This week, we’re diving into a topic that’s always on the radar for school leaders and operational staff: inspections.

Joining us is:

Durell Barnes, consultant and inspections expert

Together, we explore how to stay inspection-ready without letting it become an operational drain.

Topics include:

• The latest thinking on compliance and safeguarding
• What inspectors are really looking for in 2025
• Practical steps schools can take this term to feel confident and prepared

We also highlight a brand-new inspection webinar now available in the ISBA Reference Library, designed to help bursars, DSLs and leadership teams navigate the process clearly and calmly.

🔐 Sector News You Can’t Miss:

This week’s bulletin includes several key updates:

• VAT and bursary grants – why HMRC sees some charitable support as taxable, and what that means for schools
• New PRS & PPL Digital Music Licences – covering digital streaming, video use and internal music storage
• Recruitment spotlight – Cransley School seeks a Director of Finance
• NAB Cohort #16 – Meeting 2 on Safeguarding & SCR (29 Sept) and Meeting 3 on Finance & Mentoring (8 Oct)
• So You Want to Be a Bursar – Feb 2026 programme now open for booking
• 
  

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• ISBA Reference Library – inspection webinar and all bulletin documentation
• CEFM Contact – for queries about digital music licences
• ISBA Advice & Guidance Team – for VAT or bursary grant queries
• Membership Support – help accessing NAB sessions: [email protected]

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📬 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover?

Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

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