£250K Review Of School Funding

Wednesday, 5 June 2019 09:07

There is to be a major £250,000 independent review of school funding after it was called 'not fit for purpose'.

It will look at challenges including increased demand on schools, students' mental health and the impact of poverty on some families.

It's being funded from contingencies cash after Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel approved a bid.

Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois says the review is needed urgently, to make sure children go to schools that are well-resourced and able to support everyone.

"A full and independent review of the school funding model is urgently required to ensure that we deliver on the common strategic priority to put children first. Children must be able to attend schools that are well-resourced, with good levels of financial headroom, and which support the best outcomes for all children. The review must also make recommendations for school funding in Jersey for the medium to longer term, for example, looking forward 20 years."

The review will include school-based nursery provision, grant-funded private schools, Additional Resource Centres (ARCs), All 16-18 provision, and alternative provision including for students in need of adapted part-time/full-time provision and school refusers (long-term absence including due to social emotional mental health (SEMH))

The work is due to be completed by the end of the year so that a new school funding formula could be consulted upon, agreed and published before the September 2020.