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 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