It is increasingly important that schools ensure that they have strong strategic business management and administration to ensure that they meet their key statutory requirements in regards to finance, procurement, human resources, health and safety and premises management. The majority of schools now have school business managers (SBMs) who oversee these areas, and others such as infrastructure and marketing.

The Education Business Effectiveness Service provides free support to all maintained schools, including regular WF SBM Network meetings through which we encourages school business professionals to support each other and share best practice. SBMs new to role, or the borough, are actively encouraged to contact the EBES service.

More information on the support and benefits available for maintained schools.

Schools Facing Financial Challenge Action Groups

The EBE also manages the Schools Facing Financial Challenge Action Groups to support maintained schools with falling reserves or deficit budgets to protect the standards of education for all children and young people. 

Schools who are concerned by their current financial situation are encouraged to contact the Education Business Effectiveness Service as early as possible for support.

Further information on the aims of the Schools Facing Financial Challenge Action Groups.

Key software licences

The EBE Service manages the following licences on behalf of schools in the borough:

• Access School Budget tool (previously HCSS) - All maintained schools choosing to access their licence for Access via the Education Business Effectiveness Service will have their licence fee and support provided for free.  This includes: access to the new online software, including Workspace; 1st and 2nd line support; two training sessions on budget software and workspace to ensure schools are getting the most from their licence; and support sessions built into the WF SBM Network meeting. 

• SIMs - The LA umbrella licence covers all maintained schools and provides schools with the Core, Curriculum and Resources (including FMS) modules of SIMs. The annual charge for schools is added to the WFOnline in Jan/Feb each year, the charge is based on the numbers on roll at the October pupil census. In addition, the school is able to purchase Lesson Monitor or Dinner money modules.

• The Key - The Education Business Effectiveness Service negotiates significant reductions to subscriptions to The Key on the behalf of all schools within Waltham Forest, current subscription charges can downloaded below, individual schools can purchase this via WFOnline.  

Schools who have queries regarding their licences for SIMs or The Key should email Education Business Effectiveness Service or call the Service on 020 8496 6329.

For support with Access School Budget tool, please call Access helpline on 08453 404 546.