five- It includes water hygiene risk yearly electrical inspection and assessment, natural gas and • Annual check of external test including associated identified Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) lighting – carried out from C1 (Immediately Dangerous) installation pressure testing, five- October to December and required repairs. yearly electrical inspection and includes replacing lamps which test and associated identified C1 are found to be defective The services we provide include: (Immediately Dangerous) and C2 (Potential Danger) required repairs. • Annual inspection and flush • Our Property Management of surface water drains – advice and support line, which We have also built in a ‘works carried out from September to is available 8am - 5pm Monday found on servicing element’ to December to ensure drains are to Friday allow repairs to take place at the clear and running to prevent time of PPM on faulty parts. e.g flooding and ice forming in • Access to your dedicated emergency lights, boiler parts. playgrounds and on walkways Corporate Property Advisor (CPA), who is available 8am- The services we provide include: • Annual Fire Risk Assessment 5pm Monday to Friday review – to check that the • Our Property Management existing Fire Risk Assessment • Access to Property advice and support line, which is still compliant Management outside of is available 8am-5pm Monday normal working hours, to Friday • A fixed plant and equipment available 5pm - 8am, seven asset register. days a week • Access to your dedicated Corporate Property Advisor Please note: academies and free • Access to 24-hour, 365 days- (CPA), who is available 8am- schools should purchase one of a-year emergency response 5pm Monday to Friday the Property Compliance Support from Property Managements’ Packages to access this service. maintenance contractors • Access to Property Management outside of • Response calls: this is a normal working hours, sum of money set aside to available 5pm – 8am, seven allow you to request work days a week you would like our Property Management team to • Access to 24-hour, 365 days- undertake throughout the year a-year emergency response from Property Management’s • A fixed plant and equipment maintenance contractors asset register. • Response calls: this is a Please note: academies and free sum of money set aside to schools should purchase one of allow you to request work the Property Compliance Support you would like our Property Packages to access this service. Management team to undertake throughout the year.

31 Property Compliance Support Packages for academies

Our Property Management team supports academies and free schools to stay healthy, safe and open – by working with you to ensure your academy’s premises are compliant with current legislation. The benefits of ensuring property compliance with current legislation aren’t always obvious, but become more apparent when schools or academies are faced with excessive remedial costs following an improvement notice, or worse, when a deferred or immediate prohibition order is issued.

We offer three support packages for academies each with increasing levels of support as described below:

Academy Level 1 Academy Level 2 Academy Level 3

Professional and technical property Level 1 plus: Level 1 and 2 plus: advice and support with access to a designated CPA • Undertaking of an Annual • Complete Building Condition Asbestos Review Survey Review • Undertaking of an Annual Maintenance Review • Maintenance of an • Development of a buildings asbestos register maintenance rolling programme • Advice on legislative changes which may affect your premises • Management support in • Provision and maintenance of case of an incident a fragile roof register • Online access to your involving asbestos. information via the • Assistance to the academy property portal. to produce Premises Asset Management Plan to support application for Condition Improvement Fund from the Education Funding Agency.

32 Bolt-on Property Services

Schools and academies can buy PV panels check individual items in this package This is an annual service, whereby at the start of the financial year or any works identified are to be funded at any time during the year. They by the premises. are designed to help schools and academies who may not have staff Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) with the appropriate skills and We will carry out a Fire Risk knowledge to carry out general Assessment as required. maintenance. This is usually when a FRA is reviewed, or not in place or a Additional response calls significant change has taken Additional calls per year to allow place, such as a remodelling or an you to request work you would like extension built. our Property Management team to carry out. Staff training We can facilitate the provision of Monthly water hygiene checks training around aspects of premises Monthly checks and temperature management, such as water recordings to water outlets. hygiene or health and safety.

Annual domestic gas and Annual check to external lighting electrical appliance checks Carried out from October to To enable the premises to December, this includes replacing demonstrate that the equipment the lamps which are defective. pupils are using is safe to operate. Annual inspection and flush of Annual heating controls surface drains check and set Carried out from September to A check carried out at the start December to ensure drains are clear of the heating season, normally and running to prevent flooding and during September and October, to ice forming in playgrounds and on ensure the plant is set to run at the walkways. times required by the school and as efficiently as possible. Annual Fire Risk Assessment To check that the existing Fire Risk External decorations Assessment is still compliant. Your CPA and Property Management contractors will work Annual gutter clearance with you to agree areas for the With any work found to be funded works and set budgets. by the school.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) What people say A service which allows the Premises Responsible Person “On behalf of all at Somerleyton Primary School I would like to to meet the health and safety say a huge thank you for the incredible transformation of our requirements under the Electricity school. Without your support and guidance, I know this would at Work Act and Health and not have been possible. The children are now able to learn in a Safety legislation. safe and warm environment.”

Somerleyton Primary School

33 Schools’ Choice website and E.store

For all our latest news as well as more in depth information on all our products and services please visit our website at www.schoolschoice.org.

You can now also order and pay for your products and services online in the Schools’ Choice E.store.

Ask Schools’ Choice

Ask Schools’ Choice is our knowledge base of frequently asked questions and if you want to find an answer to a question then this is a good place to start. We are continually adding to the knowledge base and the more we add the smarter the knowledge base becomes as it recognises frequently asked words and phrases.

And the best news is the knowledge base is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so next time you have a question … Ask Schools’ Choice. Just look for the button on our website.

34 What people say

“Responsive and collaborative, Brilliant support, could not have got high quality service. Much needed. through without you - thank you Working alongside schools to support so much.” vulnerable children.” Poplars Primary School

“An established and trusted provider “The quality of (the business and were a logical first point of manager) service is one of the best contact when the opportunity arose things I have bought into in a long to convert to academy status.” while - high quality service and great value for money.” Claydon High School

“The support we have received has been invaluable.” “The Leys and St Faith’s Foundation values the high quality and timely HR consultancy support it receives from Schools’ Choice. It is particularly beneficial to have a named HR “Always professional, will have or Caseworker who knows our schools’ find an answer to any question and ethos, and supports us to deliver a explain in simple terms. It is very programme of work and training reassuring to know they are at the aligned to our priorities.” end of the phone.” The Leys School

“Always very helpful, quick to “‘The pre course on line training respond to requests for information was excellent as was the course and help.” content from the trainers on the day. Wells Hall Primary School Personally I think the new format is an improvement on the full day course, and the two part style covered excellent information. A big thanks “Excellent - Always helpful and super for an informative and supportive efficient.” training event.” Fen Park County Primary School Albert Pye Primary School

35 If you‘d like to find out more about how Schools’ Choice can support your school or academy please contact our team. We will listen to your needs and tailor a service to meet your unique requirements.

T: 0300 123 1420 E: [email protected]

Schools’ Choice, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX www.schoolschoice.org

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