70 likes | 224 Views
Moving Towards a National Funding Formula in England. Division Secretaries’ Briefing October 2013 David Powell . Where we are now . Government: funding system is complicated and unfair
E N D
Moving Towards a National Funding Formula in England Division Secretaries’ Briefing October 2013 David Powell
Where we are now • Government: funding system is complicated and unfair • National Funding Formula (NFF) to simplify system to make it more consistent and targeted at pupils’ needs • Differing ‘per-pupil’ funding figures between LAs • Changes already made pave way for NFF • DfE working on NFF proposals – consultation due
Paving the way for NFF • Main funding system changes made already: • Reduction in number of factors available to LAs to use in local formula • More funding delegated to schools in first instance • Changes to high needs funding • Academies’ delegated funding based on LA formula for maintained schools • EFA: oversight role & observer status at schools forums
Proposals for the NFF • NFF starting earlier than previously planned • Schools will get first NFF budgets April 2015 - just prior to general election! • “….fairer, simpler, more consistent and transparent” • Schools in similar circumstances with similar intakes to receive similar levels of funding • Maximum funding delegated to schools in first instance • Formula factors to be ‘pupil-led’ rather than based on school or premises characteristics • DfE working on proposals
What NUT wants for school funding • ‘Activity-led’ funding to identify needs of schools • Objective analysis – not within current cost envelope • Central retention to share costs between schools • Retain LA funding for trade union & other public duties • Take account of specific local needs • Take account of non-pupil factors
The problems with NFF • Needs of schools will be sacrificed for simplicity • Major funding turbulence • Government hasn’t protected school funding as it claims • Support services hit by cuts to LAs' own funding as well as by delegation to schools • LA role further diminished, fragmented school system
What NUT representatives can do • Examples of schools already hit by cuts • Involvement with schools forums and other local discussions • Use NUT guidance and help us to improve it • Check school funding section of website for updates • Talk to members about the issues DSB13 WK National Funding Formula_NTP