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Frequently asked questions for CSBM

Questions

  1. I work in a pupil referral unit which does not have a headteacher or governors. Who do I need to obtain support and a reference from?
  2. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?
  3. How computer literate do I need to be to complete CSBM?
  4. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
  5. Can I apply for any of the listed programmes, or am I restricted to the venues that are supplied by the delivery provider for my area?
  6. Is the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?
  7. I would like to work with one of my school business manager colleagues, is this possible?

Answers

1. I work in a pupil referral unit which does not have a headteacher or governors. Who do I need to obtain support and a reference from?

The chief executive of the unit and your line manager must show their support and complete your online references.

2. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?

Depending on your level of experience it may still be possible to apply. To discuss the detail of your eligibility please contact the SBM team directly on 0115 872 2550.

3. How computer literate do I need to be to complete CSBM?

You should be familiar and comfortable with using a computer and the internet, and have access to a computer.

4. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?

Unfortunately the application form isn't printable, we can only accept applications that are completed and submitted online.

5. Can I apply for any of the listed programmes, or am I restricted to the venues that are supplied by the delivery provider for my area?

If your application is accepted your training provider will contact you to provide details of the training programme within your government region. Should you be unable to attend the programme in your region you may be able to change to a different region, but this must be agreed with your training provider.

6. Is the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?

The number of places available in each Government Office Area will be calculated on the basis of demand in terms of the number of applications received in each area.

In general, larger (secondary) schools have SBM support whilst smaller (primary or special) schools do not. The national agreement highlights the need to attract managers from outside education, where they have expertise to contribute effectively to schools' leadership teams. Consequently, the National College will prioritise applications as follows:

  • Priority group 1: SBMs from special schools and pupil referral units
  • Priority group 2: SBMs from primary, nursery or infant schools
  • Priority group 3: SBMs from middle schools
  • Priority group 4: SBMs from secondary schools and LEAs
  • Priority group 5: Department for Education
  • Priority group 6: other

In some circumstances, the National College may adjust the order of these priority groups so that Government Office Areas are allocated a reasonable diversity of participants. This will help to avoid facilitator groups being filled with participants from the same school phase, since this is likely to inhibit the learning experience.

The National College will try to ensure that the applicant is assigned to the nearest training venue to his or her local authority.

7. I would like to work with one of my school business manager colleagues, is this possible?

If you are within the same government region, accepted on the same cohort, and both following a similar study pattern you may be able to attend the workshop sessions together. As part of the programme we encourage participants to contact colleagues on a national and local level via our online community.