2021: When a united education sector continued to battle amongst a backdrop of a divisive society
Whilst 2021 was yet another difficult year, it felt like it came and went in a blink of an eye. 2020 was a year where everyone came together in a show of unity. As we start 2022 our society is probably more divisive than ever and reliving what feels like groundhog day. As a new variant spreads like wildfire, our government insist schools should (and will) continue as normal all whilst we feel as though its one rule for some and another for the rest of us.
The education sector was exhausted at the end of 2021. They have had to deal with so much change since the pandemic reached our shores in early 2020 and many have just expected those in sector to carry on as normal.
But life is anything but “normal”…still.
Yet there was still much to be celebrated. The commitment shown by those in the sector continued with passion and many in society championed those in the sector. The number of nominations received in the Kent Teacher of the Year awards was the highest it has ever been with the standard continuing to be high. Congratulations to every single one of you who was nominated or even a winner, it truly is a fantastic achievement and you should be very proud.
From a financial perspective the 2021 academy trust audit season showed that many schools have continued to benefit financially from the ever changing conditions they have faced. The vast majority of clients have seen their reserves increase from those in 2020. Whilst this is positive, will schools see a backlash as a result? Will additional funding be reduced? Will challenge come from stakeholders around the school using their reserves enough to boost students’ education? In 2022, schools should revisit those reserve policies and rethink the strategic plan.
Many academy trusts also saw their audit performance improve with less breaches surrounding related party transactions identified. 2020 was always going to be the year where the change in rules caught some trusts out, but it is pleasing to see that this did not continue in 2021 and many now understand the rules around the reporting requirements.
From speaking with others in the sector its clear those in finance teams are stretched and were in need of a break at the end of the year. The exhaustion from over a year of stress, high workloads and that general uneasiness about the future had begun to take its toll. It is easy to forget that finance teams do so much more than just look after the purse strings and that was just when we last had “normality”. It is clear the sector needed a break and hopefully the festive period provided one.
However, following rules changes around mask wearing at the start of 2022, it is likely that many may spent their break reading the latest legislation published by the Department for Education and planning accordingly.
The sector has entered a new year without Gavin Williamson, the former Education Secretary. The appointment of Mr Zahawi in his place has brought the discussion around equality, diversity and inclusion back on the table. Not just from a school leader perspective, but from a governance one too. Many businesses are increasingly doing more to show diversity in their workplace and no doubt the education sector will look to follow suit in due course. The formation of equality, diversity and inclusion champions and empowerment groups are just some of the initiatives businesses have adopted – can schools add this to their growing list?
The wellbeing of those in the sector is another area of focus which the Secretary should consider. The challenges everyone has faced have been met with support from colleagues, coaches and the NAHT union. But has government shown the sector enough support? Financially, yes, it could be argued. Perhaps even those in the sector can look how to use their increased reserves for staff and boost their wellbeing? Reviewing your employment packages and offering could help your existing workforce whilst making schools a more attractive place to work when so many are leaving the sector due to burnout.
Concerns are also growing regarding resource now that 2022 has arrived. The Omicron variant’s impact on isolating is causing further drain on supply teacher chains. Mr Zahawi called on former teachers to come forward so they can be paired with supply teacher agencies. A great idea, but have enough come forward or are they faced with issues around vaccinations and isolating? The government also state their Disclosure and Barring Service is ready to meet increases in demand thanks to this proposal – they’ve claimed to be “ready” many times before on other areas and safeguarding in schools is not an area where risks can be taken.
2022 could also see schools do more towards sustainability as Gen Z come more to the fore in the stakeholder audience. Is your school doing enough? Not just from the educational perspective, but with regards to resources too. Is the school’s stationery provided from a sustainable supplier? Can all lighting in the school become LED?
Schools may wish to set a target and strategy towards Carbon Net Zero to illustrate to stakeholders your willingness to support the wider UK and global targets.
Governors have continued to do far more than be strategic and whilst some have started the slow shift back to “in person” meetings, many have concluded remote is the way forward. At least this will reduce travel time as demands and workload in governance increases. This workload increase may result in volunteers leaving. This headache though presents opportunity to refresh skill sets and also consider other angles….diversity being one.
Trusts are also becoming innovative when it comes to meetings. It was a pleasure to attend a client’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in person recently. Rather than having a standard agenda and going through the motions, the Trust effectively turned the AGM into a shareholder meeting with local governing body members and Trust Board members invited along. The Chair of the Trust and the CEO both then gave a sort presentation on the year and what the Trust is looking to achieve for the future. It was really refreshing to see and perhaps this is something other Trusts should consider to help foster that engagement within the Trust.
For many schools (including my own where I’m a Governor), Ofsted inspections which were delayed due to the pandemic also loom large. This will add further stress and concerns amongst staff, who will have seen their own behaviours and teaching habits change dramatically. The key will be to act no differently and for staff to continue to do what has got them this far….keep children safe, happy and well.
Whether you’re a teacher, school leader or governor you survived 2021 and served your schools well. Look after yourselves and be happy.
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