Chaddleworth and Shefford CE Federated Primary Schools are committed to enabling all pupils to achieve their full potential. We will do this through developing a love of learning within a creative environment, where everyone aspires towards excellence. We are at the heart of the community and strive to ‘Live life in all its fullness’, in partnership with parents and the wider community. Our specific Christian values are: Community, Compassion, Courage, Trust, Perseverance and Thankfulness.

We’re looking for a professional, well organised, friendly and hands on School Business Manager (SBM) to join our team to support our school office, lead school finance and help keep our school running smoothly for our children, families and staff.

Our school business manager (SBM) is responsible for managing the strategy and operation of the business functions of our school, including financial management, health and safety, human resources, compliance and administration. The SBM will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

They will advise on and implement the day-to-day support that enables the school to operate effectively and efficiently, and that allows other members of the leadership team to focus on teaching and learning. You will also support pupil welfare, including first aid and day‑to‑day queries.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide strategic leadership and management of the school’s operational functions, including administration, finance, and Health & Safety.
• Manage school budgets, financial reporting, purchasing processes and expenditure to ensure effective use of resources and value for money.
• Work closely with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and School Governors to support school improvement priorities and operational decision-making.
• Oversee the school admin and finance support school staff team.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, induction and people processes, ensuring compliance with safer recruitment practices and employment procedures.
• Ensure robust systems are in place to support safeguarding, visitor management, data protection, use of ICT and regulatory compliance.
• Develop effective communication systems and positive relationships with parents, external agencies, central teams and the wider community.

About You
We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience in administration, financial management and operational leadership.
• Ideally has experience working within an educational setting and understands the demands of a school environment.
• Is a confident leader with the ability to motivate, support and develop teams.
• Has excellent organisational, IT, financial and data management skills.
• Is an effective communicator who can build positive relationships with staff, families and the school community.
• Can manage competing priorities and use initiative.
• Is committed to safeguarding, confidentiality and achieving the very best outcomes for pupils and the school.
• Holds a full UK driving licence.

We offer:

• Supportive and friendly school staff and school community.
• An experienced and very dedicated staff.
• Opportunity of support to complete SBM training and qualification.
• Continued professional development opportunities.
• Very supportive parents and local community.
• A highly committed and active Governing Board.
• A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!
• School location within a 10 minute drive from J14 of the M4 and 15 minutes from Wantage.

We would love, and encourage, any prospective applicants to visit the school. Please contact the Headteacher to arrange your visit.

All applications must use the School Application form which can be obtained from the school.

Please contact headteacher@csf.w-berks.sch.uk to arrange your visit and obtain further information.

Applications considered on receipt

All applications and responses must be completed personally by the applicant and not generated by AI.
Our Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. We are committed to securing genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and education provider.
We are an equal opportunities and inclusive employer.