Management Information Sheet
Services to Schools Scheme
Services to School Scheme
As part of the 2011/2014 Budget Setting process, Norfolk County Council has decided to move to full cost recovery of the services it provides. This approach has been applied to services for schools. Implementation of this measure will ensure that each charge reflects the cost of frontline staff, management and other associated overheads. A standard approach was adopted by all service providers in identifying these costs, enabling members the ability to compare and challenge variances across services. For most schools the impact on charges will mean an average increase of 15%.
This year’s Fair Funding consultation paper notified schools we would no longer offer the Small Schools’ Package, which enabled those schools with less than 100fte pupils to purchase NCC Services at the amount delegated to them. While the majority of services may see small increases or even falls in price, the following services are likely to significantly cost more than present: Human Resources (HR), Norfolk Advisory Service, Schools’ Finance and ICT Solutions (on average Small Schools will see the cost of services rise by £3,140, when purchasing what was formerly included in the Small Schools Package) .
Endeavouring to reduce costs wherever possible the Services to Schools Board decided not to print the brochure for 2011/12. In order to assist headteachers and governors reading the content on-screen, there will be a Primary, Secondary and Special school brochures (in a pdf format).
In addition, schools will be asked to download their contract in a new approach that we hope you will find more useful. The facility enables headteachers and governors to tick and un-tick services, whilst seeing the effect on the cost of the service as well as the overall contract commitment. When purchasing options have been finalised, the contract can be printed (as many times as required) and after being signed by the Chair of Governors it can then be sent to County Hall for processing.
Schools will receive more detailed instructions on how to use this new process before February half term. A telephone support line will also be available to help individuals through the process.
Paul Fisher
Assistant Director
Business and Compliance
As part of the 2011/2014 Budget Setting process, Norfolk County Council has decided to move to full cost recovery of the services it provides. This approach has been applied to services for schools. Implementation of this measure will ensure that each charge reflects the cost of frontline staff, management and other associated overheads. A standard approach was adopted by all service providers in identifying these costs, enabling members the ability to compare and challenge variances across services. For most schools the impact on charges will mean an average increase of 15%.
This year’s Fair Funding consultation paper notified schools we would no longer offer the Small Schools’ Package, which enabled those schools with less than 100fte pupils to purchase NCC Services at the amount delegated to them. While the majority of services may see small increases or even falls in price, the following services are likely to significantly cost more than present: Human Resources (HR), Norfolk Advisory Service, Schools’ Finance and ICT Solutions (on average Small Schools will see the cost of services rise by £3,140, when purchasing what was formerly included in the Small Schools Package) .
Endeavouring to reduce costs wherever possible the Services to Schools Board decided not to print the brochure for 2011/12. In order to assist headteachers and governors reading the content on-screen, there will be a Primary, Secondary and Special school brochures (in a pdf format).
In addition, schools will be asked to download their contract in a new approach that we hope you will find more useful. The facility enables headteachers and governors to tick and un-tick services, whilst seeing the effect on the cost of the service as well as the overall contract commitment. When purchasing options have been finalised, the contract can be printed (as many times as required) and after being signed by the Chair of Governors it can then be sent to County Hall for processing.
Schools will receive more detailed instructions on how to use this new process before February half term. A telephone support line will also be available to help individuals through the process.
Paul Fisher
Assistant Director
Business and Compliance