SNE Event

Inspection readiness isn’t about folders or last-minute preparation. It’s about embedded systems, strategic clarity and calm leadership. As School Business Managers, we underpin every judgement made by Ofsted — through safeguarding assurance, financial strategy, risk management, operational excellence and staff wellbeing. 

Inspection under Ofsted is not about perfection. It’s about proof. Proof that our safeguarding is robust. Proof that our finances are strategic. Proof that our systems protect staff and prioritise pupils.

As School Business Managers, we are not in the background — we are the support structure that underpins every strong judgement. When our leadership is embedded, inspection doesn’t feel like scrutiny. It feels like validation. Excellence isn’t built in two days. It’s built every day.

Join me to discuss my Single Central Record meeting with the inspector during our recent Ofsted inspection under the new framework – January 2026.

This session will focus on:

• Lockdown incidents in schools are increasing, but approaches are often inconsistent and unclear
• Traditional “full lockdown” responses can create confusion and unnecessary panic
• Real incidents have shown gaps in roles, communication, and decision-making
• SMART Response introduces a levelled approach (0–4) to ensure proportionate, calm responses
• Clear roles (Gold, Silver, Bronze) improve leadership and coordination

The aim is to create safer, more controlled, and consistent responses across schools.

This session presents a four‑year review of the mental health and wellbeing of School Business Leaders, drawing on findings from Education Mutual’s School Business Leader Wellbeing Index since its first publication in 2023 through to the most recent edition. It explores how the realities of the role have evolved over time and what this means for those currently working at the heart of school and trust operations.

Using data and respondent insight, the session reflects the experiences of School Business Leaders working in both local authority-maintained schools and multi‑academy trusts. Attendees will gain a clear overview of where wellbeing pressures have intensified, which challenges are becoming more prominent, and where progress is beginning to be seen. It also highlights the top five challenges facing School Business Leaders today, providing valuable context around workload, accountability, capacity and support.

Crucially, the session looks beyond the data to consider what can be done next. It offers practical insight into how School Business Leaders themselves, alongside schools, trusts and the wider education sector, can better support and improve wellbeing across the profession. While grounded in the lived experience of School Business Leaders, this session is designed for a wide audience, including colleagues who work closely with them, trust leaders, COOs, CFOs and others with responsibility for organisational culture, sustainability and staff wellbeing.

Amy speaks candidly about being diagnosed with cancer at 12, beating the 30% survival odds and undergoing an amputation. From not being allowed to participate in PE, to becoming a 4X Paralympian. Questioning if she would ever walk again, to walking London and Paris fashion week – redefining what she believed possible. Through her story, Amy shares powerful lessons on building resilience through adversity, mastering mindset during life’s toughest moments, and learning how much our attitude and personal narrative shape our happiness. Her talks focus on backing yourself when the odds feel impossible.

If you are planning to travel to The Education Business Conference by car, please remember that the Tyne Bridge is currently undergoing major restoration works and is down to one lane each way.

We recommend avoiding the Tyne Bridge as there are expected delays of up to 40 minutes at peak travel times. Heavy congestion is expected on the Quayside route, Swing Bridge and routes to and from Redheugh Bridge and all approaches to the Tyne Bridge from both Newcastle and Gateshead sides.

Public transport is strongly advised when travelling to and from Newcastle city centre and Gateshead town centre, whether or not you now drive over the Tyne. For those who can’t use public transport, other river crossings that drivers could use include the A19, with the Tyne Tunnel connecting North Shields and Jarrow. Further west, motorists could cross the Tyne via the A1 on Blaydon Bridge or Scotswood Bridge, which connects the A694 and A695.

Whichever route you decide to use, we advise planning ahead, allow more time for your journeys, and expect delays.

More information about parking, public transport & journey here!

Please be aware that major roadworks will affect the A167(M) Central Motorway in Newcastle from mid-August for approximately 18 months. This includes daytime lane reductions and overnight full closures between the Great North Road and New Bridge Street roundabout, due to urgent viaduct repairs. These works may impact journey times for delegates travelling by car. We recommend checking live traffic updates and considering alternative routes or public transport where possible.

We have secured a reduced bedroom rate for anyone wishing to stay at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle-Stephenson Quarter on the night of the 10th of June. The hotel is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the central station.

Rate – £125 Bed & Breakfast for a single occupancy room

Full booking instructions will be shared in your confirmation email.

Please enter using the main venue entrance and register your arrival at the Schools North East registration desk on the ground floor.

Name badges are arranged alphabetically by last name—find yours, grab a drink, explore the exhibition, and take a seat!

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