Essex Formula for Financing Schools
You will, no doubt, be aware that ECC is currently conducting a review of the Essex Formula for Financing Schools. The formula has been discussed by primary headteachers at many and various meetings, including the termly headteacher meetings and the Area Development Group meetings at the end of the summer term. Minutes of all these meetings can be found on the EPHA website www.essexprimaryheads.co.uk
Mike Blant, the EPHA Liaison Officer, has put together a rationale for funding in the primary phase which will be forwarded to Geoff Boyd (Mouchel) and Jim MacDonald - please find that paper attached for your information.
You should have received a Newsline in the last day about the review process, and an invitation to further review meetings. It is obviously very important that the primary voice is heard at these meetings, and I gather that secondary heads have been asked to turn out in force! We very much hope that the outcome of any review will not be dependant on how loudly a particular sector has expressed their opinions, but do recognise that it is vital that as many primary heads as possible can get to these meetings.
I am including the information from the email below, including the details of the meetings. We hope to see many colleagues at the review meetings.
In the meantime, have a very good summer!
Pam Langmead
EPHA Manager
Review of the Essex Formula for Financing Schools
The Formula Review process continues, with proposals to change the way funds are allocated to schools being put forward and discussed by the Formula Review Working Group on a regular basis. Once any proposals become agreed, the funding of your school could be significantly affected. It is therefore very important that the LA has your views on any proposals.
Formal consultation papers will be issued to headteachers and chairs of governing bodies during September. To discuss the content of the papers and to assist schools and chairs of governors in completing their comments and views on the formula proposals, a series of meetings have been set up across the county. At these meetings the consultants will present the background to their proposals.
The meetings will be at 3-5 pm and 7-9pm on
28th September - Park Inn Hotel, Harlow
30th September - Furze Hill, Margaretting
4th October - Colchester United Football Stadium
6th October - Holiday Inn, Basildon.
The meetings will be run twice each day from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to attend.
If you intend to come along to any of the events then please let Rob Baxter know by e-mail to Formula.ReviewWorkingGroup@essex.gov.uk
The Local Authority (LA) continues to be committed to reviewing the way in which it delegates resources to schools in order to ensure that ALL children get an equal opportunity to a high quality start in life yet taking account of the resources available. The review is being undertaken in an open and transparent way, seeking the views all ALL parties: headteachers; governors; school bursars; LA officers; and members alike.
The views expressed throughout the process will be taken very seriously and how they are reflected will be fed back.
Thank you
Rob Baxter
Finance Manager - Schools
Schools, Children and Families Directorate
Essex County Council telephone: 01245 436224 extension: 30224 mobile: 07774336374
email: rob.baxter@essex.gov.uk