Update on National Network of Special Schools for SBPs

23rd October 2020

The National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS) is a brand new network set up to support all of those involved in running special schools, hospital schools and alternative provision across England.

The initiative is supported by the Department for Education, and Schools North East is delighted to be facilitating the network. It is our expertise in strong and successful networks that enables us to provide this, a national network for School Business Managers working in England’s diverse SEND and AP sector, along with our understanding of the topics and challenges that are unique to them.

There are many fantastic SBM networks throughout the country as well as SEND groups but those working in the diverse special sector wanted a dedicated space to collaborate with colleagues facing similar issues and challenges.  NNoSS aims to provide this while creating stronger links with other existing networks.

The appetite for collaboration has been evident from the outset and in the first three months since launch we have had over 150 SBPs joining the network from maintained and free schools, academies and independent schools.

This is a totally inclusive network which aims to:

  • Facilitate good and best practice and to lead, drive and deliver behaviour change in schools’ buying practices, be a source of support, information, advice and guidance
  • Provide CPD opportunities that are relevant and timely
  • Engage with decision and policymakers, helping build and provide evidence to support lobbying
  • Work together to drive efficiencies, share resources and find solutions to issues
  • Provide a valuable support to the SEND Head Teacher groups that already exist
  • Bring together a strong voice of the School Business Professionals, who work so hard to ensure that their schools are well resourced to support the children and young people they serve

We will do this by:

  • Connecting colleagues from across the country to build personal networks of support
  • Bringing those CPD opportunities and school visits to learn what others do
  • Hosting an annual conference with keynote speakers, interactive workshops and networking
  • Engaging with other groups including SBMs, SEND, and Head Teacher networks to share information
  • Facilitating an online community group which will be a first point of contact between members

The online community is already full of questions and information sharing, giving members a safe place to have honest conversations and seek guidance and reassurance.

Already the network has been able to support the wider SEND sector by drawing together evidence to support a call for more covid related funding to special schools. This told us that during the lockdown period special schools had on average an additional expenditure of almost £30,000 and they are predicting around the same level for this academic year.

Members have also identified resources and funding available and shared with the network. And, we are currently lobbying for special schools to be included in funded resources available to other similar sectors.

It is this type of work that gives us a strong voice and enables us to support the bigger picture of SEND and AP as a whole.

Earlier this month the Academies and Schools Show kindly gave us a national platform to introduce NNoSS and you can watch this webinar here.

Last month we were delighted to be invited to speak at an NAHT update for special schools and alternative provision. You can watch that webinar here.

There are currently CPD sessions being arranged around ICFP and benchmarking and what this looks like for special schools and alternative provision.  These will be interactive sessions with experts in ICFP and schools who have implemented it, along with alternative thinking.

The network is free to join with no cost until April of next year. Members will be able to join the online community, virtual meetings and online CPD at no cost, but also add value to the conversation and support to other members by sharing information and resources.

Join now