West Park School Value for Money Statement October 2014 A Specialist Mathematics and Computing Academy West Park School is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales under number 7560177
Academy value for money statements Academy trust accounting officers are required to complete and sign a value for money statement in respect of the period ended 31 August each year. The Accounting Officer for West Park School is the Head. The purpose of the statement is to provide accounting officers with an opportunity to demonstrate to parents and the public that the academy trust s use of public assets and funds has provided good value for money during the year and to identify opportunities for potential improvement. The value for money statement must be submitted as assigned and scanned pdf file to the EFA at AcademiesFinancialMonitoring.EFA@education.gsi.gov.uk by 31 December. It must also be published on the academy trust s website within one month of submission to the EFA. The statement does not need to be audited by the academy trust s external auditor. What is value for money? Value for money is about achieving the best possible educational and wider societal outcomes through the economic, efficient and effective use of all the resources in the trust s charge. A key objective is to achieve value for money not only for the organisation itself but for the taxpayer more generally. So whilst it involves an academy trust living within its budget and using its resources properly and with probity, it is primarily about how it continuously improves both the educational and wider societal outcomes for its with the resources available. The role of the accounting officer Accounting officers are personally and publicly accountable for achieving the best possible value for money in their organisation. This includes: the economic, efficient and effective use of all the resources in their charge for example to produce better educational results; the avoidance of waste and extravagance; the prudent and economical administration of the organisation; the establishment and maintenance of a system of financial governance, including sound internal spending controls, keeping up to date financial records, continuous financial monitoring and timely reporting; and ensuring all financial transactions represent value for money. 2
Value for Money Statement Academy trust name: West Park School Academy trust company number: 7560177 Year ended 31 August 2014 I accept that as accounting officer of West Park School I am responsible and accountable for ensuring that the academy trust delivers good value in the use of public resources. I am aware of the guide to academy value for money statements published by the Education Funding Agency and understand that value for money refers to the education and wider societal outcomes achieved in return for the taxpayer resources received. I set out below how I have ensured that the academy trust s use of its resources has provided good value for money during the academic year. Improving educational results A Section 5 Ofsted Inspection was carried out in September 2013. The judgement was that the school was Outstanding in all areas of its operation. Examination results for 2014 were outstanding. 77% of achieved 5 or more GCSE A* - C passes (or equivalent) including English and mathematics. Expected levels of progress are also outstanding, with 86% in English achieving this benchmark, and 81% in mathematics. 42% of made more than expected progress in English and 45% in mathematics. Pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium funding achieve well. The attainment and progress of in the majority of groups has been significantly above the national average for four years, regardless of prior attainment and starting points. In 2014, 23% of achieved an A*/A, in English and 26% in mathematics, against a national figure of around 15%, and 29% of all grades were A*/A. In 2013, 41% of achieved A*- C in the baccalaureate suite of subjects, and 38% achieved this benchmark in 2014. 5 A* - C including English and maths A* - C English A* - C maths Attendance 2011/2012 81% 84% 83% 94.7% 2012/2013 71% 78% 76% 95% 2013/2014 77% 90% 80% 95.6% Exclusions 18 Fixed Term 6 Permanent 8 Fixed Term 2 Permanent 28 Fixed Term 2 Permanent 3
To ensure that standards are continually raised, the academy closely evaluates its performance in all outcomes. We will continue with the main elements of the Ofsted Self- Evaluation Form which is the distillation of a self-evaluation process now deeply embedded in all aspects of school life. Measure 2012 2013 2014 National (2013) Key Stage 4 FSM FSM other FSM other FSM other 5 A* - C (including English 71% 81% 48% 76% 54% 84% N/A 67% & maths) 5 A* - C 100% 100% 100% 100% 64% 89% N/A 95% 5 A* - G 100% 100% 100% 100% 90% 95% N/A 95% %A* - C English 76% 84% 68% 81% 75% 94% 50% 74% %A* - C maths 71% 83% 58% 81% 58% 88% 53% 77% Expected progress in English 80% 86% 73% 83% 74% 91% 56% 74% Expected progress in maths 76% 85% 67% 80% 63% 87% 54% 76% West Park provides remarkable value for money. We use all available resources to rigorously promote and sustain a culture of high expectation, rapid progress and outstanding achievement for all. members of staff, and all, believe everyone can, and will fulfil their potential. High profile assemblies, screen messages and newsletters embed this ambition. Social deprivation is not allowed to impact negatively on achievement. Teachers believe in us to get our grades (pupil survey 2012). Financial Governance and Oversight Financial governance is strong and properly overseen by trustees and the accounting officer. Governors minutes show robust discussion on all spending decisions. The question is always how will this benefit? whatever the proposal is. The Head provides Governors with information on comparative per pupil income and spending at a local level and the Bursar provides the same information for national level. This leads to vigorous discussion about value for money and assures trustees that money is always focused on achieving an effective impact on pupil outcomes. The Head shares per pupil funding information and accompanying commentary with parents through the school s newsletter. Services and contracts are regularly appraised in Governors Committee following close renegotiation by the Bursar and school leaders. Trustees never simply opt for the cheapest option when reviewing costs and take into account a range of evidence including formal tendering when appropriate. In order to provide economies of scale the Bursar is always alert to proposals from a variety of local and national organisations to provide collaborative procurement savings. Any recommendations are discussed in detail during committee. 4
Income generation is always an item for discussion in Governor Committees. However, trustees are mindful of the balance to be achieved in wanting the school to provide learning, sporting and cultural opportunities for the community and profiting from use of school facilities. Internal controls are robust. External audit and regular budget reporting provides trustees with assurance that the Head, Bursar and finance team manage income and expenditure well. Fixed costs are reviewed rigorously. For example, energy consumption and therefore costs are rigorously controlled. Consumption of gas has decreased year on year with a 5% decrease on the previous year and a massive 45% decrease since 2007/8. Electricity consumption has shown a similar pattern despite investment in ICT with an 11% reduction on the previous year and an overall decrease of 28% since 2007/8. The energy saving measures undertaken by the school (with buildings dating back to the 1950s) have featured in a case study of low carbon schools by Climate East Midlands. The overriding lesson learned is for the school to stay focused on its mission and use every available resource to effectively achieve that end. Signed: Name:. Brian Walker Academy Trust Accounting Officer Date:. 5