A new service offering schools advice on how to get the
best value for money when buying support from businesses
has been launched by the Department for Education.
The new scheme – which is being trialled initially in the
north-west and south-west – will provide free advice and
guidance to schools looking to procure services from local
or national businesses. This could include catering,
cleaning or technology support.
School Systems Minister said:
Academic standards are rising, with 1.9million more
children now in good or outstanding schools than in 2010
and nine out of ten schools given this rating at their
latest inspection. We know that how schools use their
money is important in delivering the best outcomes for
pupils and this new service will help School Business
Professionals to make better financial decisions. It
builds on our wider package of support to help schools to
be more cost effective, with the aim of ensuring every
child can access a world-class education.
The service is free for schools in the chosen regions to
join immediately, with service delivery beginning from
today (1 February) offering:
- expert advice and guidance on buying;
- template documentation for buying;
- help with complex contracts, particularly services such
as catering, cleaning, premises and technology services;
- promotion of local collaboration, where there is an
opportunity to reduce costs on areas such as learning
resources and administrative supplies;
- market intelligence; and
- contract management support.
This service will add to the existing range of government
tools, information and guidance already available to
schools as part of our plans to help them improve their
efficiency and save £1bn on non-staff spend in schools by
2019-2020.
It is part of the Department for Education’s drive to
ensure every child has the opportunity to make the most of
their lives, no matter where they live or their background.
The new initiatives build on the work already being done by
the department to support schools to improve their
financial health and efficiency. This includes:
- a top 10 planning checks for governors. This checklist
sets out key metrics for school and academy governors to
help make sure schools manage their resources efficiently;
and
- team of school efficiency advisors who provide expert
support to the schools that need them most.
Interested schools can find out more here
Schools in other regions around the country are not able to
apply currently, but can look for support from their local
School Business Professional Network instead. The Networks
provide opportunities to share good practice and knowledge
and can provide the opportunity to potentially save money,
for example joining together to bulk purchase.
