An Isle of Wight business is shaping the future of national education funding and school financial tools.
Simon Richards from SJR Governance Ltd has been selected by the Department for Education to take part in software tests to develop a new benchmarking website. Simon also attends regional meetings of the National Governors’ Association where discussions include the proposed schools funding formula.
When implemented, the proposals will bring an extra £847,000 to Island education in 2018/19, but not all schools will see an increase in their budget. Many island primary schools will lose funding while secondary school funding will increase. This increase, whilst welcome, will not be enough to outweigh increasing costs for schools over the next few years.
Simon Richards says that school governors are facing complex funding arrangements when carrying out their responsibilities to set and monitor their school’s budget.
“Schools are operating in an increasingly challenging financial climate and governors need to take advantage of every tool available when overseeing the budget.
“The National Governors’ Association believe that the funding formula provides “a fairer portion of not enough”.
When there is less funding, school governors need to ensure that every pound spent has maximum efficiency and impact.”
All Isle of Wight school governors are invited to an information and discussion session at Newclose County Cricket Ground in Newport on Wednesday 19th April 2017 at 18:00. This free event, hosted by SJR Governance, will help governors to understand how the funding changes will affect their school and what tools are available to help them face the challenges.
Places are limited; to book your place call 07977 464427 or email [email protected].
