Running a small school and strategies to maximise resources
If you’re thinking about applying for a headship at a small school or would simply like some suggestions of practical ways of maximising resources and saving money, here are some tips that have been provided by a leading, passionate and experienced head teacher of an established and consistently successful small school:
- Work closely with other small schools to provide pupils with a variety of activities
- Share staff and governors’ CPD/training/events with other schools
- Share physical resources where practicable to do so, eg the school minibus small schools
- Apply for small school grants and stay alert to other funding opportunities
- Pack your school’s website with images of school trips and activities to enable parents to see beyond the physical limitations of a small school site
- Promote the school whenever you can to build profile and parental appeal; in equal measure, be aware that small schools may often need to meet additional costs
- Hire the village hall for PE, school productions and other whole school events
- Pay to use local facilities, such as recreation grounds, tennis courts and so on
- Pay for mobile catering services to provide lunch and refreshments to pupils
- Meet the costs of additional parking for staff and visitors to the school.
The tide appears to be turning; the government has U-turned on what was effectively a programme of forced-academisation, a new Secretary of State is listening to NAHT and other trade unions, and the advent of a new national funding formula are all promising signs that common sense is finally returning to the fold.
About NAHT
NAHT is the leading union for school leaders’ and as a member you get access to legal support and advice, discounts and deals on your daily purchases, access to a mentoring scheme and savings on our highly-rated CPD courses and conferences. To join us, visit out membership page.