Supporting Schools

In short, we deliver professional advice, support and reassurance to schools in a number of business critical disciplines ranging from HR, Finance and Management Information Systems all the way through to Catering Performance audits and Refuse Collection. We work closely with our customers to understand and help them achieve their own business objectives.

We offer practical support, guidance and expertise to schools, teachers and governing boards. We are an Ofsted Outstanding provider of School Centred Integrated teacher training (SCITT) and an ILM, NCFE and CACHE accredited centre. We have four outdoor centres where we welcome over 12,000 young people annually on day visits and residentials and our Music Service delivers both whole class and individual music tuition, as well as large scale events. Our School Library Service has in excess of 175,000 books and offers high quality, comprehensive and cost-effective support for all aspects of school library and learning resources provision.

We deliver the professional services that support our SSE colleagues to deliver great services to our customers, we coordinate the marketing, finances, people and wellbeing across the SSE teams and offer our specialist knowledge to benefit our customers.

Simon Wood – Technical Lead

“The public service ethos here is a refreshing change from the commercial sector. The council is a supportive, considerate and respectful employer. Last year, I started a Data Science apprenticeship at Exeter College. I was encouraged and supported by my manager – and funded by the council.

Working with people and challenges at all levels, within and beyond the council, I’m able to use my knowledge, experience and problem-solving skills to develop solutions which improve things for schools.”

Naomi Chetter, Area Building Surveyor

“I really like the fact that, by looking after our school buildings, I’m making a difference to places which benefit others in Somerset.

I was involved in a major refurbishment project to replace the external cladding and windows at one of my schools. When we’d finished at the end of the summer holidays, the returning teachers, pupils and parents remarked that it felt like they were coming back to a brand-new school!

The team I work with is really supportive and we’ve a great working relationship. There’s always a colleague willing to help if you need a bit of extra advice. I’ve also been on formal and informal training to support me in my role – and to help me further develop my organisational and time management skills.”

Shannon Stacey, Office Manager for SSE Outdoor Centres

” I joined as an apprentice; as I thought it would be beneficial for my career to work in a larger organisation, that would allow me to enhance and develop new skills – which has definitely proven true!

The council have really invested in my career development. I have had my Foundation Degree in Business and Management partly funded, and had opportunities to work outside of my day to day role to gain experience in other areas to support my progression.

I am currently working with the Digital Team to create a new commercial website for SSE Outdoors, including developing online bookings for holiday camps”.

Nicola Thompson, Senior Lead Teacher, Somerset Music Service for Education

“I’ve been on a journey since joining the music service and have relished every opportunity I’ve been given.

The trust and support I am given to try new ideas is second to none – and I love the mix of teaching and event planning, and building great relationships with Schools alongside that.

I’ve been involved in some really exciting projects. I recently developed an alternative curriculum for music tutors to use during Covid where we cannot deliver our usual Whole Class Ensemble Tuition instrument package. I also created a You Tube channel over lockdown and created singing videos for schools’ home learning!

I feel valued for the work I carry out, and appreciate the continued development opportunities available – I’ve just been put on my level 3 management training which I’ll be starting in the New Year.