Interview for School Information Manager - any tips please

[childmaintenanceserviceinquiry]

I am thrilled - I have been invited to interview for a role of School Information Manager. I have done a similar role in a different industry but wondered if anyone had good tips for me. I have volunteered in schools but have never worked in a school so I do find some of the school culture quite difficult to pick up at interview and visits etc. I'm returning to work after some time out so I am quite nervous anyway!

[childmaintenanceserviceinquiry]

bumping

[BizzyFizzy]

What is a school information manager? Data manager?

If so, I would recommend shadowing teachers, form tutors, pastoral leaders and director of studies, as well as anyone else who feeds into the data system (admissions, for example).

[childmaintenanceserviceinquiry]

Yes it seems to be similar to data manager. I was just wondering what they might ask. I ca give examples from previous history and hope that will be sufficient, just wondered if there was any advice for anyone doing the job in a school currently.

[Astro55]

Your job will be to produce reports for children's grades and options -

This is more time consuming than you think - lots of teachers comments exam grades etc to consider

From a school point of view - the most important aspect is child safeguarding - everyone wants their child to be safe at school -

Confidentially - two part - first with the correct guardian - are they who they say they are? Do they have parental rights? Second - not discussing the information you have.

After that the job should be similar

You have year 7 starter reports year 9 option reports - year 11 predicted or mock exam reports and everything else in between !!

Good luck!

[TheSnowFairy]

You need to be V accurate and able to interpret data, spreadsheets etc.

To add to pp, also census, tracking students' attainment and lots of liasing with staff to give you the data you need.

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Have you had the interview yet?

They will almost certainly ask you about safeguarding - how will you keep pupil data confidential? How will you react if a pupil discloses something to you (the answer is always the same: report to named person/safeguarding officer)? Maybe ask about time management - how will you juggle different expectations? How will you prioritise your time etc?

Good luck.

[childmaintenanceserviceinquiry]

thank you all for your help. Interview is Tuesday. I am confident with data and analysis, it is the school specific that is more tricky. I have only ever worked as a volunteer before in that environment.

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Is it primary or secondary? If primary, read up on expected progress and ks2 tests. If secodary, read up on progress 8 and attainment 8. They won't expect you to be an expert (yet) but you should try to know the basics. It might be worth researching subgroups (boys/girls, SEN, disadvantaged pupils, etc)

Also, be confident that while others will understand the school setting, the reason so many schools employ data managers is that many school staff really don't understand the data side. Your expertise is needed!

[childmaintenanceserviceinquiry]

Hi, actually all through from nursery to 6th form.