The cost of schooling

15th February 2006

We are moving next session to a 2 class school . The feeling among the staff is evident on return from the February break. I myself feel rather dismayed at it., but understand the financial reasons behind such a decision. We are almost double the Authority and National average cost per pupil.

Innerwick Primary School Data

2004-05 budgeted school running costs

Education Authority Data for East Lothian

2004-05 budgeted school running costs

National data

2004-05 budgeted school running costs

This is our inservice day. We spend 2 hours in a meeting that I feel physically drained after. There are so many things to discuss and implement and so few people to take up the workload. The agenda every meeting has a must do list attached to it and sometimes it is really difficult to see a clear path ahead.

The agenda below is typical of a staff meeting at Innerwick Primary School. All these items demand attention and are of huge importance for a school such as Innerwick.

Mail, Staffing for 2006/07, SD&R Dates, Enterprise, Health Promoting Schools, Eco Schools, Curriculum for Excellence, Development Plan Update, Computers Update.

Are all these projects and initiatives too much to take on at one time? How well are we doing combining them as suggested by David Cameron and Don Ledingham. This is an area we need to improve so that these projects can be implemented and absorbed into the everyday functions of the school. My management calendar is packed out with Self Evaluation, Learning and Teaching, Attainment, Admin tasks and then there are all the day to day functions of a school and all the initiatives. The job has changed beyond recognition from even 5 years ago when I was appointed Headteacher at Eoligarry Primary School.

Later in the day I get on with a real practical job of clearing the main storage cupboard I gain geniune satisfaction of the job being finished on the day it started!! Am I sad or what?

I will attach my management calendar when I get the time.