In a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) like OWN Trust, the Central Services Team provides essential support to all schools within the trust. This allows headteachers to focus on delivering the best education for children, while the team takes care of important administrative and operational tasks, such as finance, HR, IT, and premises management.

Here is what each team has been up to this term:

Finance and HR 

We have been reviewing the findings of a recent School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) audit to identify areas where we can improve, ensuring that the funding we receive is used effectively to benefit all our schools. 

Looking ahead, we are working closely with Headteachers and Office Managers to plan our budgets for the next three years. This will help us prioritise staffing and spending in line with our vision for the Trust. 

Additionally, we are developing a financial strategy for Trustees, exploring ways to generate additional income and ensure that every pound we receive works harder to support our schools. 

IT 

Our IT team has been actively supporting school events, including Battle of the Voices at Orton Wistow, and introducing new technology to enhance teaching and learning at Nene Valley. 

We have also implemented a background music and message broadcast system at Nene Valley, improving communication within the school environment. 

As part of our commitment to data security, all staff across the Trust have completed GDPR training, and we will be rolling out additional Cyber Security training during the Summer Term. 

Marketing and Communications 

We are focusing on marketing campaigns to increase pupil admissions—both for Reception places and in-year applications—and to attract new volunteers for our Local Governance Committees. 

To strengthen our Trust’s identity, we are working with Blue Apple Education, a specialist marketing and communications company, to refresh our vision, values, and branding. This includes updates to school and Trust websites. 

We have also organised key events such as: 

• Trust Development Day (1st March) – A chance for our Governance Volunteers to meet, network, and receive updates about the Trust. 
• Peterborough Primary Headteachers' Day (6th March) – A valuable opportunity to raise our profile and collaborate with Local Authority partners. 

Estates and Facilities

Our estates and facilities team have been working hard to keep our schools safe and welcoming for everyone. This term, our Estates Manager, Craig Phillips, has successfully undertaken his NEBOSH exams. NEBOSH stands for the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. It is a UK-based organisation that provides globally recognised qualifications in health, safety, and environmental management.

At Orton Wistow Primary School, a brand-new outdoor area has been created for the OWLS classroom, providing a fantastic space for learning and play. Over at Nene Valley Primary School, the team has cleared sheds and trimmed hedges to prepare for an expansion of the EYFS outdoor area.

The front areas of each school have also been refreshed, with new planting, painting, and re-carpeting to enhance the school environment. In addition, our team has carried out regular health and safety checks, as well as routine maintenance, to ensure everything runs smoothly.

All school kitchens have been inspected to make sure essential equipment, including cookers, fridges, freezers, and dishwashers, are in top working order.

If you'd like to find out how the Central Services Team could make a positive impact on your school too, please contact lgreco@own-trust.education.