The demands on school business managers, and those who manage the finances on behalf of the school, have increased immeasurably in recent years due to the demand for greater and more transparent accountability. Best practice now involves joined-up leadership, with Headteachers, business managers and governors aware of their responsibilities for financial probity and diligence in their management of public money. This well-grounded and practical guide provides the reader with a flavour of the outstanding work carried out by school business management professionals across the country. Case studies lead readers to understand how people at the frontline have responded to the demands made upon them by government, by Ofsted and by the Education Funding Agency.

Do you know how school inspectors will be judging effectiveness? Have you considered how you can demonstrate the effectiveness of your governing body? This new guide takes a practical approach, with key questions, key actions and key information supported by case studies of good practice from a wide variety of schools. It will provide you with support and guidance in undertaking the responsibilities of governance. Each section links to the new Ofsted criteria, provides you with an understanding of 'effectiveness' and a framework of questions and actions which you can use to review your current practice and focus your professional development as a governing body. The case studies are centred on a key question from the relevant section and provide you with a 'live' example of how a school is demonstrating effectiveness.