Specialist Training for the Independent Schools' Sector
Schofield Sweeney’s offering to independent schools derives it strength from knowledge of charitable organisations and experience of best practice within both the independent and maintained sectors. To this end, we provide a unique package of training for independent schools covering the following topics.
Academies and trust schools – what they are and the options for independent sector participation
This session will explain the background to and purpose of academies and trust schools. An academy is a publicly-funded, self-governing school whilst a trust school is a maintained foundation school supported by a charitable company whose members may include other educational institutions. We will explore the pros and cons of independent sector participation in academies and trust schools and the mechanics involved.
Independent and maintained school partnering – the governance, employment and contracting options
This session will look at the governance, employment and contracting options available to independent and maintained schools where they wish to partner or collaborate to achieve mutual outcomes.
Partnering and the business, public and third sectors
In view of the every child matters and extended schools programmes in the maintained sector and the increasing focus on academic and vocational pathways, this session will look at the options available to independent schools looking to partner with the business, public and third sectors to broaden the curriculum and pastoral support available to students.
Purchasing and procurement - lessons from the public sector
Although independent schools fall outside the ambit of EU and UK procurement law, this session will look at the lessons independent schools can learn from procurement practice in the public sector to achieve transparency, value-for-money and cost-efficiency.
Facilities management - outsourcing and joint procurement
This session will look at the options available to the independent sector for the outsourcing and joint procurement of facilities management services with a view to achieving value-for-money, cost-savings and efficiencies.
Governance and risk management - learning from best practice
This session will look at the key lessons to be learned from best practice on risk management and how to apply these in the independent sector.
Capital projects and finance - getting the right deal
This session will look at the key issues and pitfalls to be aware of when arranging finance for a capital project and how to manage the risks and process to get the right deal for the school.
School mergers - getting from 'A' to 'B'
This session will explain the legal process involved on any independent school merger and how to manage the process and risks.
Staff restructuring for business survival
This session will explain the options available to independent schools who, in the financial climate, need to look at restructuring their workforce. The options will include TUPE transfers (whether or not as part of a school merger), changing terms and conditions of employment, restructuring and redundancies and liaising with employee representatives and/or trade unions.
Health and Safety - A regulatory minefield
This session will offer an overview of the health and safety issues facing a school and suggest ways to minimise exposure to risk.
Disputes and debt recovery - options and key issues
This session will look at the options available for the resolution of any dispute and the key issues to manage and resolve on debt recovery.
Contact Details
For further details contact Graham Shaw who heads our Education team on 01274 377285 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .