4 Reasons Why Top School Business Managers Should Prioritise The Learning Environment

Students spend a substantial portion of their formative years learning and socialising at school. As such, the quality of this environment has a monumental impact on their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their academic performance. As the business manager of a school, it’s your job to ensure that this impact is a positive one. That said, facilitating and maintaining an exemplary school environment involves multiple considerations.

The school environment is multifaceted, consisting of equally important tangible and intangible aspects

From the appearance of the school buildings and grounds, the skills and attitudes of teachers and administration staff, support networks for students and parents, to policies, processes and protocols, numerous factors form the school eco-system. All of these facets have a direct impact on your students, your school’s reputation, and enrolment rates. It’s, therefore, your prerogative to ensure that all day-to-day operations foster an optimal environment.  

Here are 4 reasons why top school business managers champion, and facilitate, a stellar educational environment:

1. It’s conducive to optimal learning

The school environment has a direct influence on the attitudes and behaviour of students. A well-maintained, safe learning environment that’s designed around scholastic activities and caters to the specific needs of students sets the tone for productive learning.

2. It aids the wellbeing of students

A positive environment translates into students who feel valued, nurtured and safe. When this is achieved, both attendance rates and scholastic performance could increase. Because there are so many aspects that influence a healthy school eco-system, it’s crucial that the necessary processes, programs and personnel are in place.

For instance schools could implement a zero-tolerance, anti-bullying policy, a full-time school counsellor or psychologist, a curriculum that includes life skills, as well as workshops and resources for parents. These are all effective ways to facilitate a school that’s equipped to deal with the myriad challenges of childhood and adolescence.

3. Boosts employee morale

The attitude of a teacher can have a profound impact on a child, which is why motivated teachers are a pivotal part of a positive school environment. That said, their level of motivation is equally influenced by the environment in which they work. The better you cater to the unique needs and requirements of your educators, the more productive they’ll be, which in turn, fosters a positive atmosphere for learning. Equipping teachers with the correct tools, support networks and operational structures enables them to focus on what they do best: instil knowledge in young minds.

4. Increases enrolments and facilitates a stellar reputation

While potential students, their parents, and prospective donors may not get to see what happens inside the four walls of your school on a daily basis, they will have some exposure to the grounds and buildings. A crucial aspect of your school’s success is the perception of potential supporters and members of your school. As the saying goes, first impressions count, which is why the regular and professional preventative maintenance of your school premises should be high on your list of priorities.

Schools have many moving parts that need constant attention and oversight. The Guide to School Management is a complete guide for business managers to help plan and coordinate the various asepcts involved in overseeing a successful school year - download it today.